Dear Editor: Happy Pride! We are writing to express deep gratitude for the many individuals and organizers who helped us put on 15 different events this year. Sitka Pride is an all volunteer organization focused on building visibility, belonging and respect for LGBTQ2+ individuals through accessible and inclusive events.
While pride is a joyous celebration, it also serves a crucial purpose by increasing community support and safety for some of our most vulnerable community members. Studies show that LGBTQ2+ adolescents face significant, targeted violence, with 60-70% experiencing bullying, homelessness, and health service access issues.
There is a deadly impact on intersex, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals, 1 in 3 of whom have contemplated suicide (Fundamental Rights Agency LGBTIQ Equality at a Crossroads-Progress and Challenges EU LGBTIQ Survey III 2024). LGBTQIA+ people are five times more likely to be victims of violent crime in the USA (Meyer, I. H., & Flores, A. L. (2025, February). “Anti-LGBT victimization in the United States.” UCLA Williams Institute School of Law.)
The good news is there are key protective factors too: peer relationships, family and school support, and individual resilience. These instances of community involvement reduce depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior significantly (Ancín-Nicolás, Ruth A et al. “Protective Factors in the LGBTIQ+ Adolescent Experience: A Systematic Review.” 16 Sep. 2024,).
Thanks to Sitka Counseling, Gigi Monroe and Juneau Drag, the Greater Sitka Arts Council, Sitka Public Library, Sitka Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Sitkans Against Family Violence, Harbor Mountain Brewery, Beak, Sitka Trail Works, Backdoor Cafe, Bumble Expeditions, Bare Stage Collective, Fortress of the Bear, and the Sitka Tribe of Alaska for the use of their beautiful Sheet'ká Ḵwáan Naa Kahídi Community House. Special thanks to Mean Queen for their deep, continued support of Sitka Pride. Patrick and Mary know how to take care of us all and give back.
With your continued support, we make Sitka a safer, happier community for everyone. We hope for a future with liberation and freedom for us all.
Sitka Pride Organizers
Elle Campbell, Willa Johnson, Eleyna Whitson, Hannah Blanke, Katie Niedermeyer
