Aud Pleas is a Queer LGBTIA2S+ civic leader, civil rights activist, media advocate, mentor, and DJ with a background in academia, broadcast and major music festival productions. As a graduate of University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Pleas holds two degrees in History and Journalism and Public Communications with an emphasis in multimedia and broadcast.
They’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with nationally renowned artists, journalists and educational leaders across the country for over 15 years. A lifelong Alaskan, residing in Eagle River, Pleas spends a majority of their time connecting with local youth and community members to identify resources to help propel and uplift others future endeavors. Their passion for community building stems from their time as the manager of KRUA-FM, UAA’s college radio station, and as a former member of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival Community Experiences Team.
As a student leader, Pleas worked with other LGBTQIA2S+ community members to produce the first sequence of Drag Shows at UAA and assisted in coordinating community conversations and campus protests focused on the lack of protections for LGBTQIA2S+ students, staff and faculty within the university system starting in 2008. Their fierce advocacy of LGBTQIA2S+ rights in Alaska spans close to 20 years. Pleas routinely donates their time to DJ and lend logistical support to advance community efforts and events focused on human rights and mutual aid. AP serves as the alumni representative on UAA’s Media Board. They’ve had the honor of serving as a National Endowment of Arts panelist and was the inaugural recipient of UAA’s Dean Berg Integrity in Journalism Award recognizing up and coming media leaders who lean into public affairs and civic engagement in 2013.
During their free time Pleas is known to pop onto UAA’s campus, and around town, to assist with programs geared towards elevating the educational and community engagement opportunities for K-12 and college students.
Favorite Quote: “We must reject not only the stereotypes that others hold of us, but also the stereotypes that we hold of ourselves.” – Shirley Chisholm
Favorite Place in the Northwest: The Gorge amphitheater, WA