Pride 2009
Alibi Gays in Space!
Our crew, pre-parade. En route, somebody in the crowd shouted 'space drunks' at us ... I'll go ahead and take that as a compliment.
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.
Self Serve's giant purple dildo was a hit with the crowd.
The New Mexico Menace IWFL team
What do gay horses eat? ... Hayyyy!
Take us to your leader, Earth boys and girls.
The New Mexico Democratic Party
The Dems: Sort of nearly standing up for gay marriage. More of a defensive crouch, really.
Space victory for the Alibi!
Dykes on Bikes have perfected the slow ride.
The Myrmidons of Melodrama
Proof that everyone loves a parade.
Derby Girls work the throngs, thongs.
The face of Mayor Martin Chavez' constituency
Sometimes it was hard to tell where the parade began and the
I do! (Perfect shot: They're infront of Seventh Goddess.)
The future of Albuquerque
Even the cops were having a good day!
She pretty much sums it up.
The sign in the background claims Jesus hates people. It's covered by another sign that says
It's just not a party until Don shows up.
Parked at the fairgrounds: These people really didn't want the parade to end.
