Articles in News
Wasilla Library Rejects “Heather Has Two Mommies” and “Daddy’s Roommate”
KJ Martin-Albright, Director of the Wasilla Library, announced that the library will sell the donated copies of Heather Has Two Mommies and Daddy’s Roommate through its Friends group. Gay and lesbian citizens donated the children’s books to the library after hearing that in 1996 then-mayor Sarah Palin repeatedly asked then-library director Mary Jane Emmons (now Baker) about banning books.
During that time, members of Palin’s church pressured stores to remove certain books, including Palmer author Howard Bess’ Pastor, I Am Gay, which disappeared from the Wasilla Library shelves and was not replaced.
Library Journal interviewed Wasilla Library Director KJ Martin-Albright recently. Her comments on the donated kids books and the Bess book are instructive for others who donate LGBT books to public libraries:
You had already stated that one reason that Heather Has Two Mommies isn’t in the library is that a book has to earn its real estate.
The library strives to achieve a balanced collection of materials in the major information categories, as well as a fiction collection calculated to satisfy the widest possible variety of tastes. All viewpoints and opinions on controversial subjects are represented whenever possible. Wasilla Public Library’s collection development states that materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation and that the library should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
In the past, Wasilla Public Library held both Heather Has Two Mommies and Daddy’s Roommate, although the books are no longer on the library’s shelves. Wasilla outgrew the size of its library about 20 years ago. Library collections are dynamic, and anything on the book shelves has to earn its real estate. If it is not circulating, it does not stay. This is not the ideal, but it is the reality. The books were removed as part of on-going collection development and not due to the subject matter presented in the books. Wasilla Public Library holds many titles that deal with the same subject matter, including the popular And Tango Makes Three.
All one has to do is look at the books in question next to Tango, or any other well-made picture book, to see that Heather and Daddy’s Roommate are poorly constructed, lack engaging illustrations, and have too many words on the page to be useful to young readers. The books are poorly manufactured; they are insubstantial paperbacks that would not withstand repeated use. Moreover, the books are dated in illustrational style and content. Since they were published, several better-made books which are more appealing to children that deal with the same subject matter have been released. Wasilla Public Library houses quite a few of these titles on its shelves.
While the library agrees that Heather and Daddy’s Roommate are important books because they were ground-breaking and because of the controversy and discussions that have occurred in the 15-plus years since they were published, there are better choices for a dynamic, current, and appealing children’s collection. The donated materials, in accordance with our Donations Policy, will be given to the Friends of Wasilla Library for its annual book sale. You are the first reporter who has asked since the decision was made, so I guess this will be our first public announcement.
I understand that copies of Pastor, I Am Gay were in the library once but disappeared. Do you know when the library last had copies?
In regard to Pastor, I am Gay, by Howard Bess, the Wasilla Public Library does not have a copy; however, there are three libraries in the Mat-Su Library Network that do. Since the network provides intralibrary courier service, these copies are available to any library patron. I don’t know when the library last had copies—even if our library automation kept information on deleted materials, which it doesn’t, we migrated from Dynix to Sirsi in August 2004, so there’s no way to mine that data.
An Anchor in Alaska: Being an Ally
When I first became active in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, I went to great lengths to discreetly indicate my sexual orientation to those I worked with. I didn’t join the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) during my first year in my 7-12 high school because I feared others would think I was gay. Four years later, I look back at my flawed seventh-grade reasoning and realize my work will someday create a world where such a thought would never have occurred to me—a world that sees people for who they are, not who they love.
I am fortunate to live in a community where LGBT people are commonly accepted. My experience in Anchorage, Alaska is not a place where funerals are protested or marchers are harassed during Pride Parades. Instead, it is a place where the Gay and Lesbian Community Center is open daily thanks to donors and volunteers. I attend a school where the GSA meets sporadically—not because the students don’t care, but because there is no blatant anti-LGBT harassment. While a younger student will occasionally use “that’s so gay” in a negative manner, I have never heard of someone being verbally or physically harassed for any reason, including sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s certainly not perfect, but I realize that being an ally is much easier for me than it is for others.
