The Alaska Pride Conference theme this year is “Equal” and we have structured the conference around this. The keynote speaker will be US Senate candidate Scott McAdams speaking on how we can move forward for Equality for LGBT Alaskans. (Please note that all senate candidates were invited to speak). Senator Mark Begich’s office will give a “State of the State” report on LGBT Equality.

With 17 workshops, 11 vendors, 4 guest speakers, free rapid HIV testing, a drag king performance, door prizes, gift certificates, food and friends, you don’t want to miss the Pride Conference!

AK Pride Conference 2010 is being held in the Carr-Gottstein Building at APU on Sat. Oct 9th from 8a.m. to 4:30p.m.

Guest Speakers and Panelists

· Scott McAdams: Scott is the mayor of Sitka and is the Democratic Candidate for the US Senate representing Alaska. He is here today to give his take on how Alaskans can move forward in achieving full equality.

· Kim Mack: At Gay Pride this year, Kim gave an impromptu thank-you speech for the benefits she has received as the result of activism by others. She is here today to tell her story.

· Panel: “Opportunities for Activism in Alaska”: Our panelist will speak on ways we can move forward in the fight for Equality in Alaska. Our Panelists include:

– Shelby Carpenter works with Equality Works. Equality Works is a coalition of organizations and individuals working to protect Anchorage citizens from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in matters of employment, housing and public accommodations.

– Elias Rojas is the President of Alaskans Together for Equality. Alaskans Together for Equality, Inc. is a political nonprofit incorporated in the State of Alaska. Its mission is to advance civil equality for all Alaskans through grass roots organizing and advocacy.

– Edie Bailey is a Board Member of the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission (AERC). Established in the Anchorage Charter in 1975, the AERC is the Municipal law enforcement agency charged to eliminate and prevent unlawful discrimination under Title 5 of the Municipal Code within the geographic boundaries of the Municipality. (Sexual orientation/gender identity is not covered under Title 5).

We have three streams of workshops: Activism, Community, and Relationships. Workshop details, the full conference schedule, and registration forms are available at Identity, Inc. – Conference. Register before the conference and save $5!

We will have door prizes, raffles, entertainment and delicious food catered by The Last Frontier Men’s Club.

In conjunction with the Alaska premier of the films I Can’t Think Straight and The World Unseen, AK Pride Conference will be holding a post-conference Brunch on Sunday morning at 10:00a.m. at Out North Theater.

Join us at APU on Sat. Oct 9th for the Alaska Pride Conference 2010!