LGBT rights in Alaska

P R I D E

LGBT Rights in Alaska: Past, Present, Future

Layout and Design: Lakeidra Chavis
Content: Lakeidra Chavis
Editing: Jennifer Canfield and Jeremy Hsieh

A lifetime of fighting: A history of Alaska LGBT rights

Alaskans voted in 1998 to define marriage in the state constitution as only between a man and a woman. Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has invalidated that definition, Alaska and the entire country has marriage equality.

To some it may seem like things are changing fast, but Alaska’s fight for gay rights began half a lifetime ago.


Gov. Bill Walker on April 18. 2015. (Photo by Jeremy Hsieh/KTOO)

Q&A: Gov. Walker discusses LGBT rights

Walker has not given a direct answer when questioned about his position on LGBT rights. He’s only stated that he believes marriage is between a man and a woman. When questioned further in this interview about his stance on LGBT rights, he still did not provide a direct answer.

Rachel Pettijohn says she was discriminated against by two Juneau employers. The State of Alaska has no law protecting discrimination based on sexual identity or gender orientation. (Photo by Lakeidra Chavis/KTOO)

Despite marriage equality ruling, LGBTQ Alaskans can still be discriminated against

“They didn’t fire me,” says Rachel Pettijohn, “they just cut down my hours to where I wasn’t getting any hours.” 

Rainbow flags fly in front of San Francisco City Hall in 2013 after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for same-sex marriage in California. Noah Berger/AP

LGBT discrimination claims still not valid in Alaska

“Just imagine if you couldn’t call the fire department because you were LGBT. If you are LGBT you should be able to call any state agency and get the same service,” says attorney Caitlin Shortell. She represented the same-sex couples that sued the state for the right to marry. “This is an injustice that needs to be corrected.”


Politicians and activists weigh in

MoHagani Magnetek poses in her apartment. (Photo by Anne Hillman/KSKA)

Anchorage activist MoHagani Magnetek

Jesse Kiehl, aide to Sen. Dennis Egan, interacts with a visitor to the senator's office, Feb, 10, 2014. (Photo by Skip Gray/Gavel Alaska)

Juneau Assemblyman Jesse Kiehl on LGBT protections in Juneau.

Gov. Bill Walker discusses a tax credit veto with the press, July 1, 2015. (Photo by Jeremy Hsieh/KTOO)

Gov. Walker on handling LGBT rights during his tenure.

Activist and researcher Melissa Green. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Green)

Activist and Researcher Melissa Green.


Documents

This list includes the official files from bills that have included sexual orientation or gender identity in drafts of legislation dating back to 1975. The grid also includes links to significant court cases and video focusing on LGBT rights.

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