It’s Memorial Day Weekend, which means it’s time for the Imperial Court’s annual Memorial Day picnic!  But with Pride Month almost upon us, it’s also a weekend dominated by several fundraisers for Identity and Alaska Pride Fest 2011. Those events and more, plus a preview of what’s coming up next week.

For further details on any of these events, go to our Alaska LGBTQ events page, and click on the event you’re interested in on the calendar. There you’ll find all the details, including date, time, location, cost, and links to where you can get further information.

This weekend

Anchorage, Wasilla, & Fairbanks

• The Lemonade 4 LOVE Stand will actually be three lemonade stands (at least!) in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Fairbanks — a benefit for Alaska Pride and NE2.0!

Anchorage area

• Friday night drag shows, as usual, with Mad Myrna’s Friday Night Diva Variety Show and at the Crazy Horse, Miss Diedra of Illusions of Delusion.

• But Saturday night both the night’s shows are fundraisers for Identity and Alaska Pride Fest 2011.
  

The Kodiak’s Lip Gloss Revue (starting 10:30 PM) will feature Doug Locke as  Mz. Bertha Vanation.

At the Crazy Horse, the regular Illusions of Delusions show will be replaced for the evening by a star-studded Roast of Ms. Diedra, the Mouth of the South.  Prices have been slashed to $5 in order to pack the house and raise more money for Identity.

• And then on Monday, ICOAA’s 43rd annual Memorial Day picnic — yes, you heard it, the 43rd, can you believe it?!! — at Kincaid Park. Thanks, Imperial Court, for all the years you’ve done this great community event!   Remember: no alcohol, no drugs, no nudity: this is a family-friendly event. Let’s all hope for great weather!

On the Kenai

• Ever Ready Band has taken to the road, and will be performing Saturday night at the Inlet View at Mile 135.4 Sterling Highway in Ninilchik. Rock ’em out, grrlz!

Fairbanks

• Hawaii-Themed Going Away Party for Steve K at Jeff’s house Friday night. Fairbanksians, we think you know where it’s at! And good luck, Steve, in your new home!

Juneau

• SEAGLA Friday Social at the Goldbelt Hotel.

• Suicide Prevention 5K Run/Walk Fundraiser on Saturday morning at Sandy Beach. This “maze” style race is a fundraiser for the Southeast Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) in an effort to highlight youth suicide. As you know, LGBT youth are believed to be at some risk for suicide when they experience lack of acceptance from family, friends, peers, and faith organizations, especially if they’re bullied — so get out there, help raise awareness, & help SEARHC help all kids who are having a hard time believing in life.

• SEAGLA overnight camping adventure will take hikers along the Auk Nu trail to  John Muir cabin — a 3-1/2 mile trip one-way with a 1600 foot elevation gain, but with the incomparable reward of stunning views of Gastineau Channel and Douglas Island.

Coming up next week

• Regular weekly events during the week include Gay, Joyous, and Free AA at Anchorage’s Gay and Lesbian Community Center (Monday) and the Mat-Su LGBT Community Group at Vagabond Blues in Palmer (Wednesday).

• Next weekend in Anchorage: Live from New York, the “F Word NYC” male strippers will have a full weekend performing at three Anchorage gay & gay-inclusive bars (as well as some straight venues); singer-songwriter Tret Fure will  perform a house concert; Sara Gavit will be ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church; and “A Night at the USO” will be another fundraiser for Alaska Pride.

• Next weekend in Fairbanks: Interior AIDS Association will host “E.mo.tions,” a show of original art by Lee Ward; and the regular monthly LGBT discussion group will be held at the UUFF.

Is your event not on our calendar? No matter where you are in the state, if you’re running an event of interest to the LGBT community, we’d be glad to put it on our calendar. Learn how to get the news to us by reading all about our new & improved Bent Alaska events calendar.