My name is Richard Jay Carter, and I am from Palmer. I’d like to start by saying thank you for hearing what the people of Juneau have to say on this issue. I have never had to experience eviction or termination because of my sexual orientation, but that is not to say that I don’t fear it. I encourage the Assembly to pass this ordinance because I want to be able to say that I have protection from being discriminated against — not that I have been discriminated against, and I wish I had been protected.
Even in a place as accepting as Juneau, I often remain quiet in the face of heteronormativity, carefully pick my pronouns, hide in the ambiguity of my relationships, and look both ways before showing affection in public. Everyone is at least told once that there is something wrong with them — and for that they will be treated differently. Now is the chance to tell a whole community of people that there is nothing wrong with them — and for that they will be treated equally. I’d like to thank the Juneau community as a whole for making me feel more accepted and loved each day. We’re getting there.
Sincerely,
Richard Carter,
Palmer