By David Stocum
Saturday June 27th marked the end of the 2009 Pride season with record setting events in Santa Fe and Las Cruces.
Nearly 2000 people enjoyed a sunny, breezy day in Pioneer Women’s Park. This years Southern New Mexico Pride included several new events making for a weekend long celebration. The celebration began Friday with Drag Bingo at the NMSU Golf Course Clubhouse and concluded with a Pool Party at the Desert Hills Pool Sunday evening. Southern New Mexico Pride has grown every year for the last five years and is the largest GLBTQ event in the southern part of the state.
Santa Fe Pride moved from the Plaza to the new Railyard Plaza which allowed for more vendors and a first time beer garden. The larger area lead to the creation of family areas and an area for adults only allowing everyone to create their own experience. Officials report the crowd was one of the largest in recent memory. Attendees report the new location was a success and they were looking forward to next year.
The weekend events also served as commemorations of the Stonewall riots which occurred 40 years ago on June 28th.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
FTMI New Mexico Chapter Commends Lawmakers for Introduction of Inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act
Albuquerque NM, June 24, 2009: FTMInternational Albuquerque Chapter applauded US lawmakers today for introducing an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would protect LGBT employees from workplace discrimination. The bill, which enjoys bi-partisan support in Congress, would add orientation and gender identity to existing federal employment non-discrimination laws.
FTMI Albuquerque President Adrien Lawyer stated, "We urge our Congressional representatives to co-sponsor this important worker protection legislation."
Currently, 12 states have LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination protections, covering nearly 40 percent of Americans. And, according to numerous surveys, large majorities of likely voters in the U.S. support federal employment non-discrimination laws to protect LGBT people. Polling data from 2006 shows that voters are more likely to support a candidate who votes for an LGBT discrimination law than they are to vote against.
FTMInternational President Rabbi Levi Alter added, "For all who want to contribute to America through gainful employment and hard, honest work, it is vitally important to ensure that all employees have access to a fair and equitable workplace."
FTMI Albuquerque President Adrien Lawyer stated, "We urge our Congressional representatives to co-sponsor this important worker protection legislation."
Currently, 12 states have LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination protections, covering nearly 40 percent of Americans. And, according to numerous surveys, large majorities of likely voters in the U.S. support federal employment non-discrimination laws to protect LGBT people. Polling data from 2006 shows that voters are more likely to support a candidate who votes for an LGBT discrimination law than they are to vote against.
FTMInternational President Rabbi Levi Alter added, "For all who want to contribute to America through gainful employment and hard, honest work, it is vitally important to ensure that all employees have access to a fair and equitable workplace."
Sunday, June 21, 2009
ABQ NPR Station to Air Local GLBTQ Radio Show
Friday June 26th from 8:30 am to 9:00 am KUNM will be having a GLBTQA Radio Show. This half-hour show is hopefully the first of many more. On this show the host will discuss the Domestic Partners Bill before the New Mexico Legislature with Linda Siegle.
It will also discuss the hour long on Sunday June 28th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. This show will feature Shannon Minter, lead counsel on Prop 8 and many more local LGBTQA advocates.
EQNM is working throughout the state to have full recognition of all LGBTQ relationships. Without marriage equality or domestic partnerships, LGBTQ individuals and same-sex couples are forced to pay expensive legal fees in order to create a patchwork of basic legal protections, like durable power of attorney and living wills. Domestic partnerships are one step to providing legal protections necessary for families to care for their loved ones.
While not everyone in our community wishes to marry, everyone deserves the freedom to make this choice. As a community, LGBTQ individuals and families deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and to have equal protection of the laws. Being excluded from this right not only deprives same-sex couples of critical legal protections, it also demeans and stigmatizes same-sex couples and encourages discrimination.
Please listen to these show and call KUNM afterwards 505.277.4806 to encourage them to support a local GLTBQA show.
For more information about Equality New Mexico, please contact Jordon at jordon@eqnm.org.
It will also discuss the hour long on Sunday June 28th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. This show will feature Shannon Minter, lead counsel on Prop 8 and many more local LGBTQA advocates.
EQNM is working throughout the state to have full recognition of all LGBTQ relationships. Without marriage equality or domestic partnerships, LGBTQ individuals and same-sex couples are forced to pay expensive legal fees in order to create a patchwork of basic legal protections, like durable power of attorney and living wills. Domestic partnerships are one step to providing legal protections necessary for families to care for their loved ones.
