Story and Photo by Hilary Broman
Senior Staff Reporter
June 6, 2017
June is Pride Month. Cities from all over the world celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer community.
Pride also serves as a safe space for the LGBTIQ+ community to come together to raise awareness of issues concerning the community such as; inequality, discrimination and bigotry.
Albuquerque Pride kicks off its celebration on Wednesday, June 7th and lasts throughout the weekend. With various events including a candlelight vigil and a parade the Albuquerque LGBTIQ+ community will come together to celebrate diversity and acceptance.
The CNM Chronicle gathered information from the Albuquerque Pride website and compiled a list of events for students who are interested in participating.
1. Event: Figuratively Speaking – Art Show
When: June 7th at 5:00-9:00pm
Where: Fine Arts Building at EXPO New Mexico State Fairgrounds
Cost: Free
About: “This is a joint art show for David Zaintz and Max Woltman. The exhibition, in association with Albuquerque Pride, includes original paintings and photographs as well as collaborations by the artists. This will be a rare opportunity to see the one-of-a-kind special commissioned piece “Homogenize a la a amistad a travel de la reincarnation de Dorian Gray” (Tribute to Friendship Through the Reincarnation of Dorian Gray),” according to the event Facebook page.
2. Event: Candlelight Vigil
When: June 8th at 7:30om
Where: Morningside Park – Morningside Dr SE & Lead Ave SE
Cost: Free
About: “This year’s Candlelight Vigil will be a reflection and remembrance in solidarity through pride and a celebration of our diversity; creating a future in unity and love. Experience an evening of community, sharing and music. This is a free event where nearly 500 people gathered last year,” from the event Facebook page.
3. Event: PrideFest Free Friday
When: June 9th
Where: State Fairgrounds Expo NM
Cost: Free
About: “This is a family-friendly, FREE Friday, pre-Pride celebration including the annual Art Show, a Music Festival featuring Severo y Grupo Fuego, The MLC Band and Encantada The Band of Enchantment and the movie, Moana,” as stated on the event Facebook page.
4. Event: Albuquerque Pride Parade: Solidarity Through Pride
When: June 10th at 10:00am
Where: Along Lomas from Washington to San Pedro
Cost: Free
About: This year’s theme “Solidarity through Pride” gives the community the opportunity to reflect on the history of the LGBTIQ community in New Mexico. The Pride Parade includes floats, classic cars, motorcycles, horses, and dancers. It is the second largest parade in New Mexico. New to the Pride Parade is Park N’ Ride Service. There will be a free shuttle service running every 10 minutes from Expo New Mexico – Gate 4 (on San Pedro) to one of 3 parade route locations on Roma Ave. Service runs from 7:30am until 11:30am, as stated on the Albuquerque PrideFest Website. Facebook page.
5. Event: PrideFest 2017
When: June 10th at 10:00am-6:30pm
Where: Expo New Mexico – Gate 3 – 300 San Pedro Dr NE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Cost: $15.00/ Children 10 and under are free ($10 if purchased online before event-click here)
About: After the Pride Parade the celebration continues with PrideFest at Expo New Mexico. The event includes music, dance, art, local performers, radio stations and food vendors. This annual event averages about 9,000 people and brings people from all over the Southwest. For more information click here.
6. Event: NM Resist Rally for the Equality March
When: June 11th at 12:30pm-2:00pm
Where: Robinson Park – 810 Copper Ave. NW Albuquerque, NM 87102
Cost: Free
About: Mobilizing New Mexico LGBTQ+ communities, loved ones and allies. The particular focus is on those who have been actively silenced and neglected. This is a fight to affirm and protect LGBTQ+ rights, safety and full humanity. This is a call to action; standing together for change.
“Our resistance is our existence,” as stated on the event Facebook page.
