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.

WE BELIEVE that Anchorage workers deserve to be judged solely on their qualifications and merits of their work.

The pursuit of employment, education, and safe and comfortable housing are central cornerstones of the American dream. We should all have an equal chance to achieve these goals whether we are straight, gay, or transgender. A May 2008 Gallup poll showed that 89% of Americans believe that gays and lesbians should have equal rights in the workplace. At least 90 cities and 13 states have passed laws that protect their citizens from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Nearly 90% of Fortune 500 companies prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and over thirty percent prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. It is time for Anchorage to join the ranks of those who publicly support equality for all residents and workers.   

WE BELIEVE that all Alaskans deserve protection from discrimination or harassment.

If an Alaskan is fired from a job, harassed out of an apartment, or refused service based on their perceived sexual orientation they have few legal options for addressing such unfair treatment. Neither the State of Alaska nor the Municipality of Anchorage includes sexual orientation in their non-discrimination laws and Anchorage residents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender live in fear of the possibility of losing their jobs or housing if their boss or landlord discovers that they are gay or transgender.

WE BELIEVE that no Alaskan should have to deny who they are in order to keep a job or an apartment.

Imagine having to go a whole day without mentioning your wife, husband, or significant other because you were afraid that your employer might use the information against you. Imagine having to leave the family photographs off the desk, to seriously weigh the pros and cons of bringing them to the company picnic or holiday party. Now imagine having to do it every day of you working life. This is the unfair choice that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people face every day when they live in a city that doesn’t protect their civil rights.

WE BELIEVE Equality Works.