"RuPaul’s Drag Race" Winner Alaska Announces Engagement to Longtime Partner: “I Love Him So Much”

Alaska Thunderf**k, the celebrated winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 2 and a beloved figure in the global drag community, has announced her engagement to her longtime partner Matthew Herrmann, bringing a wave of celebration among fans and fellow performers alike. The news was first revealed by Alaska on her social media accounts and quickly confirmed by multiple reputable entertainment outlets, including an official statement to Entertainment Weekly and an in-depth feature on PinkNews .

The engagement comes after several years together, during which Alaska and Herrmann have been open about their relationship, often sharing glimpses of their partnership with fans online. Herrmann, a Los Angeles-based producer and educator, proposed on Sunday, August 3rd, an event Alaska described as “magical” and “unexpected” .

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Alaska expressed her joy and gratitude, stating, “My heart is so full. I love him so much and I can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with our friends, family, and the entire Drag Race community.” She went on to share that the proposal took place in an intimate setting, surrounded by close friends, and that the couple is planning a celebration that reflects their shared values of love, creativity, and inclusivity .

Alaska, whose real name is Justin Honard, has long used her platform to champion LGBTQ+ visibility and advocate for equality. The announcement was met with a flood of congratulatory messages from fellow drag artists, RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni, and fans worldwide. Social media was quickly filled with celebratory posts, with hashtags like #AlaskaEngaged and #LoveIsLove trending on platforms such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) .

Alaska’s engagement is more than a personal milestone—it is also being celebrated as a powerful moment for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream and queer media. As one of the most recognizable faces in contemporary drag, Alaska has become an ambassador not only for the art form but also for authentic queer relationships and the broader celebration of love in all its forms .

In recent years, RuPaul’s Drag Race has played an instrumental role in bringing drag culture—and by extension, LGBTQ+ stories—into the global spotlight. The public engagement of a high-profile winner like Alaska underscores the growing visibility of queer joy and partnership, providing inspiration and validation to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples everywhere .

The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from Alaska’s peers and fans. Drag Race alumni, including Trixie Mattel, Bob the Drag Queen, and Shea Couleé, shared their joy and best wishes via social media, while RuPaul’s official account posted a congratulatory message celebrating Alaska’s “unforgettable journey and enduring love” .

Fans also highlighted the importance of witnessing positive, affirming queer relationships in the public eye. Many shared stories of how Alaska’s bold performances and advocacy have helped them embrace their identities and find community, making this engagement feel like a collective celebration for the broader LGBTQ+ family .

Though details about the wedding remain under wraps, Alaska and Herrmann have hinted at an event that “brings together chosen family, creativity, and a lot of sparkle.” The couple has expressed their intention to keep fans updated as plans develop, promising moments of joy, visibility, and community connection throughout the process .

The couple’s openness about their relationship and this new chapter stands as a testament to the progress made in LGBTQ+ acceptance and visibility. As Alaska and Herrmann embark on this next stage together, their story is sure to inspire countless fans and serve as a touchstone for love, resilience, and authentic self-expression within the community.