Still, like other allied students, I have had some difficult experiences. I have had “faggot” yelled at me from the open window of a passing school bus. Friends become exasperated with me for being offended at the saying “that’s so gay.” Other GSA members have asked, “How can you be so active with the GSA and still be straight?” But I know that these few things pale in comparison to the harassment and prejudice some of my friends face in their schools and communities.
Anti-LGBT harassment hurts everyone, not just the offender and the harassed. Environments of teasing, bullying, and harassment discourage learning and cause LGBT students and allies to feel alienated in places where they should be safe. Allowing it to continue fosters hate and intolerance, and has severe effects on those it is directed to and any witnesses as well. It also discourages students from attending class and participating.
I know that even as an ally, every time I hear hurtful and harassing words I feel as if I have been personally attacked. I feel hurt for my LGBT friends and angry that the offender would do/say something like that. If it’s on TV or in a non-personal setting, I feel angry that the broadcaster would allow such things, and that whoever watching (because it isn’t me) will watch that. In certain situations, even I sometimes feel helpless to stop it. It often ruins my day.
At times, it can seem like an exercise in futility. Some days it seems as if I am the only straight male who fights for the rights LGBT people. But every time I meet a member of the LGBT community, I am reminded of why I am an ally—because nobody deserves to be oppressed. Anti-LGBT harassment in any environment creates an unsafe place for a person to live, work or learn. Until all schools are safe spaces for all students, regardless of identity, I will remain an ally to my friends and all other members of the LGBT community.
Tony Glavinic
Regional Student Organizer
2006-2007 National Student Leadership Team
Regional Student Organizer
2006-2007 National Student Leadership Team
Do you have an ally story? Send a message to GLSEN’s Student Organizing Department at info@dayofsilence.org.
Ally Week: October 13-17, 2008
Allies play a vital role in making schools safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. In fact, the first Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) was the idea of a straight ally.
Students created Ally Week as a way to build upon the unifying work GSAs do across the country by encouraging people to be allies against anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Whether you belong to a GSA or not, Ally Week is the perfect time for you and your friends to sign the Ally Pledge.
What is GLSEN’s Ally Week?
GLSEN and students across the county, often as members of Gay-Straight Alliances or similar student clubs, will celebrate Ally Week on October 13-17 in schools and communities nationwide.
Ally Week involves a week of activities designed to encourage students to be Allies against anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) language, bullying and harassment in America’s schools.
Students plan events appropriate to their school community. These may simply include passing out stickers to allies who sign a pledge. Others may take part in larger community events and rallies. Many students will encourage their peers and school staff to sign an Ally Pledge which states:
I believe all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, deserve to feel safe and supported. That means I pledge to:1. Not use anti-LGBT language and slurs;2. Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where other students are being harassed;3. Support efforts to end bullying and harassment.
GLSEN encourages students to participate in Ally Week in cooperation with their schools. We encourage students to get support from their principals and educators and participate fully in their school day. Principals, counselors, teachers and all school staff are encouraged to be Allies too!
Students and GSAs are strongly encouraged to register for GLSEN’s Ally Week in order to receive free resources and to help us determine the total number of schools and students taking part.
To register for Ally Week, visit: www.studentorganizing.org
Buttons and magnets for GLSEN’s Ally Week can be purchased online at www.glsenstore.org
To find resources, visit: www.allyweek.org
What is an Ally?
Often referred to as ‘straight allies,’ allies generally are non-LGBT people who are committed to ending bias and discrimination against LGBT people. While straight allies are an integral part of GLSEN’s Ally Week, the term “ally” is more inclusive within the Safe Schools Movement to refer to anyone who supports ending anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. For instance, a bisexual adult can be an ally to LGBT students, and a lesbian student can be an ally to a transgender student.
Who started Ally Week?
In 2005, members of GLSEN’s Jump-Start National Student Leadership Team came up with an idea to celebrate Allies committed to ensuring safe and effective schools for all and to encourage students to take action. The idea turned into the first Ally Week celebrated in schools nationwide in October 2005.
This year, GSAs are working with GLSEN, local chapters and national student leaders to expand Ally Week and encourage more allies to take part.
Why do we need an Ally Week?
