Valentine’s Gay-la Recap
Dancers enjoying the Valentine’s Gay-la. Photo by Selah Bauer.
By Molly Walker- Valdez Pride Committee
On February 10, Valdez community members dressed to the nines and danced the night away at the Valentine’s Gay-la at the Valdez Civic Center. The event was sponsored by the Valdez Pride Committee, the first of what is anticipated to be quarterly gatherings and events.
After successfully sponsoring Pride events in Valdez in 2022 and 2023 , the Valdez Pride Committee recently decided to host the Valentine’s Gay-la to spread the celebrations throughout the year, not just the month of June.
“The Valdez Pride Committee decided to host our first Valentine’s Gay-la because we wanted the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies to have something fun to do in the winter here in Valdez. There’s not a lot of social things to do here in the wintertime and since it was an alcohol-free event, it was open to all ages,” said Valdez Pride Committee representative Selah Bauer.
Under rainbow lights, people of all ages danced, munched on snacks, and played a social bingo game that encouraged mingling and getting to know other attendees better. Laughter rang out and the chatter of voices swelled above the sound of the music as everyone celebrated surrounded by members of a supportive community.
“It’s so beautiful to have an inclusive, safe, sober, event in Valdez. So much effort has been made to make it fun and beautiful and that’s really apparent,” said attendee Nicole LeRoy.
The purpose of Pride events is often to create spaces for and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and the importance of allies’ support. Gathering together gives everyone the opportunity to get to know one another.
Sidney Yazzie, who is originally from Arizona and is currently attending Prince William Sound College, was excited to see such an inclusive event being held in Valdez. “I’ve never been to an event like this before. It’s so important to support our queer friends and to support everyone.”
The Valdez Pride Committee is looking forward to hosting more events in the future, including a Bad Drag Night fundraiser in April, which allows anyone from the community to try their hand at drag performance.
“The goal of Valdez Pride and the events we host is to unite and uplift LGBTQIA+ people in Valdez and the surrounding areas, with yearly celebrations that promote respect, pride, dignity, fun, moral support, education, and unity. We encourage everyone to join us on May 31-June 2 for Valdez Pride, our biggest celebration of the year,” said Bauer.
At the close of the evening, Cherise Beatus captured the sentiments of many, “It’s so important to have inclusive, safe spaces. It really affirms we have a great community here.”
For more information about upcoming events, visit Valdez Pride on Facebook and @valdez.ak.pride on Instagram.