By AlaskaWatchman.com

A drag performer during a past Underground Pride event.

While the Mat-Su has yet to host a controversial Drag Queen Story Hour at a local library or have a public gay Pride festival, Transgender and homosexual activists are quietly gaining a foothold in one of Alaska’s most socially and politically conservative areas. They are currently planning to bring a day-long LGBTQ party to the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer on July 9.

Hosted by the activist group, The Queen’s Guard, the all-ages event is being marketed to families, teens and young children.

The Underground Pride Facebook page notes that there will be drag performances, a live DJ and food trucks, as well as a “marriage ceremony” to celebrate LGBTQ love. Scheduled to run from noon to 8 p.m., there is no RSVP required to attend.

The Queens Guard operates as a nonprofit that promotes LGBTQ social issues, political action and entertainment across Alaska. It also actively affirms gender-confused youth to explore myriad LGBTQ identities.

Initially launched in 2020 during the Covid outbreak, Underground Pride events have included professional cross-dressing male performers, live music, dancing and presentations from LGBTQ activists.

This year’s event is sponsored by Fireside Books, Dragon’s Lash Leather, Tales of the Tarot, Princess Charming, La Galeria De Keown, Starbucks, Quiet Raven, Rebel Studios, ADK Events, Northern Sno, Native Movement, Solstice Home Group, Alaskan Bake Away, ACLU of Alaska, Identity Health Clinic, Choosing our Roots, Gilded Dragonfly Studio & Artistry , D&D Novelties & Things, Subica’s Scents Candle, Little Cabin Crafts, Damsel in Defense, Ruffin it AK, Walmart, Matanuska Pens, Botanical Rhapsody Organics, Alaska Jude’s Yarn, Jewels 4 Diva Styles Boutique, Opinions for Peace and Kojewki Comics.

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‘Underground Pride’ at Palmer fairgrounds to include ‘all ages’ drag shows

Joel Davidson
Joel is Editor-in-Chief of the Alaska Watchman. Joel is an award winning journalist and has been reporting for over 24 years, He is a proud father of 8 children, and lives in Palmer, Alaska.


82 Comments

  • Crys Whipple says:

    Thank you for a list of businesses to avoid. Great job Palmer! The hyper-sexualization of our youth is a great idea.

    • LJ says:

      I agree…tho the only business I see on this list that I patronize here in Palmer (for the last 14 years) is Fireside Books. I’m sure they will never get another $$$ from me. Whoever bought the shop from previous owners should be ashamed.

      • Elizabeth Henry says:

        Agree. The book selection, outside of a very good Alaskana section, has shifted further to the left with very minimal, if any, even remotely conservative representation. Sad, as everyone that works there is very nice.

  • S. Gibson says:

    I hope the good men and women of Palmer and surrounding communities do what must be done, as has been done in other, less accommodating states. Exercise your 1st amendment rights and attend these events and speak the truth of what they are: grooming and open pedophilic behavior (and misogynistic to boot). Do not allow this evil to be comfortable in your community. Keep speaking of the reality of what is happening and shine a light on it. Evil hates sunlight.

    • Jes Sayin says:

      Have you ever attended one?

    • Jes Sayin says:

      And also, doesn’t the 1st Amendment provide them that protection to speak THEIR mind?

    • Elizabeth Henry says:

      Prayer vigil outside the gates?

      • Jes Sayin says:

        Elizabeth, this isn’t the comment that I’m referencing, but it is the only one I can reply to on this string. Regarding ignoring what you said, I don’t believe I did, however, I’m happy to respond specifically to what you said. If your thought is that who ever designed male and female meant only for reproduction, then I would agree. But with that being said, there are countless examples of male to male and female to female interactions (take it as you will) within the human and mammal kingdoms. Example, male dogs don’t care the gender of the dog they hump. Love, I think, is more than just reproduction. My belief is that it’s ok if you feel differently, but why criticize, shun, hate, those that feel differently. You don’t need to be exposed to it. If you don’t like it, don’t attend. If you see two people of the same sex being affectionate, turn away. BUT respect their love. They mean you no harm, nor any child. They are not trying to convert people into a cult, they are just expressing their love for another. May get lambasted here, but nothing is more Christian than showing love for another.

  • Dinah Backford says:

    God made man and woman. Husband s and wives only. No Adam and Steve.
    We need to get back to the Bible reading and praying. Thank you for your time

    • Jes Sayin says:

      Dinah, respect that not everyone has the same religious beliefs as you. 1st Amendment.