The unfortunate truth is that anti-LGBT bullying, violence and harassment are commonplace in America’s schools. Actual and perceived sexual orientation and gender expression are two of the top three reasons teens report that students are harassed at their schools, according to From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America, a GLSEN-commissioned report by Harris Interactive. In other words, all students – LGBT and straight alike – perceive anti-LGBT bullying and harassment as a serious problem in their schools. The vast majority of these same students said their schools would be better off if this issue was better addressed. GLSEN’s 2005 National School Climate Survey found that 4 out of 5 LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and more than 30% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety. GLSEN’s Ally Week brings us closer to making anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and name-calling unacceptable in America’s schools.
Does the work end after the week is over?
GLSEN’s Ally Week is one element of a larger effort to create safe schools for all students and the first of four GLSEN Days of Action: TransACTION! (11/21), MLK Jr. Organizing Weekend (1/16-19) and the National Day of Silence (4/17). For more on GLSEN’s Days of Action, visit www.dayofsilence.org. We also are asking our national leaders to support policies that create safe schools for all. Many communities are asking their local and state leaders to support and implement similar policies.
What are the facts about sexual orientation?
GLSEN looks forward to engaging all organizations and individuals who share the Ally Week vision of schools free from anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment, where all students are free to focus on learning. To learn more, check out the resource Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation and Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators, and School Personnel, created by a collations of 13 education, health, mental health and religious organizations at www.glsen.org/facts.
What is GLSEN?
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established nationally in 1995, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. For more information on GLSEN’s educational resources, public policy agenda, student organizing programs, research, public education or development initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.
Key Resources and URLs:
GLSEN: www.glsen.org
Registration and resources: www.allyweek.org
Ally Week t-shirts, buttons, magnets and supplies: www.glsenstore.org
Register your GSA: www.studentorganizing.org
Just the Facts: www.glsen.org/facts
Research:
From Teasing to Torment: www.glsen.org/research
2005 National School Climate Survey: www.glsen.org/research
Registration and resources: www.allyweek.org
Ally Week t-shirts, buttons, magnets and supplies: www.glsenstore.org
Register your GSA: www.studentorganizing.org
Just the Facts: www.glsen.org/facts
Research:
From Teasing to Torment: www.glsen.org/research
2005 National School Climate Survey: www.glsen.org/research
2007 National School Climate Survey: Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT Students Experience Harassment
The 10th Anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s Murder
The Juneau Empire printed an editorial by current Juneau resident and former Wyoming resident Leslie Wood about Matthew Shepard’s murder and anti-gay hate crimes today, ten years after Shepard was killed.
By Leslie Wood | My Turn
It was October 1998, and I was new to Juneau. I had grown up in Wyoming, and for a week my attention was squarely on my old Wyoming community. It was as though the world was turned upside down. Word broke that a student from my former school, the University of Wyoming in Laramie, had been brutally murdered. He had been beaten, tied to a split rail fence, pistol-whipped, and left to die in near freezing temperatures.
It was shocking, it was sickening, and it left people wondering, “Why?”
For six days I watched the news and prayed for his recovery, but on Oct. 12, 1998, Matthew Shepard’s body finally gave out and he died. During that week, we discovered the reason that Shepard was beaten and left to die: He was gay.
Shepard’s brutal murder had a chilling affect on everyone, but it struck really close for some of us. How could someone hate this kid, just for being who he was? I wanted desperately to believe Wyoming was better than this. Surely the world was better than this? Shepard was the victim of this crime, but because this type of ugly hatred reared its head in our community, many of us were left with emotional scars that may never heal.
It has been 10 years since he was killed. Although I had moved to Juneau before he was killed, I had deep roots in the Wyoming community. Juneau is my home, it’s where I live, work, and with my partner raise our two little girls. Yet, as I compare the world then to the world now, it saddens me to realize that so little has changed. Today, we see little alarm or public outpouring to stop this type of bias-motivated crime, often these crimes making no more than the local evening news. Have we grown immune in the 10 years since Shepard was killed?
