A biological male who identifies as a transgender “woman” will be honored for his contributions to art and culture during the Oct. 28 Alaska Governor’s Arts and Humanities Awards at the Anchorage Museum.
According to the award website, MoHagani Magnetek is one of seven honorees. He is a prominent Alaska activist who works with the Pride Foundation, a group that promotes a radical LGBTQ agenda across the state.
He also serves as the CEO of Edutainment Nite Publishing, an organization that promotes writings from “marginalized communities.”
Magnetek has a particular focus on young readers, and participates in children’s library readings of his own books. These include his latest work, “MoHagani vs King Salmon” (2025) – a short, cartoon-illustrated book depicting himself as a flamboyant woman engaged in “yo-mamma” jokes with a king salmon.
According to the Alaska Governor’s Arts and Humanities website, Magnetek is a 1994 graduate from East Anchorage High School who advocates for “mental wellness and human rights, promoting initiatives such as the $100 Cash Prize Poetry Slam and the Annual Pride Block Party.”
Magnetek regularly hosts the annual all-ages Pride Block Party, which highlights “BIPOC Queer artist vendor/booths” and the celebration of LGBTQ sexual identities.
In 2023, he was honored with the Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Fellowship Award.
Some of Magnetek’s writings include: “Acrimonious Black Woman Sparks Climate Change Debate with the President” (2019), and “Not an Easy Read for “Normal” “Colored” People…” (2022). He has also contributed to anthologies like Queer Magic, and wrote a play called, “Ms. Mahogany and the Case of the Microphone Rapist” (2023).
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Magnetek has publicly testified against policies that require Anchorage residents to use bathrooms in accordance with their biological gender. He also engages in LGBTQ protests and spoke in favor of a city ordinance that bans Christian counselors from helping youth with unwanted same-sex attraction.
In 2013, he was kicked out of an Anchorage restaurant for using the women’s restroom.
Established in 1968, the Alaska Governor’s Arts and Humanities award was intended to recognize individuals and organizations for contributions to the arts and humanities in Alaska. Winners are often recognized for promoting, producing and preserving Alaska art and Native culture. Several of the 2025 winners fall into that category.
The governor does not directly choose the award winners, but his office works with the Alaska Humanities Forum, the Alaska State Council on the Arts and the Anchorage Museum. It’s unclear whether Gov. Mike Dunleavy will even attend this year’s event.
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
The Alaska State Council on the Arts consists of an 11-member board appointed by the governor, who also designates the group’s chair and vice-chair. Their mission is then to “enrich the cultural life of the state by encouraging and supporting excellence in the arts, provide opportunities for every Alaskan to experience the arts, promote the practice and enjoyment of the arts in Alaska and guide the development of the arts throughout the state.” Arts Council members also serve on panels to award arts grants.
Each year, Alaskans are invited to nominate individuals, organizations, or institutions who have contributed to Alaska’s cultural and civic life. These nominations are then reviewed by a panel of representatives from the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the Alaska Humanities Forum, and the Office of the Governor.
Funds for the Arts Council are provided by the Alaska State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, the latter of which is facing major cuts by the Trump administration.
47 Comments
OH NOW I GET WHY IVE BEEN OBSESSIVELY ANGRY WITH THIS POS GOVERNOR! HES A CLOSET PERVERT!!! THIS EXPLAINS EVERYTHING!!! MAN I’M PISSED!!!
You are literally insane, Dave. Your comments on here range from blaming Todd Smoldon for all your problems, to inappropriately expressing a physical attraction to all kinds of people, to staking out positions that are either extreme-left or extreme-right. Don’t blame Dunleavy for your problems.
Smoldon Derangement Syndrome (SDS).
Dave you need psychological help. May god bless you and help you through this mental health crisis you are in .
Davey, ALL CAPS, are old-school. Figure out a new vibe.
DOUG GLENN: “I NEED HELP”. DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE ABILITY OR INSIGHTS TO
“HELP “ME? IF YOU HAVE THE ANSWER DOUG, IM OPEN TO READING YOUR COMMENTS! BE VERY AWARE THOUGH DOUG THAT I’M STILL EXCERSIZING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS! YOU OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO RECALL THAT THE BEREANS WERE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIRS AS WELL! refer to acts 17 GO AHEAD DOUG COUNSEL AWAY
You are jumping to conclusions with your vitriolic attack on Dunleavy. It says right in the article these awards are given by the far left Arts councils whose members are lingering appointees of prior governors. I can guarantee he does not advocate such nonsense.
