“It’s not just about being accepted, but able to thrive here.” LGBTQ+ finds acceptance, support at Underground Pride

On a rare warm and sunny summer day this past Saturday, nearly 1500 people came out to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ and their allies as the 4th annual Underground Pride took place.

Hosted by the Queen’s Guard and held at the Alaska State Fairgrounds, over 100 businesses, advocacy groups, vendor stands, and food trucks were on hand to join in the fun and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community within the Mat-Su Borough.

“It is wonderful. It’s just so great to be seeing all of the young people that are here, and that they’re here with other people. That they don’t have to be careful and said Julie Schmidt of Alaska Rainbow Elders (A.R.E.), an advocacy and networking group for older LGBTQ+ adults that also works to ensure all members can grow older in Alaska with a sense of security, confidence, and well-being.

“We are very thankful to the Queen’s Guard. They give you a feeling of good security in this world of madness.”

Schmidt and her wife retired from Illinois and visited Alaska a number of times before deciding to try living up here for “a year or 2.”

“That was 20 years ago,” she says. “We’ve got a lot of friends here, and a great community that’s just expanding.”

This year marked the 4th anniversary of the first Underground Pride (UP), which was first held in 2019, and the event has only grown, providing acceptance and access to artists, music, performers, businesses, and resources to not only LGBTQ+ but friends, families, and allies.

Dozens of volunteers were on hand making sure the event went off without a hitch, checking on vendors and, thanks to a last-minute donation, replenishing water as the temperatures reached 70 degrees outside, and were slightly warmer inside.

“We had some incredible volunteers, amazing donors, and a last minute donation of a pallet of water from Fred Meyers so everyone was able to stay safe,” said Vincent Feuilles, founder of the Queen’s Guard, who reports that vendors are already signing up for next year’s event.

“It’s one of the only events in Alaska where you can come and just be yourself, and it’s a really calm atmosphere, and really fun,” said Robin Moffet, Program Coordinator for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

The unofficial theme was acceptance, authenticity, and safety, as attendees and vendors repeated the beauty of the acceptance they were finding throughout Underground Pride.

“It can be pretty difficult queer in the Valley, or plus size in the Valley, but you can come here and be who you are and it’s totally great,” said Moffet.

“I had one parent who said that their youth told them they enjoyed it better than other events and felt truly safe there. And that isn't far off from our theme – Community,” said Feuilles.

“It’s not just about being accepted, but able to thrive here.”