Alaska Thunderfuck, the acclaimed winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has announced her engagement to long-term partner Matthew Herrmann. The news broke on Monday night when Alaska shared a photo on social media showcasing a silver band on her left hand. The accompanying caption featured two ring emojis, symbolizing the joyous occasion.
In an exclusive statement to Entertainment Weekly, Alaska shared the details of the proposal. Herrmann popped the question in her hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania, following the celebration of her grandmother’s 90th birthday. “I love him so much and he’s the best,” Alaska expressed, adding several heart emojis to emphasize her happiness.
Support from the Drag Community
The couple received an outpouring of love and congratulations from fellow performers and alumni of Drag Race. Shea Coulee, winner of All Stars 5, congratulated Alaska with a heartfelt message, while Peppermint, a contestant from season 9, chimed in with “Congrats mama!”
Other Drag Race alumni, including Denali, who appeared in season 13 and All Stars 10, also shared their excitement with messages of support. Notably, the official Grindr account celebrated the couple’s engagement, commenting “congrats” along with ring and champagne emojis. Comedian Jackie Beat humorously lamented the news, saying, “I shall die alone…,” highlighting the mix of joy and jest within the community.
A Private Relationship
Alaska and Herrmann have maintained a relatively private relationship throughout their time together. Herrmann, who is described by Alaska as a “Los Angeles-based producer and educator,” tends to stay out of the public eye. Although he does not frequently post on social media, he shares moments from Alaska’s career, including a proud post earlier this year celebrating her feature in the New York Times for her show, Drag The Musical.
Prior to her relationship with Herrmann, Alaska was in a long-term partnership with Sharon Needles, the winner of Drag Race season 4. Their relationship ended in 2013, coinciding with Alaska’s first appearance on season 5 of the show.
With their engagement, Alaska and Matthew Herrmann embark on a new chapter filled with love and support from their community. The couple’s journey continues to inspire many fans and fellow performers alike as they celebrate this significant milestone together.
