We recently posted a letter from a grad student and a letter from a gay couple asking for similar advice: What is it like to live and work in Alaska as an openly-LGBT person?

Our readers responded, sharing their reasons for living in Alaska and their experiences as LGBT. We’re posting their stories in a series called Choosing Alaska.

This reply is from Klondyke.

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My partner and I have lived in Soldotna for 11 years now. We are openly gay women yet still some people like to think we are just “sisters”. We have not run into any problems personally, however it is not as open and welcoming as it could be. That said, it is a beautiful place to live and even people who oppose your views will stand up for you. Many are open minded ‘live and let live’ however the majority are right wing politically with often extreme right wing views.

Gardening areas are easiest in the Matsu area, but not impossible other parts of the state. There are more people spread thru out the state than it appears, so when looking for land, scout the area around it first.

Good luck and if you come to Soldotna, I hope to run into you. Life is what you make it no matter where you live, so be who you are, love each other and that goodness will shine light on the closed minds of others.

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Thanks, Klondyke!

What is your experience of being LGBT in Alaska? Leave a comment below, or email us directly at Bent Alaska @ gmail .com (without the spaces), and we will include your response in a follow up post. And if you have another topic you’d like to see on Bent Alaska, please tell us about it!