PrideFest Asks Palin to Declare Gay Pride Month in Alaska

In addition to planning a full week of Pride activities, Anchorage PrideFest 2009 has asked Gov. Sarah Palin to proclaim June as Gay Pride Month in Alaska, like President Obama proclaimed June LGBT Pride Month throughout the United States.

On June 1, President Obama proclaimed June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month: "During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."

A few days later, Jasmine Stokes of Identity and Anchorage PrideFest, sent similar Gay Pride Month proclamations to Gov. Sarah Palin and Mayor Matt Claman, inviting both to join the LGBT community for the Anchorage Diversity Parade and Pride Festival on June 20. Neither has responded.

Anchorage Pride Week runs June 13-21, with the Parade and Festival on the Park Strip on Saturday. The full schedule of PrideFest 09 includes movies, a play, religious services, a reception, and the choosing of this year's Mr/Ms/Miss Gay Anchorage.

Here is the introductory letter to Gov. Palin and the Gay Pride Month Proclamation for the State of Alaska:

June 4, 2009 

Governor Sarah Palin
State of Alaska

P.O. Box 110001
Juneau, AK 99811-0001

RE: Gay Pride Month Proclamation 

Dear Governor Palin:

Identity, Inc. is an Alaska 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that, in addition to providing  a number of services to the LGBT community in Anchorage, has also hosted Anchorage PrideFest each June for more than 20 years. Each year the Celebrating Diversity Parade and Festival on the Park Strip are big hits, drawing visitors, residents and eager participants. Throughout the city people feel a sense of pride and joy at being able to express the great diversity found here in Anchorage and the entire state of Alaska. 

This year our theme is "The Last Queer Frontier" in honor of the state of Alaska that has and continues to be home to so many people who have done amazing things for the LGBT community, and also to bring attention to how the community has grown in its level of confidence despite various trials. It also pays respect to our Governor and the administration which has chosen to be progressive and accepting despite the many difficulties of taking the right stand. 

The Pride Festival and Parade are scheduled for June 20, 2009. As you know, President Barack Obama has recently signed and announced a proclamation declaring June LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender) Pride Month. In honor of both his proclamation as the leader of the nation and the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, it would be inspiring to have you show your support. I have enclosed a proclamation declaring June as Gay Pride Month in the State of Alaska that I invite you to personally announce. I would also like to extend the invitation, as always, to join the LGBT community in celebration. 

If you have any questions about Anchorage PrideFest 2009, please contact me [phone number removed] or via email through the Anchorage PrideFest web site. 

Sincerely, 

Identity, Inc. 

Jasmine Stokes 

Publicity Chair, Anchorage PrideFest 2009 

State of Alaska

Proclamation

Whereas, Alaska is a state composed of a great variety of diverse peoples, cultures, religions, sexual orientations, languages and customs; and 

WHEREAS, a society can only define itself as democratic and truly strong once there is an equal participation of all the community in any social, economic, and political activities; and 

WHEREAS, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities have contributed to the state of Alaska through active involvement in economic and cultural progress despite and in the face of active discrimination; and 

WHEREAS, Anchorage PrideFest and Parade of 2009 is scheduled for June 20, 2009; and 

WHEREAS, In June of 2009 the entirety of the United States finds itself approaching the 40^th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal event in the development of gay rights and the establishment of a unified effort to rectify the wrongs experienced by those who endured that time; and 

WHEREAS, the State of Alaska respects and values the dignity of all of its citizens; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2009 as: 

GAY PRIDE MONTH

And strongly urge all citizens of Alaska to join me in celebrating diversity by attending, supporting, recognizing, and respecting Anchorage PrideFest 2009 activities and events. 

______________________________

GOVERNOR