Common sense legislation, introduced by Deputy Mayor Jesse Kiehl, to protect LGBTQ individuals from experiencing discrimination in the work place, housing market, and beyond will be reviewed by the Juneau Assembly on Tuesday. Ordinance 2016-23 would add the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the City and Borough of Juneau’s existing non-discrimination ordinance.
Before moving to Juneau, I have witnessed two friends legally lose their jobs in Texas because of their sexual orientation. In St. Louis, Missouri, I witnessed protests outside of Clayton High School by hate groups opposed to the school employing an openly gay teacher. I cannot own that I have personally experienced discrimination of this kind. As a straight woman, I will never know what it is like to be fired from work, denied housing, or threatened/harassed/beaten because of my sexual orientation or gender identity. I will never know what it is like to have to calculate my surroundings in public before holding the hand of or showing affection to my partner.
No one should have to fear losing their jobs or, worse, their own lives because of who they are. It is morally right to protect all individuals from discrimination under the law. Without question and without excuses. Overt discrimination may not be as visible in Juneau as it is in the lower 48. Thank goodness for that! Just because it is not visible does not mean it does not exist and it does not mean Juneau is immune from this abhorrent behavior. I implore the Juneau Assembly to support equality under the law for all and include sexual orientation and gender identity to Juneau’s non-discrimination ordinance this Tuesday.
Alyson Currey
Juneau