Anti-gay and anti-transgender hate crimes are still pervasive in our country: On Feb. 12, a 15-year-old boy in Oxnard, Calif., Lawrence “Larry” King, admitted to classmates that his innocent Valentine crush was directed toward a male classmate. The next day, the boy Larry had a crush on came to school and shot Larry in the back of the head. Larry was killed because he was gay.
In July of this year, 18-year-old Angie Zapata returned to her home in Greeley, Colo., to find a man who she had previously dated waiting for her. According to that man’s story, he became enraged when he found out Angie was transgender, and beat her to death with a fire extinguisher. In September, police reported that the murderer said, “All gay things should die.”
And we are not immune in Alaska: Young gay, lesbian, bi and transgender Alaskans have to ask themselves every day whether it’s safe to be honest about who they are. As lesbian mothers, my partner and I have to worry about how safe the community is for our daughters. Will they be targeted for harassment or worse simply for who their parents are?
It was wrong for Shepard to be so brutally murdered, and it is wrong for kids like Larry and Angie to still be subject to this type of crime today!
In 1998, I hoped the horror and shock of Shepard’s murder would help stop this type of anti-gay crime. To this day, the image of a split rail fence sends chills down my spine, as I think of Shepard spending some of his last hours, alone, tied to one in the Wyoming countryside. As we remember him, now a decade later, I call upon my fellow Alaskans to join me. As part of a new organization, Alaskans Together for Equality can make sure that we no longer tolerate this type of anti-gay bias. Alaskans Together, we can make this world a better place for all our children.
Connecticut Ruling Overturns Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: October 10, 2008
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut’s Supreme Court ruled Friday that same-sex couples have the right to marry, making the state the third behind Massachusetts and California to legalize such unions.
The divided court ruled 4-3 that gay and lesbian couples cannot be denied the freedom to marry under the state constitution, and Connecticut’s civil unions law does not provide those couples with the same rights as heterosexual couples.
“I can’t believe it. We’re thrilled, we’re absolutely overjoyed. We’re finally going to be able, after 33 years, to get married,” said Janet Peck of Colchester, who was a plaintiff with her partner, Carole Conklin.
Connecticut will join Massachusetts and California as the only state to allow same-sex couples to marry.
“Interpreting our state constitutional provisions in accordance with firmly established equal protection principles leads inevitably to the conclusion that gay persons are entitled to marry the otherwise qualified same sex partner of their choice,” Justice Richard N. Palmer wrote in the majority opinion that overturned a lower court finding.
“To decide otherwise would require us to apply one set of constitutional principles to gay persons and another to all others,” Palmer wrote.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell said Friday that she disagreed, but will not fight the ruling.
“The Supreme Court has spoken,” Rell said in a statement. “I do not believe their voice reflects the majority of the people of Connecticut. However, I am also firmly convinced that attempts to reverse this decision — either legislatively or by amending the state Constitution — will not meet with success.”
The lawsuit was brought in 2004 after eight same-sex couples were denied marriage licenses and sued, saying their constitutional rights to equal protection and due process were violated.
They said the state’s marriage law, if applied only to heterosexual couples, denied them of the financial, social and emotional benefits of marriage.
Peck said that as soon as the decision was announced, the couple started crying and hugging while juggling excited phone calls from her brother and other friends and family.
“We’ve always dreamed of being married,” she said. “Even though we were lesbians and didn’t know if that would ever come true, we always dreamed of it.”
National Coming Out Day: October 11, 2008
Every Oct. 11, thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and allies celebrate National Coming Out Day. We hold workshops, speak-outs, rallies and other kinds of events all aimed at showing the public that GLBT people are everywhere.
Come Out to Family, Friends and Co-Workers
Make a commitment to be honest about your sexual orientation or gender identity to those who know you. Polls continue to show that people who know someone gay are more likely to support full equality.
Come Out to Your Elected Officials and Local Newspapers
Write letters to your members of Congress, governor, state and city representatives, and to your local newspapers in support of GLBT-friendly legislation.
Attend the Pride Conference in Anchorage
Identity, Inc. is sponsoring the 14th annual Alaska Pride Conference on Saturday, October 11, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. People of all ages, cultures, sexualities and professions attend the conference each year to strengthen ties with one another and build community.
Why October 11?
