Pride & True

Past the artifice of body glitter, rainbow-hued tutus and packets of personal lubricant that are flung from the back of semi-decorated trucks, lies a true message. In June 1970, the first Pride parade was staged to commemorate the nearly weeklong Stonewall Riots, wherein members of New York’s LGBT+ community decided to take a stand against systematic harassment.

Sure, the idea has morphed some since, but its essence is the same: to celebrate diversity in all forms, hold your head up high and ask to have the same rights as everyone else.

Santa Fe's humble Pride parade happens this Saturday starting at 1 pm at the Roundhouse and caravans it over to the Plaza with a festival from 2-6 pm. A full schedule of events is available on the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance website. You can also hear from HRA board president Richard Bell here.

If the expected circuit of parties isn't your thing, a new faction dubbed "alt-Pride" is set to host a comedy night at Skylight and Queertopia, an "all-inclusive artistic extravaganza," held on the same day as the outdoor festival at Iconik Coffee Roasters.

Whatever your idea of fun is and whatever your sexual orientation may be, try to stand in the crowd during the parade if you can. Loud woo-hoos are appreciated, but so is silent support. Support for the legacy of Sylvia Rivera, Harvey Milk, Leelah Alcorn and countless other figures who have, in their own way and away from the spotlight, contributed to change.

Santa Fe is divided enough. Let's all get together, if even for an hour, and celebrate the very diversity our city so strongly touts.


SF PRIDE PARADE
1 pm, Saturday, June 27. Free
Commences at the Roundhouse

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