      • Pamela says:

        We just follow the science. A man’s parts don’t fit into another man’s parts….that’s the science. Period. Have your religious beliefs but don’t force them on anyone with these shows that are more than a circus…find another form of entertainment…
        Your preference is your choice, but why put it out there so strongly?…Ask them?….It’s private not for show!!

      • Elizabeth Henry says:

        Jes, it is not simply ‘religion’, it is biology. Whomever ‘created’ humanity, and all other mammals, ‘created’, or ‘designed’, male and female. There is a purpose, function, and fit.

      • Jes Sayin says:

        Pam, you may be mistaken. But why does their affection and love of another bother you? You can’t play the science card when it comes to whom you feel most comfortable with and who you fall in love with. Heterosexuals express their love out in public all the time. Why shy away from homosexuals doing the same? There’s no conversion game here, they just want to be themselves and be accepted.

      • Jes Sayin says:

        Elizabeth, why does their love scare you. If you don’t like it, just don’t think about it. If two consenting adults desire be together and there is no harm involved, why does it bother you?

  • Jan Stanton says:

    I will be interested to see how many valley people will attend! It will probably be attended by folks outside of the valley.

    • Jes Sayin says:

      Then it shouldn’t bother you.

      • Elizabeth Henry says:

        It is in our community, why would it not bother us?

      • Elizabeth Henry says:

        You completely ignored what I said above. Fear? Seriously? And, I said not one word about ‘love’. I was referring to biology. Typical liberal. Deflection. Laughable.

      • Jes Sayin says:

        Sorry Elizabeth, I was trying to respond but my comments keep getting moderated out.

  • Mongo Love Candy says:

    If you see children being brought in, call 911 and report child sexual abuse in progress. Also the Fairgrounds should be held liable as co-conspirators in child sexual abuse.

  • Mongo Love Candy says:

    Sec. 11.41.455. Unlawful exploitation of a minor.
    (a) A person commits the crime of unlawful exploitation of a minor if, in the state and with the intent of producing a live performance, film, audio, video, electronic, or electromagnetic recording, photograph, negative, slide, book, newspaper, magazine, or other material that visually or aurally depicts the conduct listed in (1) — (7) of this subsection, the person knowingly induces or employs a child under 18 years of age to engage in, or photographs, films, records, or televises a child under 18 years of age engaged in, the following actual or simulated conduct:
    (1) sexual penetration;

    (2) the lewd touching of another person’s genitals, anus, or breast;

    (3) the lewd touching by another person of the child’s genitals, anus, or breast;

    (4) masturbation;

    (5) bestiality;

    (6) the lewd exhibition of the child’s genitals; or

    (7) sexual masochism or sadism.

    (b) A parent, legal guardian, or person having custody or control of a child under 18 years of age commits the crime of unlawful exploitation of a minor if, in the state, the person permits the child to engage in conduct described in (a) of this section knowing that the conduct is intended to be used in producing a live performance, film, audio, video, electronic, or electromagnetic recording, photograph, negative, slide, book, newspaper, magazine, or other material that visually or aurally depicts the conduct.

    (c) Unlawful exploitation of a minor is
    (1) a class A felony; or

    (2) an unclassified felony if the
    (A) person has been previously convicted of unlawful exploitation of a minor in this jurisdiction or a similar crime in this or another jurisdiction; or

    (B) minor who is exploited is under 13 years of age at the time the exploitation occurs.

    (d) In this section, “audio recording” means a nonbook prerecorded item without a visual component, and includes a record, tape, cassette, and compact disc.

    Sec. 11.41.458. Indecent exposure in the first degree.
    (a) An offender commits the crime of indecent exposure in the first degree if the offender violates AS 11.41.460(a) and
    (1) while committing the act constituting the offense, the offender knowingly masturbates; or

    (2) the offender has been previously convicted under
    (A) this section;

    (B) AS 11.41.460(a); or

    (C) a law or ordinance of this or another jurisdiction with elements similar to a crime listed under (A) or (B) of this paragraph.

    (b) Indecent exposure in the first degree
    (1) is a class C felony; or

    (2) is a class B felony if the offense occurs within the observation of a person under 16 years of age.

    Sec. 11.41.460. Indecent exposure in the second degree.
    (a) An offender commits the crime of indecent exposure in the second degree if the offender knowingly exposes the offender’s genitals in the presence of another person with reckless disregard for the offensive, insulting, or frightening effect the act may have.