ACTUALLY WAYNE MY CONCLUSION IS ACCURATE! THIS GOVERNOR IS GUTLESS TO USE THE POWER ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE IN A PRINCIPLED WAY! EVER HEAR OF HIS RED PEN WHICH HE APPARENTLY LOST? WHY NOT STOP FUNDING PERVERTS? WHY ARE YOU, THE LEGISLATORS, THE PASTORS, AND EVERYOTHER ” LEADER “AFRAID OF DECLARING WHATS OBVIOUS? YOUR ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS REVEAL A FEELING BASED THEOLOGY WHICH IS RESULTING IN A NONCONFROTATIONAL FORM OF SELFISM!!! DO YOU GIVE A CRAP ABOUT CHILDREN? IF YOU DO, WHY DO YOUR HANDS STAY IN YOUR POCKETS WHEN POLICIES AND DECISIONS ARE MADE BY YOUR LEADERS THAT HARM YOUR CHILDREN? THIS AWARD BY THE GOVERNOR WAS GIVEN TO A PERVERT IS IN YOUR TAX FUNDED LIBRARY’S READING HIS JUNK TO KIDS! HE ALSO COUNSELS “PREVENTION OF SUICIDES” ! PERVERSION IS SUICIDE! EXPLAIN THIS OXYMORONIC CONTRADICTION, DONT AWARD IT!
Deuteronomy 22:5 is the primary source for this belief. The King James Version reads: “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God”.
Deuteronomy 22:5 “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God”.
Do you tell that to women in blue jeans?
Since when are blue jeans a male attire? Use that noggin.
Define “male attire.”
When was the last time you wore a dress Paul?
Leviticus 19:18 “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD”
Outside of commenting here, what can real Alaskans, who don’t align with this sort of reward system do to actually make an immediate difference in this growing and disgusting situation ? Complaints can be lodged against the Forum and the council, which often people don’t feel comfortable with doing because it then puts a very specific target on their back for retribution from these sickos. Can anyone recommend what else can be done to halt this particular “award” and trend of garbage in real time? I’d like to ensure that those of us who don’t support this sort of nonsense are effective and safe in the process.
STOP ELECTING ENABLERS LIKE DUNLEAVY!!! WHAT A PERVERSE INDIVIDUAL HES REVEALED HIMSELF TO BE!
You’re a real mental giant Dave.
There is no other way then to stand and say your piece. It requires courage and the willingness to potentially suffer social or other sanctions. There is no safety that you are looking for. But courage begets courage. It is like a fire and it spreads. If you are a Christian file under pick up your cross and follow Him. Many Alaskans seem to lack courage and are content to be ruled by the active and noisy 10% who show up though their ideology is not conducive to human thriving and is hateful.
For our family, there isn’t a lack of courage. What we are concerned most about is complaints falling on deaf ears. If we complain to Dunleavy, it is likely to go ignored because he’s running out his term clock. If we complain to the Humanities Forum or the Council on the Arts, that will FOR SURE fall on deaf ears. If you look at who is running those groups, who is on the staff and on each board of directors- there’s not a conservative even lurking in the corner. My point to ask is what can people really do about this sort of thing, in real time, that will have a positive and significant impact?
There is no cavalry coming to save us V. There is no one to call. We have to change the culture.
You already are doing something about it by making public comments. Continue and talk to your family, friends and neighbors. Form coalitions with the like minded and change culture. Eventually it shows up in a big way. But it is hard slow work, as we have serious challenges and we have slept for too long. But what is the alternative.
DOUG GIVING YOU A CHANCE SEEMS TO BE ENTIRELY TOO MUCH FOR YOU. GO TO THE END OF THE LINE!
Be happy that the arts are being enriched!
Wait, I got one, V, pray. Pray that this abomination shall stop.
Picking on one of the most marginalized groups in society. Very courageous reporting, Joel!
By no stretch of the imagination are crossdressers “marginalized” lmao. They’re one of the most catered to groups in this country. They’re also one of the absolute best examples of people being unable to cope with the concept that personal decisions have consequences. Like making the personal decision to obviously be a man in a dress and not being allowed in women’s bathrooms. Except they pretend like that’s literal violence and cry about it to every activist that wants internet points.
JUST CAN’T EXPRESS HOW DISGUSTING IT IS THAT THIS WOULD BE FUNDED BY THE LEGISLATURE !!!!
Time for bed Gpa. Don’t throw the remote, because the time on the VCR is wrong.
Honoring the COVID queen Ann Zink and now this… Always “Standing tall for Alaska”, yeah, right.
Zero respect given, Dunleavy.
