Disappointment and Defiance: Standing Tall for Our Community

Dear friends,

For years, we’ve fought for our rights, our dignity, and our freedom to live openly and authentically. Today, those hard-won gains are under renewed attack as policies threaten to unravel our progress. These aren’t abstract debates—they affect our safety, our health, and our fundamental ability to be seen and heard.

Yet our history as a community is rooted in resilience and unity. Our queer ancestors showed us how to thrive even when faced with attempts to erase and harm us. Political climates may shift, and policies may try to deny us, but we know who we are. Our commitment to each other, and to the right to live with dignity, remains unshaken. We are never alone. Whatever the next four years may bring, the 1,400 patients who come to Identity—and the thousands of other LGBTQIA2S+ people and loved ones across Alaska—can count on us. We are here to provide access to the vital care you need, and to create a space where each of us can find belonging and strength. Together, we’ll meet these challenges with the courage, compassion, and unity that have carried us through every struggle we’ve faced before.

If you’re feeling a mix of emotions right now—anger, determination, frustration, exhaustion, or maybe just uncertainty—you’re not alone. I feel it too, and every one of those feelings is valid. We’re all navigating this together, and it’s okay to take a moment to process it all.

But as we have done time and again, our community will turn fear into action, frustration into connection, and adversity into resilience. No matter what lies ahead, we will keep showing up for each other, lifting one another up, and moving forward with unbreakable resolve—together

In uncertain times, it’s essential to have a place of stability, support, and love. At Identity, we’re here for you now and always, providing services, resources, and community. Here’s how we’re making sure everyone in our community has access to the support they need:

• Access to Gender-Affirming Healthcare: We know that policies may shift, but our commitment to providing affirming, inclusive care does not. Our healthcare team will work tirelessly to ensure you and your loved ones continue to receive the care you deserve, no matter what.
• Legal and Advocacy Resources: Identity has shifted its focus from direct advocacy to providing affirming healthcare, because we know that health is foundational to our community’s well-being. Expanding access to this essential care has been our priority and very challenging, but true support doesn’t stop at healthcare. By building collaborative partnerships with advocacy organizations, we’re ensuring that our community has the protections and resources needed to secure their rights and face every challenge with confidence.

What We Can Do Together Right Now

Resilience is built through both action and community. Here are a few ways we can support each other and strengthen the foundation of our community:

1. Engage Locally: Sometimes the biggest impact we can make is closest to home. By participating in community-based efforts, we create networks of support that ripple outward. Local action isn’t just meaningful; it’s essential.
2. Stay Informed: Knowledge is power, and being informed helps us all navigate changes as they come. We’ll continue to share updates, but I also encourage you to stay connected with trusted LGBTQIA2S+ news sources so we all remain empowered and prepared.
3. Prioritize Your Mental Health: Taking care of our mental health is essential, especially in challenging times. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please consider speaking with a counselor or therapist trained in queer cultural competence—having someone who truly understands our experiences can make all the difference. Identity is here to help connect you with affirming mental health resources, so don’t hesitate to reach out. You are not alone, and we are here to support you.

Holding On to Hope

Throughout our history, we faced more than our fair share of challenges. Yet through it all, one truth has remained: we are here to stay. Together, we have overcome forces that tried to silence us, exclude us, and push us back. But each time, we have moved forward with strength, joy, and a courage that no policy can erase.

A Call to Action for Allies

If you’re reading this as an ally, now is the time to show up for your queer loved ones. Reach out with warmth, extend your care, and be the support they can lean on. Sometimes the simplest gestures—a check-in, a listening ear, or simply being present—mean the most.

Beyond these personal connections, allies can help build a more just and inclusive future by standing up for policies that protect our community, joining LGBTQIA2S+ advocacy efforts, and speaking out against discrimination wherever it arises. Your voice matters. And together, we are stronger.

Remember, our worth is not up for debate. Our right to exist, to love openly, and to live fully remains unbreakable. No matter the shifts in policy or political climate, we stand firm. Identity is here, our community is here, and you are not alone. Today and always, let’s move forward with pride, with courage, and with each other.

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With love and solidarity,

Tom Pittman

Executive Director, Identity