    (b) Indecent exposure in the second degree before a person under 16 years of age is a class A misdemeanor. Indecent exposure in the second degree before a person 16 years of age or older is a class B misdemeanor.

    Sec. 11.41.468. Forfeiture of property used in sexual offense.
    (a) Property used to aid a violation of AS 11.41.410 — 11.41.458 or to aid the solicitation of, attempt to commit, or conspiracy to commit a violation of AS 11.41.410 — 11.41.458 may be forfeited to the state upon the conviction of the offender.

    (b) In this section, “property” means computer equipment, telecommunications equipment, photography equipment, video or audio equipment, books, magazines, photographs, videotapes, audiotapes, and any equipment or device, regardless of format or technology employed, that can be used to store, create, modify, receive, transmit, or distribute digital or analog information, including images, motion pictures, and sounds.

    • Jes Sayin says:

      None of this happens there. Let’s get back to reality, please.

      • PS says:

        Not yet. This is only the grooming process directed at young, impressionable children in an attempt to normalize deviant behavior and make them more susceptible to acceptance and possible conversion.

      • Pamela says:

        Oh it certainly does…I just watched videos of shows in Texas and Idaho where a queen had his legs open and put his arm down and rubbed his private right in front of the kids….you should have seen their faces….mortified.

      • Elizabeth Henry says:

        Perhaps not , but historically this has been adult entertainment, not a kids show. Even ten years ago most sane people would never consider a drag queen show a place for children. How far we have slid. How’s the ride?

      • Suzy Homemaker says:

        Jes Sayin, what is your opinion on the drag queen who simulated sex on stage in front of children at a pride event in Soldotna? https://www.facebook.com/mustreadalaska/videos/1239385036803182/

    • Terelle says:

      You are assuming the worse possible outcome. They are people just like you. They’re just trying to have a good time. No body is trying to go to jail here. Can you take a chill pill please?

      • Mongo Love Candy says:

        No they are not like me; they are degenerates who are targeting children for abuse.

      • S. Gibson says:

        No. This is activity involving children is evil.. What other possible outcome could there be when you sexualize children to such an extent. Lord, I hope you are not a parent and come to some degree of discernment and wisdom before you potentially become one?

      • Jes Sayin says:

        Pam, please, please do not believe that a video that you saw on “YouTube” or whatever other platform represents this community. Get to know them. They are people too.

    • Evan S Singh says:

      You Christians spend too much time thinking about what people do with their naughty bits.

      • Elizabeth Henry says:

        Not necessarily. But I certainly care about what people do to, with, in front of, within hearing of, children. Yes. Whatever you do in your bedroom or with your adult friends, no, not so much.

  • Dabigmoose says:

    Why does anyone have parade or party about their chosen sexuality in the public all they are doing is showing its commercialized for money and future profit behind the curtain. They claim our country has mental issues Greed is 1

  • Andy says:

    I’ll pray to Jesus to intervene and put a stop to this paraphilic event.

  • Carolyn says:

    What can we do about this?

    • Jes Sayin says:

      Comfort them and accept them. They’ve had a much harder “row to hoe” than we have.

      • Zena says:

        You have no filter/boundaries/ with you anything goes?….No matter how invasive or destructive.

    • Evan S Singh says:

      Go to church, read the Bible, pray and stay out of my business.

      • Jes Sayin says:

        Filters and boundaries have nothing to do with this. It has to do with acceptance. Why does their love scare you?

  • Steve Peterson says:

    Great reason to send a message to those who organize the fair and tell them that you’re not going to be spending money there on their already over-priced rides and entry ticket. Money always talks.

    • Jes Sayin says:

      That’s the most sound reason I’ve heard yet. If you don’t want to be a part of it, then don’t. Let the chips fall how they fall.

    • Elizabeth Henry says:

      Agree.

  • Me says:

    So what you are all saying is that if your child or family member for that matter, came out as LGBTQ, you would disown them? That is why there are groups like The Queens Guard. To help and protect these individuals. No one is forcing you to attend. And the lineup of vendors are amazing! Trust me your few dollars that YOU won’t spend in their establishment won’t hurt them at all. I hope we can ALL be as perfect as you.

    • Elizabeth Henry says:

      I believe that is a bit of a Straw man argument. That is not what was said. This is about an event. Not someone’s family member ‘coming out of the proverbial closet’. And the biggest concern is that the event is being presented as also a kids event which it is not. A drag queen show is adult entertainment, not a program for children.

