We are each of us, individually, born into circumstances beyond our control. Collectively, we behave like chickens—some of us fearfully pecking at anything different, while others look silently on against the uneasy prospect of being next. And of course, the pecked, who simply were born into the horror of being different and outnumbered. It’s shameful behavior, most likely a throwback to prehistoric times when we had horns and fangs, and we don’t need it anymore. We need to let everyone live in dignity and comfort, secure from the ignorant hatred of the few. That’s what Pride is. It’s all of us standing together against hatred and demanding the right to be ourselves. And if there are foam parties and dance music, so much the better.Almost 45 years ago, a police raid at Manhattan’s Stonewall Inn set in motion the LGBT rights movement as we know it. Thanks to the efforts of the LGBT community, allies and civil rights activists, the United States has become far more accepting of sexual orientation and gender identity differences than ever before. Obviously there is always more work to be done, but Pride Week is a time of celebration. So come out, speak out, march in the parade, duck into dark bars, climb onto neon lit stages, and bring your families to honor the progress we have made and the vibrant community that made it possible. Whether you’re L, G, B, T, Q or just wanting to check out the scene, there’s bound to be an event happening this week that you should attend.
Thursday, May 29
Morningside Park—7:30pm Albuquerque Pride Candlelight VigilEffex Albuquerque—8pm-2am Effex Pride resident Cazwell returns with support by resident Chris DeJesus.Albuquerque Social Club—9pm Candle Light Vigil After Party and Karaoke Gong Show
Friday, May 30
Expo New Mexico, Gate 3—7pm Century 21 Unica Real Estate Art ShowEffex Albuquerque—8pm-2am Special guest DJ Joe Gauthreaux gets support by resident DJs Stitch and Josh Burg.Sidewinders Bar—8pm Andrew Christian Underwear Party w/ Pablo Hernandez, $10 coverAlbuquerque Social Club—9pm Ladies Night and Albuquerque Boys of Leather
Saturday, May 31
UNM, Girard and Central—10am Albuquerque Pride ParadeScalo Northern Italian Grill—11am-1pm Join New Mexico AIDS Services to raise money for HIV/AIDS research and support by eating pancakes. Morningside Park—11:30am-3:30pm Family Pride Picnic, featuring live music by Nosotros, Mala Maña and L@sOtr@s, children’s activities and a magician.Expo New Mexico, Gate 3—11am-6:30pm Pridefest attractions include the OUTSpoken Queer Poetry Slam at noon, performances by Beverly McClellan from “The Voice,” former adult film star-cum-singer/songwriter Colton Ford and Alex Newell, best known as Wade “Unique” Adams on "Glee," on Main Stage, plus much, much more. Visit abqpride.com for more deets. Gravity Nightclub—7pm-2am Ages 16 and up are invited to a Pride Foam Party feat. DJ Irene, Ill-Jah, Amy Lopez, Ryan Hinchman, Saunders, Zooplankton, Entheogen, DJ Genacide, DJ East, Revolt! and Bohdi Beatz, plus fractal, serotonin light and "tracers" booths.ArtBar by Catalyst Club—8pm-2am Kandy Krush feat. Mother Death Queen, DJ Anita, DJ Matty Be, DJ In.Dis.Cizion and burlesque by The Sugar Babies Sidewinders Bar—8pm DJ Stitch and Dirty Pop w/ DJ Drew G, $10 coverEffex Albuquerque—8pm-2am Special guest Leo Matthew gets support by resident DJs Chris DeJesus, Devin, Greg Garcia and Josh Burg.Albuquerque Social Club—Noon BBQAlbuquerque Social Club—9pm Appearance by Jessica Wild and Sonique of RuPaul’s Drag Race; Appearance by Drag King Landon Cider
Sunday, June 1
Hartnett Park—Noon-5pm Los Ranchos PrideHotel Cascada Indoor Waterpark—2-9pm Pride Pool Party with bloody mary/mimosa bar at noon and DJs Sidewinders Bar—9pm So You Think You Can Drag? No cover show!
Saturday, June 7
Cliff’s Amusement Park—10am-9pm Albuquerque Gay Day: Wear a red t-shirt!