Gay and Lesbian Travelers

Openly gay individuals may feel uncomfortable in politically conservative Alaska [1], so discretion may be wise, especially in rural areas such as Glennallen [2], where Rush Limbaugh is regarded as a socialist. Anchorage [3], not surprisingly, is the primary center for gays and lesbians in Alaska.

The nonprofit group Identity Inc. runs a Gay and Lesbian Community Center (336 E. 5th Ave., 907/929-4528, www.identityinc.org [4]), promotes the PrideFest event (www.anchoragepride.com [5]) each June, and operates a help line. Two Anchorage bars—Mad Myrna’s (530 E. 5th Ave., 907/276-9762, www.alaska.net/~madmyrna [6]) and The Raven (708 E. 4th Ave., 907/276-9672)—are favorite meeting places.

Out North Contemporary Art House (1325 Primrose St., 907/279-8200, www.outnorth.org [7]) sometimes presents plays with a gay and lesbian slant, and several Anchorage B&Bs promote themselves for gay travelers and couples.