Rafael Bitanga: Uplifting Rural LGBTQ+ Voices

Bridging isolation and innovation through education and storytelling

“As a Filipino raised in rural Alaska, receiving a scholarship from the Gamma Mu Foundation represents far more than financial support," said Rafael Bitanga. "It validates my experience as a gay man raised in rural America. Growing up on Kodiak Island, I had no visible LGBTQ+ role models or mentors, except on the mainland, my mentor and now friend, Mr. Cook. I struggled in isolation, documenting in my journal: ‘I don’t want to be this way… how do I get out of this trap?’ This scholarship connects me to a community of gay men who understand that OUR stories matter.”

Rafael has been proving the power of service and leadership for years. In 2020, he became the only student from Kodiak Island, and one of just six Alaskans, to earn the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest youth service honor, a story later highlighted by Michelle Obama. The award recognized his 400+ hours of service, leadership in FCCLA, and a transformative trip to New York City that broadened his horizons and fueled his college aspirations.

"Knowing that successful gay men believe in my vision gives me the strength to continue my work.” 

Now at Stanford, Rafael is focused on building innovative educational technology for rural schools and creating digital storytelling programs for LGBTQ+ youth. “The Foundation's investment isn't just in my education at Stanford, but in the students of Alaska’s closing schools and the countless young people who will benefit from the edtech tool I’m developing,” he explains.

“This scholarship transforms my journey from survival to service, ensuring other young people can thrive rather than merely endure.”

With a track record that includes raising more than $500,000 in grants for nonprofits and reaching over 8,400 students across Alaska, Rafael is already shaping a future where rural voices are heard and valued. Rafael’s journey reflects the Foundation’s core values of resilience, leadership, and community, advancing equity and opportunity for rural and underserved LGBTQ+ voices.

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Watch Rafael's video message below:

Wyoming Equality’s Healthcare Access Project brings affirming care to LGBTQ communities statewide with Gamma Mu Foundation support

Despite national progress in LGBTQ rights, many individuals in Wyoming still face steep barriers to healthcare. Rural isolation, stigma, and a lack of affirming providers contribute to disproportionately high rates of HIV and STDs in the LGBTQ+ community. Recent restrictive health bills have only intensified the urgency of this work.

The Gamma Mu Foundation has been a consistent partner in addressing these challenges. Since 2017, Gamma Mu has awarded eight grants totaling $41,400 to Wyoming Equality, including a $15,000 grant in 2025 for the Wyoming Equality Healthcare Access Project (WEHAP).

Closing Gaps in Care

WEHAP delivers services that meet both immediate health needs and long-term systemic change. The program includes:

• Provider training: Biweekly sessions where rural clinicians learn best practices in HIV/STD prevention, trans healthcare and inclusive primary care.
• Direct services: HIV testing, PrEP navigation, and gender-affirming care are now available in rural towns like Rawlins and Cody, as well as Casper and Cheyenne.
• Community outreach: Safer sex kit distribution, pride events, drag bingo, and an annual LGBTQ+ camping trip connect thousands with information, resources, and support.

Research and advocacy: Needs assessments conducted with University of Wyoming researchers and partnerships with WWAMI medical students keep the work data-driven and forward-looking.

A Trusted Partnership

Executive Director Sara Burlingame notes the importance of Gamma Mu’s ongoing support:

“Gamma Mu’s support ensures that LGBTQ+ people in Wyoming have access to quality, affirming healthcare and the community connections they deserve. Every provider trained, every person tested, and every individual who finds support through this project represents a brighter, healthier future.”

Building Impact Through Partnerships

To ensure this work reaches the greatest number of people  and remains sustainable for the long term, Wyoming Equality partners with a strong network of organizations, including:

• Physical and mental health providers in hospitals and practices statewide
• Planned Parenthood of the Rockies
• University of New Mexico’s ECHO Program
• Other state and regional LGBTQ+ advocacy groups
• Healthy Wyoming

These partnerships expand reach, strengthen credibility, and help deliver affirming care and education across every corner of Wyoming.

Building Trust and Connection

For too many LGBTQ people in Wyoming, negative experiences with uninformed or hostile providers have eroded trust in healthcare systems. WEHAP is reversing that trend by training nearly 120 providers, expanding access to affirming services, and strengthening community trust through visibility, outreach, and navigation support.

Wyoming Equality also offers drop-in hours for LGBTQ seniors and transgender adults, houselessness support, and harm reduction services in its Cheyenne office. Together, these efforts are creating a network of care where once there were only gaps.

By the Numbers

• 8 grants since 2017, totaling $41,400
• Nearly 120 healthcare providers trained in LGBTQ-inclusive care
• Thousands of LGBTQ individuals reached through HIV/STD testing, PrEP navigation, and outreach
• Gender Affirming Care ECHO launched as a statewide provider education model

Looking Forward

With Gamma Mu’s support, Wyoming Equality is transforming healthcare in one of the nation’s most rural states. The Healthcare Access Project is proving that even in places where services are scarce, a combination of provider training, direct care, and community trust can build a healthier, more resilient future for LGBTQ people.