Despite It All, Queer Joy Persists: UpLift Chronicles’ 2025 Pride Guide
Learn more about the origins of Pride Month and Pride events happening throughout New Mexico in UpLift Chronicles' 2025 Pride Guide, compiled by Kai Warrior.
by Kai Warrior
The time has come to celebrate another Pride Month here in New Mexico! The birth of Pride came from the Stonewall Riots, led by 2 trans women of color, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, in the streets of New York City on June 28, 1969.
Cities across the country followed in NYC’s footsteps, and Albuquerque Pride started in 1976, when 25 people marched down Central Avenue from Morningside Park to the University of New Mexico. What started as an angry plea for equality has transformed into a space where anger and celebration can live together, and queer and trans joy can emanate freely.
Despite the political and social regression that is taking place within the Western world, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the defunding of DEI programs, the forcible outing of children in K-12 schools in some states, and despite transgender rights being revoked, there is still room for joy and triumph amidst the afflicted. Whether you're queer and looking to celebrate or you’re hoping to support the queer community, here are some events to attend and support this year.
Drag Brunches at Electric Playhouse
Every first Sunday of every month from 11am-2pm, check out Drag Brunch at Electric Playhouse! Hosted by Vanessa Patricks and featuring performances by Albuquerque's favorite queens, this 18+ event has ticket options ranging from general admission to an all-you-can-eat buffet and VIP tables.
Albuquerque Events
The 49th annual Albuquerque Pride happens June 7. The parade will be held in Nob Hill again this year, marching down historic Route 66 at 10am. At 2pm, find yourself at the Downtown Civic Plaza PrideFest to watch performances, support vendors, and participate in community. Candlelight vigils will be held every Thursday evening in June at Morningside Park, honoring LGBTQIA+ lives lost.
Chef Nestor Lopez, owner of Old Town restaurant Gobble This!, is a lead organizer of Old Town Pride on June 14, collaborating with Old Town’s Second Saturday events to curate a full day (9am-8:30pm) of food, community resources, vendors, and guest speakers during the first half of the day; expect drag shows, free dance classes, drag book reading, and more in the second half of the day. A tour traveling around the plaza to visit different drag shows will be led by drag queen Allison Saint.
Celebrations Outside Albuquerque
In Santa Fe, there’s Drag Bingo at Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery on June 11, from 7-9pm, and tickets are $22. On June 14, hop onboard the Pride Train for a night of song and dance as you travel through the desert. Close out the month with Santa Fe’s Pride on the Plaza, on June 28 from 9am-5pm. Navajo Nation Pride, happening June 27-28, honors, celebrates and reaffirms our LGBTQ2S+ relatives.
Celebrating Beyond June
Pride at the Plaza (Taos), Aug. 2
Second Chance Prom, Aug. 16
Las Cruces Pridefest, Oct. 4
Start off the month of August in Taos on Aug. 2 with food, vendors and live performances at Pride at the Plaza. On Aug. 16, a Second Chance Prom will be held at Harwood Museum of Art, giving an opportunity to rewrite and re-live that night, centering queer joy and resilience. Attend Southern New Mexico PrideFest in Las Cruces on Oct. 4, with more details to be announced soon.
Queer Businesses to Support
El Cuervo, LGBTQ+ owned and operated lodging
Pink Pony Soft Serve, soft-serve ice cream parlor