      • Jes Sayin says:

        Then don’t take your children to the event. Respect those and the freedom of those that think it would be a good event.

    • Jes Sayin says:

      Well said! If you don’t share their beliefs, the answer is quite simple… don’t go.

  • Based Alaskan says:

    If God doesn’t punish America, he’s going to have to dig Sodom and Gomorrah up and apologize.

  • Vonda Sanders says:

    Leave the children out of this they already confused as it is

    • Jes Sayin says:

      Vonda, please don’t take your kids to this. BUT respect those that may want to because they value showing their kids the full diversity out in the world today.

  • Reggie Taylor says:

    The only business on that list I use is Walmart. It’s pretty tough to eliminate them from my list, but I can sure use them only when I have to.

  • Sally Duncan says:

    Our family will NOT step foot on the Palmer Fairgrounds in support of people who hate us, including those businesses you mentioned. We will NOT step foot in their door either!! Thank you, Watchman, for all you do!!!

    • Jes Sayin says:

      They don’t hate you Sally. In retrospect I would say the opposite may be true.

  • Darin J. Bertolini says:

    Thanks for the list of businesses to avoid and thanks to Mongo, you Rock! The fairgrounds just lost points in my book, this is a shameful and hideous spectacle. I’ll be prayin’ for the lot of you.

  • Eric says:

    Jesus Christ spoke on the subject of harming children, “little ones”, in any way, shape or form. It would be wise to investigate HIS Word and foolish to ignore it.

  • MF says:

    I’ve taken a screenshot list of the list of businesses promoting this affair so I won’t forget which to avoid. Guess I won’t be going to the Fair this summer too. I don’t care what people do in the privacy of their homes as long as nobody is getting hurt.

    • Jes Sayin says:

      Well said MF. If I can offer an opinion, don’t disregard the fairgrounds, maybe just don’t go this weekend. They offer a tremendous amount of great events.

  • Andy says:

    One word: Monkeypox.

  • Tom Braund says:

    Romans 1:18-32
    For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
    .
    For even though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and crawling creatures.
    .
    Therefore God gave them up to vile impurity in the lusts of their hearts, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed unto the ages (forever). Amen.
    .
    For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged natural relations for that which is against nature, and likewise the men, too, abandoned natural relations of the female and burned in their desire toward one another, males with males committing the shameless deed and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.
    .
    And just as they did not see fit to have God in knowledge, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper, people having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unfeeling, and unmerciful…
    .
    In other words, THEY ARE CALLING GOD A LIAR.

  • TSun says:

    Would you bring your child to a strip club? Bouncers at the door,blacked out windows, etc..
    Why would you bring your children to this?
    What has a drag queen ever done to deserve to be looked up to , they are male strippers dressed in women’s clothing. Again ,would you bring your children to a strip club?
    Then why this?

    • Jes Sayin says:

      TSun, how many drag queen mothers do you know? This comment is only predicated on supposition of what you think you know about them. Maybe go there (without you children if you’d like) and talk with them. Reach deep and find out about them and their suffering. Seems like the Christian thing to do.

  • Jes Sayin says:

    Eric, if YOUR children are not there, then they are not harmed. You would not, I assume, want others to tell you how to raise your children. You do so based upon your values and beliefs. So should everyone who attends this event. Let’s not make this a right or wrong decision based upon our own beliefs, but rather allow each to parent the best way they see fit.

  • Lorine says:

    Does anyone else out there agree that a man dressed in drag is about the creepiest sight ever? Whatever possesses a parent to want to scare their child by exposing them to this?

    • Jes Sayin says:

      Oh Lorine, I’ve seen creepier, but I digress, if it’s creepy, don’t go.

  • Mortified says:

    Those that practice and spread these abominations are under the wrath of God, and unless they turn from there wickedness will indeed know up front and personal that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Get out while you can!

    • Jes Sayin says:

      Mortified, I feel sad that you feel like the Almighty Father has these views. Do you think he feels the same about others that don’t prescribe to your interpretation of His scripts?

  • Mortified says:

    Yes, God has no pleasure in any wickedness. As to this type of deviate behavior Sodom and Gomorrah are vivid and horrific proof that God hates and will judge those who practice such things. We can believe that or not but God cannot lie, It’s by His Word we know His judgments It would do well to heed His Word and turn away from such sins and seek Him while He may be found.