Spirits stay high despite a washed-out trail for Anchorage’s Rainbow Run, with plenty more Pride events on tap

A washed-out trail along Ship Creek canceled the live run portion of Tuesday night’s Rainbow Run 5K, but that didn’t halt the festivities at the annual Pride Month event.

Runners were still able to complete the 5K virtually and a large group gathered near Anchorage’s Ship Creek for fun, contests and a barbecue.

“The bottom line is, that it doesn’t need to be a run,” said Scott Koeller, aka Daphne DoAll La Chores, who was acting as emcee. “It’s the fact that people get to come together.”

The Rainbow Run also acted as a fundraiser for Four A’s (Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association) and Choosing Our Roots, which works to find safe housing for Alaska’s queer youths.

Koeller has been a central figure at Pride in Anchorage for many years, acting as announcer at the Gay Pride Parade and a host at Drag Queen Bingo, in addition to participating in previous Rainbow Runs.

“I love the fact that Pride has grown from so much in Anchorage,” Koeller said. “We really have to come together. It’s our strength in numbers. It’s the people that really make that Pride work. We still have to be out and loud and proud and never be shy.”

Anchorage resident Sara Rawlins saw a listing for the run and asked her friend Kalise Houchins to join. Both were decked out in colorful attire and were happy to see other young people at the run.

“Usually we walk and run, so I said, ‘We should do it together,’ and we’ve had fun dressing up,” said Houchins.

Rawlins said she’ll participate in more Pride events, including Underground Pride, which is early next month in Palmer.

Aesha Jones, who donned a rainbow skirt and hat for Tuesday’s festivities, has been attending the Rainbow Run since its inception.

“I love this event, I came to the first one in 2015,” Jones said. “As an ally, I definitely want to show my support, especially coming back in-person because the last couple years we weren’t able to do this. It’s nice to be in person and enjoy the camaraderie and the people and support the cause.”

The Rainbow Run festivities may be over, but there are still plenty more Pride Month events happening in Anchorage over the next couple weeks to celebrate the LGBTQ community:

Navigating The World More Safely: 4 p.m. Wednesday, livestreamed event

Identity Health Clinic’s Dr. Crystal Beal is hosting a free livestream session for transgender and gender diverse young people ages 13-20 and their friends and family. Register online.

Sunshine & Sandwiches Walk: 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, UAA Student Union plaza, 2921 Spirit Way

Seawolves of all identities are invited to walk a 1-mile paved trail surrounding the campus where they will learn about everything from the history of the Gay Liberation Movement to the new generation of activists. Sandwiches and Wild Scoops ice cream sandwiches are available at the end of the walk.

Indigiqueer Qaspeq Making with Sew Yup’ik: noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Anchorage Native Movement, 1689 C St. Suite 114

This class is for 2S+LGBTQ Indigiqueer to learn how to create a traditional qaspeq with Sew Yup’ik, Nikki Corbett. Registration is required as space is limited.

Pride Underwear Party: 9 p.m. Saturday, The Raven Bar, 708 E. Fourth Ave.

Touted as the biggest party of the year, this features DJ Mike Mason and no cover.

Drag Queen Bingo: 8 p.m. Thursday, June 23, Mad Myrna’s, 530 E. Fifth Ave.

This event benefiting Identity Alaska is hosted by Daphne DoAll La Chores with tickets priced at $20.

Drag Lotería, Pride Edition: 6 p.m. Friday, June 24, and Sunday, June 26, Cafecito Bonito, 6307 DeBarr Road

These shows feature an all-Latinx lineup of drag performers, including Dela Rosa and Brenden Badd. Arciniega Street Productions will be donating 100% of ticket sale proceeds from this event to Food for Thought Alaska. The Friday show is sold out but tickets for the Sunday show are still available for $10.

4th Annual Pride Block Party: noon-6 p.m. Saturday, June 25, Writer’s Block, 3956 Spenard Road

MoHagani Magnetek will operate as the event emcee with DJ Ms. Mix and DJ Aud Pleas Spin and vendors and booths of all sorts. The cooperative event between LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities is sponsored by the Alaska Coalition of BIPOC Educators (ACBE), Baby Vend, Queer Happenings Alaska and Edutainment Nite and The Writer’s Block Bookstore & Cafe.

Pride Bar Crawl: 4 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at Avenue Bar, 338 W. Fourth Ave.

The fifth annual Pride Crawl locations are the Avenue Bar, Fat Ptarmigan, Pioneer Bar and the Gaslight Bar. Tickets are $20-$25 and include a snack, exclusive drink specials and all covers waived at venues. A portion of proceeds go to The Trevor Project.

Viva Pride ‘22: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at Koot’s, 2435 Spenard Road

This event at the ice bar is hosted by Golden Delicious and features Glenn Coco, Venus Vixen, Salmon Chowder, Brenden Badd, Beyquance and Athena Nuff. Tickets start at $33 for general admission.

We Say Gay!: 9 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at Mad Myrna’s, 530 E. Fifth Ave.

The official Mad Myrna’s Pride party features free entry for the first 200 who get in the door.

Summer Solstice Pride Brunch: 11 a.m. Sunday, June 26 at Inlet PubHouse, 1020 W. 12th Ave.

The Inlet PubHouse hosts a drag brunch featuring Glenn Coco, Brenden Badd, Athena Nuff, Little “No” Peep, BeyQuance and Golden Delicious. Tickets range in price from $15 tor general admission to $150 for six-seat VIP tables.

Drag Story Hour: 5 p.m. Thursday, June 30, Anchorage Native Movement, 1689 C St. Suite 114

Drag performers Hank, De La Rosa and Layla d’Lovely will read storybooks and sing songs. Refreshments will be provided.