On Oct. 11, 1987, 500,000 people attended the March on Washington for Lesbian & Gay Rights. This was the second such demonstration in DC, and the first display of the NAMES Project Quilt, remembering those who died from AIDS. Four months after the march, more than 100 LGBT activists from around the nation met near Washington, D.C. Recognizing that the GLBT community often reacted defensively to anti-gay actions, they came up with the idea of a national day to celebrate coming out, to be held on the anniversary of the second march on Washington.
Dear Governor Palin,
When your gay friend(s) came out to you, it was their sign of faith and hope for you as a caring and understanding person. It was their way to reach out for closer friendship, and deeper mutual respect.
Please show the same friendship and trust to all lesbian, gay, bi and trans Alaskans and sign the National Coming Out Day Proclamation.
We come out to be more honest, to be better friends, to be closer family members. Those are our family values – which your gay friends showed to you, and we hope you can now show them and all of us in return.
Sara Boesser
An out for honesty’s sake lesbian
Juneau, Alaska
Ask Gov. Palin to Reconsider our NCOD Proclamation
Gay Alaskans petitioned Gov. Sarah Palin to sign a proclamation for National Coming Out Day on October 11, but yesterday her office rejected the chance to support us. You can see the NCOD Proclamation here.
This is the note sent to Tim Stallard of Alaskans Together for Equality:
Dear Tim,
Thank you for requesting a proclamation designating October 11 as “National Coming Out Day.” Unfortunately, your request cannot be granted at this time. If you have any questions please contact the Governor’s Office at (907) 465-3500.
Again, thank you for writing and best wishes to you.
Best regards,
Jessalynn Rintala
Coordinator for Constituent Relations
Office of Governor Sarah Palin
Tim issued this call to action in response to the rejection:
The Governor’s office denied our request for the National Coming Out Day Proclamation. This was disappointing given Palin’s recent message of “Tolerance” during the VP candidates’ debate.
Please call or email to express your disappointment that Gov. Palin is not proving her “tolerance” and basic respect for gay Alaskans by signing our National Coming Out Day proclamation (which would not cost the state any money or change any state law).
The more calls they receive the louder our voice (the squeaky wheel gets the grease) and the more power they see in our (the LGBT and allies) community. Of course Power equals Respect – and we deserve that!
Gov. Palin can still reconsider signing our proclamation. I suggest calling and emailing the general number and email:
Phone: 907-465-3500
Email: governor@gov.state.ak.us
Here is Tim’s suggested email to the Governor:
Email: governor@gov.state.ak.us
Dear Governor Palin,
I was disappointed to learn that you have refused to sign Alaskans Together for Equality’s proclamation for National Coming Out Day. You have told us that you have gay friends and I appreciated your desire to voice your ‘tolerance’ for gay Americans during the Vice Presidential candidates’ debate last week.
Our proclamation would not cost the state any money nor make any changes in state law. But the symbolism of this action – rejection – in this case is (unfortunately) meaningful.
I am saddened that you have declined this opportunity to demonstrate your tolerance and basic acceptance for gay Alaskans – including your dear friends. I hope you will reconsider.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Here is the suggested message to Gov. Palin from HRC, sponsors of National Coming Out Day:
Email: governor@gov.state.ak.us
Dear Governor Palin,
I write as an Alaskan who believes that everyone in our great state is entitled to basic dignity and respect. As you may know, October 11, 2008 is National Coming Out Day. This is a day that has been celebrated for more than 20 years, and it is an opportunity to recognize that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are our friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers, and fellow church-goers. LGBT people are Alaskans, they are Americans, and they make important contributions, every day, to our communities, our state, and our country.
In this spirit of understanding and respect, I urge you to sign the proclamation drafted by Alaskans Together for Equality, proclaiming October 11, 2008 as National Coming Out Day. I have learned that, so far, you are refusing to take this important action. I hope that you will reconsider. Signing the proclamation would not cost the state any money and it would not make any changes to state law, but it would send a clear, and much-needed, message of inclusion.
