Alaskans Together for Equality

Background

In January 2007, a group of LGBT activists organized under the name Alaskans Together to oppose an Alaskan advisory vote, a non-binding ballot measure, on the topic of restricting the partner-benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska with same-sex partners. Later, in March 2009, the organization was established as a tax-exempt 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization under the expanded name, Alaskans Together for Equality, to engage in local, state, and federal policy advocacy to promote policies related to LGBT issues with a focus on Alaska. ^{2 5}

As of March 2026, Alaskans Together for Equality describes itself on its website as a “membership organization,” as well as a member of the Equality Federation, a left-of-center LGBT advocacy network that supports a variety of member organizations active on the state and local level. ^{1 2}

Affiliate Organizations

Alaskans Together for Equality has two charitable nonprofit affiliates: the Alaskans Together Foundation, which hosts an annual LGBT-pride parade event in Anchorage, Alaska; and Identity, Inc, an Anchorage-based, LGBT advocacy, health care, and community organization, that was formed following the 2021 merger of its predecessor organization, the Alaskan Gay Community Center, with Full Spectrum Health. ^{2 3 4}

Policy

Alaskans Together for Equality engages in LGBT-focused policy advocacy. For instance, the organization supports the Equality Act, federal legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in areas such as public accommodations, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. It would also prohibit individuals from being denied access to restrooms, locker rooms, and dressing room that correspond to their claimed gender identity. The group supported the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a bill signed into law by President Barack Obama attached to the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, which expanded federal hate crime laws to apply to crimes motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. ^{6 7 8}

Additionally, on March 10, 2023, Alaskans Together for Equality published a statement on its blog denouncing Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy’s (R) proposed legislation that would require parents to provide written permission for their children to participate in classes involving discussions of sexual matters, gender identity, and reproductive health, and require that schools notify parents if their children requested to be identified with either different pronouns or a different name. ^{9 10}

Funding

Alaskans Together for Equality receives funding from annual membership fees. ²

Leadership

Elias Rojas is the president of Alaskans Together for Equality’s board of directors, as well as a marketing manager of commercial solutions at the Matanuska Telecom Association. Previously,  he was the director of marketing and communications at Alaska Pacific University, an administrative committee member of former Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s (D) transition team, and a board member of the Pride Foundation. ^{11 12}

Grant Johnston is the vice president of Alaskans Together for Equality’s board of directors, as well as a partner with Yuit Comms, an Anchorage-based public relations firm. Previously, he assisted with communications efforts for the One Anchorage ballot measure campaign. ^{11 13}

Tristan Walsh is the treasurer of Alaskans Together for Equality’s board of directors, as well as a professional assistant to Alaska State Rep. Bryce Edgmon (I). He was previously chief of staff to State Rep. Carolyn Hall (D), chief of staff to State Rep. Jennie Armstrong (D), and legislative administrative assistant to State Rep. Zack Fields (D). ^{14 11}