Inside the Anchorage Senior Activity Center, laughter echoed as friends passed sandwiches and pastries at a recent event. The Alaska Rainbow Elders, a group of LGBTQ+ seniors mostly in their 60s to 80s, meet weekly for conversation, support, and community.
They discuss everything from medical updates to national headlines, including the Trump administration’s controversial move to rename naval ships. Julie Schmidt, 77, leads the group with her wife, Gayle Schuh. She noted that many older LGBTQ+ people face unique struggles, such as living alone or lacking family support.
The members are retired professionals, teachers, planners, dancers, and court workers living in Anchorage, the Valley, and Bristol Bay. Steve Kramer, 71, said that although he’s not out in his hometown of Pilot Point, the group gives him a rare sense of belonging.
Since forming in 2014, Alaska Rainbow Elders have offered rides, loaned medical equipment, and helped find LGBTQ+ friendly housing. They also organize Pride events, host guest speakers, and care for each other’s health and well-being.
During one recent meeting, the group shared concerns about a member recovering from a stroke. Doug Frank, 75, quietly advocated for LGBTQ+ rights during his years in the oil industry and helped bring the AIDS Memorial Quilt to Alaska.
He believes this group’s strength lies in its shared past and commitment to each other. Schmidt and Schuh, who once sued the state of Alaska for equal rights, won’t say today’s political climate feels increasingly threatening again.
