A new comprehensive survey will gather information about experiences of discrimination and bias in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in Anchorage, Alaska. The Anchorage LGBT Discrimination Survey is the first survey of its kind in over 20 years, and also the first ever to gather information about the experiences of transgender Alaskans.
In the summer of 2009, the Anchorage Municipal Assembly passed Ordinance AO 2009-64(S-2), which would have protected LGBT residents of Anchorage from discrimination. The Mayor vetoed its passage. Despite existing data and reports documenting discrimination, opponents of equal rights, including Mayor Sullivan, stated that there was no evidence of discrimination against LGBT people in Anchorage, and thus protections were “not needed.”
“Having comprehensive, rigorous data about experiences of bias and discrimination among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Alaskans is crucial to understanding the needs of our community. I look forward to being a part of this important project,” said Melissa Green, who will serve as one of the investigators for the survey.
“This will be the first survey since the 1980’s to explore experiences of bias and discrimination in the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community in Anchorage, Alaska. I believe the launch of this survey is a crucial moment in learning about and addressing the challenges that transgender Alaskans face,” stated Anja Gensel, a local activist for transgender rights.
Survey data collection will continue until February 28, 2011. Responses are completely confidential. All members of the LGBT community are encouraged to participate.
Online surveys are at http://alaskacommunity.org, and on the ACLU of Alaska website at http://www.akclu.org, by clicking the button marked “LGBT Survey.” Respondents will need an individual PIN number to access the survey. To obtain a PIN, or a print version of the survey, contact Shelby Carpenter of the ACLU of Alaska at (907) 263-2006 or at scarpenter@akclu.org.
The Survey is a coalition effort by organizations that serve the Alaska LGBT community including Identity, Inc., Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, Alaskans Together for Equality, Equality Works, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alaska.
Posts
