Hello Reader—
In a turn of events we didn’t see coming, the Alaska Watchman has gifted us with quite the headline recently. Sure, there’s some buzz about our upcoming Rainbow Harvest Festival, but they got one thing spot on—our community is here, and we’re not going anywhere. In fact, we’re celebrating our pride loud and clear in the heart of the Mat-Su.
On Friday, October 11th, we’ll be gathering at the Palmer Train Depot for a day full of love, joy, and community at the Rainbow Harvest Festival. Vendors, a food truck, music, and crafts! We’re coming together with our allies to embrace our LGBTQIA2S+ identities and show that we are as much a part of Alaska’s fabric as the mountains and glaciers.
So, What’s Rainbow Harvest?
The Rainbow Harvest is all about celebrating the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Alaska. From noon to 7 PM, come explore local vendors, enjoy arts & crafts, and connect with people who share the vision of a more inclusive and unified Alaska.
But this isn’t just a celebration. It’s also a chance to give back. We’re raising funds to support the Queen’s Guard and to help expand Anchorage’s LGBTQIA2S+ clinic, which currently serves over 200 residents from the Mat-Su—even in its old, smaller configuration. Once construction is finished, the clinic will be able to serve three times that number! This clinic is a lifeline, providing crucial health services to LGBTQIA2S+ folks across the state, including the Mat-Su residents who need a safe, affirming space for care.
What the Watchman Really Got Right
Here’s where we wholeheartedly agree with the Watchman: we’re proud of who we are, and we belong here. In fact, we don’t just belong—we thrive. LGBTQIA2S+ Alaskans are an integral part of our state’s history, culture, and future. The Watchman may frame our festival as controversial, and that is okay—because being seen, being celebrated, and standing up for inclusion has always been a little “radical.”
We’re more than a “seasonal” movement. Our pride is as enduring as the midnight sun, and it stretches far beyond a single month. Events like the Rainbow Harvest are just one of the many ways we affirm that LGBTQIA2S+ Alaskans are here to stay, contributing to the rich tapestry of our communities.
Why This Matters
The Mat-Su is a beautiful place to call home, but it’s not always easy to find spaces where LGBTQIA2S+ folks feel safe, supported, and celebrated. That’s exactly why Rainbow Harvest is so important. It’s not just a festival—it’s a symbol of our commitment to making Alaska a place where every person can live authentically and be proud of who they are.
And with the expansion of the Anchorage clinic, we’re making sure that LGBTQIA2S+ residents across the state, including the Mat-Su, have access to the healthcare and support they deserve. This clinic will soon triple its capacity, ensuring that even more people can get the care they need in an affirming environment.
How You Can Help
Mark Yourself as “Going” on our Facebook Event Page. By showing your support, you are helping us spread the word and make the Rainbow Harvest Festival a celebration to remember.
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Help the Queens Guard foster resilience, confidence, and pride.
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