Now a national celebration full of rainbow colors and vibrant expressions of humanity, the history of Pride Month is rooted in the weight of the Stonewall riots of June 28, 1969. The following year, on the anniversary of the riots, marked the first Gay Pride march in U.S. history, known then as Christopher Street Liberation Day.
Since 1976, Albuquerque Pride has honored the LGBTQ community with art shows, activism, music, and of course – a parade. Here at The University of New Mexico, the LGBTQ Resource Center offers a number of ways to dive in and join the fun during Albuquerque PrideFest.
Wednesday, June 6
UNM Comes Out for Pride kicks off from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. with the UNMH/HSC Pride Ice Cream Social at the Barbara and Bill Richardson Pavilion.
Thursday, June 7
Along with the Transgender Resource Center of NM (TGRCNM), march to promote trans rights and visibility. From the TGRCNM website: “…make our voices heard and presence known as transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people in our community! Family members, loved ones, and people who support us are welcome and encouraged to attend.” The event begins at the Transgender Resource Center of NM at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, June 8
Stop by UNM’s LGBTQ Resource Center at 12 p.m. for one of their most festive and popular events – Float Decorating! Pitch in to make the center’s Pride Parade float a radiant beacon of LGBTQ love and light. Then join in the parade and PrideFest on Saturday to dance off all that elbow grease!
Saturday, June 9
Meet at Girard and Central at 9 a.m. to show your UNM LGBTQ Pride in the Albuquerque Pride Parade! Albuquerque PrideFest starts right after the parade, with events celebrating “Dance - Music - Friendship - Expression - Art - Fun - Diversity!” at Expo New Mexico.
For more information about events, tickets and t-shirts, visit the Albuquerque Pride website.