Despite mounting criticism, the Mat-Su Health Foundation is doubling down in using its deep pockets to push highly controversial social issues across the historically conservative Mat-Su Valley.
Fresh off a contentious June 12 meeting in which its conservative membership expressed deep reservations about the direction of the organization, the health foundation is now partnering with Planned Parenthood to help one of the most radical LGBTQ activist groups in Alaska bring a Pride Month celebration to Palmer on June 22.
A June 16 post on the Mat-Su Health Foundation’s Facebook page urges area residents to “Celebrate Pride Month with Underground Pride on June 22 at the Alaska State Fairgrounds!”
Underground Pride is the brainchild of The Queen’s Guard, a group that works across many Alaska communities to promote various sexual identities and preferences – both among adults and young children. Planned Parenthood and several LGBTQ activist groups are also partnering with The Queen’s Guard for Underground Pride.
The Mat-Su Health Foundation’s post praised The Queen’s Guard, which is led by a biological woman who has taken cross sex hormones in order to appear as a man. The group fosters drag queen events for kids and hosts an annual prom dance focused on queer identities. According to the health foundation, The Queen’s Guard “proudly creates spaces and events for the local Mat-Su LGBTQ+ community and allies. Their events promote community wellbeing, and help bring together members of the LGBTQ+ family.”
To assist in this controversial agenda, the health foundation awarded The Queen’s Guard $2,500 to pull off Underground Pride. The funding was part of the health foundation’s community grant program, which is supposed to underwrite “local community organizations for events related to health and wellness that benefit residents of the Mat-Su.”
Aside from Underground Pride, the Mat-Su Health Foundation is also using its influence to urge Pride Month celebration across the Mat-Su during the entire month of June.
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
“Happy Pride Month, everyone!” a June 1 Facebook post from the health foundation exclaims. “It’s a time to celebrate and honor the LGBTQ+ community and the beautiful diversity that exists within it. This month is about love, acceptance, and equality for all. Let’s stand together, embrace our differences, and create a world where everyone can be their authentic selves without fear or discrimination. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or an ally, your support matters.”
The post goes on to suggest that those who disagree with mainstreaming LGBTQ sexuality are haters.
“Spread love, not hate,” the post states. “Let’s continue to advocate for equal rights, challenge stereotypes, and foster a more inclusive society. Remember, love knows no boundaries, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Proud to be an ally. Proud to celebrate #PrideMonth.”
The Mat-Su Health Foundation was originally founded to promote the health and wellbeing of local residents. Thanks to a business arrangement the group has ballooned its assets to almost a quarter of a billion dollars. Much of this money is redistributed to nonprofit and educational groups that align with the health foundation’s philosophy and ideology.
TAKING ACTION
— Click here to influence the Mat-Su Health Foundation by becoming a voting member of the organization.
— To contact Mat-Su Health Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Ripley, email eripley@healthymatsu.org or call (907) 373-2805
— Click here to contact other members of the Mat-Su Health Foundation administration.
— Click here to see who serves on the Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors.
— Click here to apply to serve on the Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors.