Please sign the proclamation and tell LGBT Alaskans that they, too, are full-fledged members of our state.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your address]
Gov. Palin Won’t Sign Alaska’s National Coming Out Day Proclamation
PALIN DECLINES TO ACKNOWLEDGE “NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY”
GAY ALASKANS DISMAYED BY GOVERNOR’S REBUFF
(Juneau, AK) — Gov. Palin has declined to issue a formal proclamation recognizing “National Coming Out Day,” in Alaska. Heartened by the Gov. Palin’s positive comments about gays and lesbians in the Vice Presidential Debate, Alaskans Together submitted a formal request to acknowledge the day, which is observed on Oct. 11th internationally by members of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered) communities and supporters.
“But I also want to clarify, if there’s any kind of suggestion at all from my answer that I would be anything but tolerant of adults in America choosing their partners, choosing relationships that they deem best for themselves, you know…,” said Gov. Palin during the debate.
“Governor Palin called for ‘tolerance,’ and we hoped she’d show that type of leadership as Governor with this proclamation,” said Alaskans Together President Marsha Buck. “Coming out is difficult and deserves recognition.”
So far in October 2008, Governor Palin has issued proclamations for: “Careers in Construction Week,” “10th Annual Christian Heritage Week,” “Biomedical Technician Week,” “Alaska Taiwan Friendship Week,” “World Farm Animals Day,” “Breastfeeding Awareness Month,” and “Grand Opening of Rilke Schule Day.”
“We were asking for the Governor to acknowledge and recognize the dignity of openly-gay Alaskans. We weren’t asking for a policy position, beyond simple acknowledgement.” Buck said.
Ask Gov. Palin to Sign Alaska’s National Coming Out Day Proclamation
Please call or email Governor Palin’s office this week and ask that she sign the National Coming Out Day Proclamation submitted by Alaskans Together for Equality, Inc. It would be great to get at least a half dozen calls from across the state.
- Dial 465-3500 (Gov’s office in Juneau) and ask to speak to Jessalyn Rintala (in the Gov’s office of Constituent Relations).
- Let her know your name and where in Alaska you live.
- Ask that Gov. Palin sign the Proclamation for National Coming Out Day, which is this Saturday October 11th.
- Mention (something like) that you were pleased to hear Palin emphasize ‘Tolerance’ of gay people in the VP debate last week.
- You hope she will help promote tolerance and acceptance for gay Alaskans by signing this proclamation.
You can also email Ms. Rintala in the Gov’s office: jessalynn.rintala@alaska.gov
PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY
WHEREAS, National Coming Out Day is an internationally-observed awareness day for coming out and discussion about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBT”) issues, observed on October 11 by members of the LGBT communities, their families friends and allies,
WHEREAS, National Coming Out Day was founded in 1988 to celebrate the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987, in which 500,000 people marched on our nation’s Capital for the purpose of raising awareness of the LGBT community in America,
WHEREAS, National Coming Out Day is an effort to put real human faces on the LGBT rights movement, so that the American people become more aware that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals can be found among their own families, friends, business associates, fellow church-goers, and every other part of American society,
WHEREAS, in every state of the union, the diversity of the American people is mirrored in the LGBT community, members of whom can be found in every faith, ethnic group, profession, in the military and clergy, and every age group from young people to elders,
WHEREAS, coming out has been recognized by many Americans as a vital and often life-saving step for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons, making it possible for them to be fully honest with their families, friends and associates about who they really are,
WHEREAS, coming out is an opportunity for the closeted individual to find dignity, empowerment and self-respect, as well as tolerance and loving support by other human beings, which cannot be found in the loneliness and self-denial of the closet,
WHEREAS, Alaska has its own vibrant LGBT community, which contributes richly to the vigor and diversity of this great state and is active in every area of Alaskan life, from civil rights work and HIV prevention programs, through youth support organizations like PFLAG and churches like the Metropolitan Community Church, as well as publications, businesses, and contributions in the arts,
WHEREAS, Alaska has a tradition of rugged and pioneering individualism, as well as tolerance for those who are different, going back to its earliest days as a territory, and the LGBT community of Alaska are a part of that tradition,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the state of Alaska, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2008 as:
National Coming-Out Day
in Alaska, in recognition of the importance of respect for the humanity and dignity of all LGBT Alaskans living among us.
Dated: ——————, 2008
