Pride 2009

Alibi Gays in Space!

For me, rising before 10 a.m. is a rare occurrence, and usually involves air travel or a very special occasion. Today was one of those very special occasions, and I dragged my ass out of bed at 7 a.m., covered it in silver sequins and boarded a gay trailer built to resemble the moon. Circumstance has hindered my participation in Pride year after year, so 2009 was not only my first parade and first gay Pride, it was my first turn helping to manage the gay project. It was a lot of work, but totally worth it in the end. Being straight, I initially felt like a dilettante, but as our space float moved down Central at 5 mph blasting "Spirit in the Sky" for the fifth time I got a little teary realizing how important it was for us as individuals, and as a business and newspaper to be part of the celebration. When you don't support the rights of others, you don't support your own rights. Plus it was incredible fun. Good for you, Albuquerque. Now, enough of that, let's have a cocktail.