Watch out Steve. Howard Jacobson is now self appointed protector of dunleavy and his troll smolden! Apparently criticizing them gets you labeled” insane “! COMPLIANT UNTHINKING PEOPLE ARE A SHOE IN FOR THE MARXIST REVOLUTION! I WILL NOT BE COMPLIANT, AND WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN, IN SPITE OF WHAT THIS PERVERSE GOVERNOR DOES!!!
See Dave, you can post without ALL CAPS. Atta boy!
Stage 4 Smoldon Derangement Syndrome.
Can someone publish a list of investors and donors that are funding these two groups: Alaska council on the arts and the Humanities Forum? Perhaps if Alaskans can directly see which companies and businesses are funding this sort of garbage, we can finally start cleaning it up?
Trump through the federal government.
So is it right about now when we dust off the allegations that Dunleavy had formerly carried on as degenerate troon calling himself “Promethius” in slimy poofter establishments back in the day before rising to become the sort of feckless and perhaps even compromised dolt who’d stoop to handing out a grossly undeserved award like this?
What say you, Bernadette?
MoHagani Magnetek, you go girl, you got this! So proud of you!
The fact that the author repeatedly misgenders the honoree says all we need to know about this POS
Mathematics at uaf maxwell. A person should be careful when your employer is the tax payer what exactly you say in public. It’s interesting to me how the left came to the conclusion that the only opinion that matters is theirs and that the only speech that matters is there’s ??? Meanwhile they constantly are on us about having an opinion. If a conservative expresses an opinion that differs with the lefts opinion omg.
OK, Doug, you should know that I am a bit of a grammar snob, because it represents seriousness in dialogue and not just pure emotion, however, I won’t critique. Both views are valuable. I don’t think that the “left” are acting any different than the “right” here. All want their opinion expressed. Do you disagree?
I appreciate you, brother! Your thoughts and insights are valuable to the dialogue.
Thank you. That’s the second worst-best thing anyone has ever written about me. You have done me a great service by telling your 21k+ followers about my books, events and extensive community service track record. Writing that I’m a mental health advocate was a nice touch.
Seriously, you have done a poor job of painting me in a bad light. Mind you, it is very lazy journalism to copy & paste from published websites you did not author, however you did copy & paste all good things about me. You even have an awesome photo of me emcee’n at the block party.
Considering the cover photo is very old (use a current photo next time, I’m looking really good as I get older). I can tell you did a little homework on me. Yet if you did more homework, you would know the sitting governor has little to do with this award and is not going to be presenting the award.
All you really had to do was reach out to me for an interview so you could have raw material and recent photos of your own to work with cause you left out the fact that I am a PhD student who holds a masters and two bachelor degrees or the fact that I once jumped over five cars on my bicycle and rode 100 miles on my bicycle to raise awareness for mental health.
Real Talk: you should’ve wrote, “Transgendered activist “woMAN” to receive Alaska Governor’s Arts & Humanities Award,” and left it at that. Just those few words alone would have satiated your readers. You shouldn’t have promoted my works, service and artistry. As you have so eloquently stated to your followers, I am a writer and publisher, which is why I am giving you pointers so you can be a better writer.
Haven’t you ever heard the phrase, “If you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.” What you have done is encouraged people to learn about me, the award and to get engaged in community service and become mental health advocates themselves. Job well done. But I guess you really don’t despise me because you spoke so highly of me and could find no way to deny my achievements.
Lastly, I’m so well known that I’m accustomed to 500+ comments and 100+ shares in one day compared to your less than 200 comments and 14 shares in three days but hey keep writing good articles like this about me and your readership will grow.
P.S.
Thanks again for letting your followers know about my children’s book, “MoHagani vs King Salmon,” which can be found in public libraries throughout Alaska for children to read about a flamboyant woman who becomes a big fish. Now that I think about it, “flamboyant” is not a big enough word to describe my character. Try a thesaurus next time.
Mr. Mo , I have a question for you. Which restroom do you use in public places?
You are mentally ill and I will pray for your healing and your soul.
Congratulations the award, MoHagani! Thank you for your creativity, energy, wisdom, beauty, and generosity of seeing humanity in all of us and being willing to help everyone in your roles as a US Army veteran, mentor, advocate, scientist, Wonder Woman, and first responder in every sense of the word, no matter how hostile, abusive, confused, and possibly pained by their own closets are those who keep failing at wishing you out of existence. And yes, kudos to the author for giving your accomplishments such a spotlight, hope your book sales are through the roof! Cha-Ching!
trans is mental illness.
period.
Mental illness? Nonsense. It is moral deficiency. Full stop.
Gongats, Mohagani!
Thank you for your great work and being a great part of the community. Ignore all the hate. These people are shallow and ignorant.