In a move that has raised eyebrows among some of her constituents, State Rep. Ashley Carrick of Fairbanks used her official legislative newsletter this week to promote a drag queen performance and an event dubbed the “Gender Euphoria Party.”
Carrick’s taxpayer-funded newsletter, typically used by lawmakers to update constituents on policy matters, community meetings, or legislative developments, included enthusiastic promotions for two LGBTQ-themed events in the final days of Pride Month.
One promoted event was the Klondike Drag Pride Show, held Thursday, June 27, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fairbanks. Carrick described it in her newsletter as a way to “close out pride month,” highlighting “show-stopping drag performances,” free food, mocktails, and free HIV testing provided by the Interior AIDS Association. According to the newsletter, admission was $10 or free with a one-minute HIV test. Take-home test kits were also available.
The second highlighted event was the Gender Euphoria Party, scheduled for Saturday, June 28, at the Pioneer Park Centennial Center Exhibit Hall. Carrick described it as “an all-inclusive event centered on queer joy,” and noted it would include free clothing, community resources, face painting, and a “catwalk competition.”
She promoted two other events — one for a canine festival and another for Independence Day celebrations.
While Carrick’s supporters have praised her for being an advocate for LGBTQ constituents, others in Fairbanks say the use of her official communications channel for these promotions reflects misplaced priorities. Constituents expect legislative newsletters paid for by the state to focus on public policy, the budget, and how their representative is serving them in Juneau — not invitations to burlesque shows or gender-euphoria themed parties.
For some Alaskans, the question is not whether such events can take place, but whether elected officials should be using their public platform to push them.
Carrick filed for reelection last month for the 2026 primary.