While not everyone in our community wishes to marry, everyone deserves the freedom to make this choice. As a community, LGBTQ individuals and families deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and to have equal protection of the laws. Being excluded from this right not only deprives same-sex couples of critical legal protections, it also demeans and stigmatizes same-sex couples and encourages discrimination.
Please listen to these show and call KUNM afterwards 505.277.4806 to encourage them to support a local GLTBQA show.
For more information about Equality New Mexico, please contact Jordon at jordon@eqnm.org.
Southern New Mexico Pride to Feature Local Musicians
LAS CRUCES – As part of the annual parade and picnic sponsored by Southern New Mexico Pride, local music performers Randy Granger, Belle and Alister M will perform live at the WIA building across from Pioneer Women’s Park on Saturday, June 27th, 2009 starting at 11:00 a.m.
Randy Granger is a singer-songwriter, composer, independent recording artist and workshop presenter. He has earned recognition for his songwriting, flute playing, composing, production, published poetry and is a winner/nominee in several New Mexico Music Industry Awards including “Best Flutist,” Traditional” and “New Age” recordings. “You hear in the music of Native American Randy Granger – elements of New Mexico...sage and mesquite, deserts and canyons, the Rio Grande River and stunning sunsets. The Southwest is in his blood and in his soul.” (Notes and Chords Magazine) Randy Granger is scheduled to perform from 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Alister M is an indie rock band consisting of members Steve MacIntyre, Reed Elliott, Janelle Borsberry, Sam Greene, and Ian McNiel. The band’s current album is “The Year of Independence”. Some of the songs on this album were recorded in the summer of 2008 in a recording studio in Phoenix, Arizona. The tracks were then mixed by recording/mixing guru Mike Major who has worked with such bands as: At the Drive In, Sparta, and Sleepercar. Alister M is scheduled to perform from 2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Belle is a local musician who lives in the Las Cruces area, and has played on KRWG, performed at Earth Day 2008 and various local coffee houses. Belle is scheduled to perform from 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
All three performing artists can be found on MySpace.com. The performances are free and open to the public.
The parade and picnic are from 10:00 a.m. to 3: 00 p.m., and are part of a weekend of scheduled events, including Drag Bingo on Friday, June 26, 7:00 p.m. at the NMSU Golf Course Clubhouse; a Pride Dance Saturday, June 27, 8:00 p.m. at Eddie’s Bar & Grill; a PFLAG-sponsored film (Were The World Mine) on Sunday, June 28, 10:00 a.m., at the Fountain Theater; and a Pride Pool Party Sunday evening, 6:30 p.m. at the Desert Hills Pool.
Randy Granger is a singer-songwriter, composer, independent recording artist and workshop presenter. He has earned recognition for his songwriting, flute playing, composing, production, published poetry and is a winner/nominee in several New Mexico Music Industry Awards including “Best Flutist,” Traditional” and “New Age” recordings. “You hear in the music of Native American Randy Granger – elements of New Mexico...sage and mesquite, deserts and canyons, the Rio Grande River and stunning sunsets. The Southwest is in his blood and in his soul.” (Notes and Chords Magazine) Randy Granger is scheduled to perform from 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Alister M is an indie rock band consisting of members Steve MacIntyre, Reed Elliott, Janelle Borsberry, Sam Greene, and Ian McNiel. The band’s current album is “The Year of Independence”. Some of the songs on this album were recorded in the summer of 2008 in a recording studio in Phoenix, Arizona. The tracks were then mixed by recording/mixing guru Mike Major who has worked with such bands as: At the Drive In, Sparta, and Sleepercar. Alister M is scheduled to perform from 2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Belle is a local musician who lives in the Las Cruces area, and has played on KRWG, performed at Earth Day 2008 and various local coffee houses. Belle is scheduled to perform from 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
All three performing artists can be found on MySpace.com. The performances are free and open to the public.
The parade and picnic are from 10:00 a.m. to 3: 00 p.m., and are part of a weekend of scheduled events, including Drag Bingo on Friday, June 26, 7:00 p.m. at the NMSU Golf Course Clubhouse; a Pride Dance Saturday, June 27, 8:00 p.m. at Eddie’s Bar & Grill; a PFLAG-sponsored film (Were The World Mine) on Sunday, June 28, 10:00 a.m., at the Fountain Theater; and a Pride Pool Party Sunday evening, 6:30 p.m. at the Desert Hills Pool.
RainbowVison Santa Fe Celebrates Three Years
The last week of June marks many special events including worldwide Gay Pride and the birthday of RainbowVision Santa Fe, the world’s first full service Community for the Second Fifty Years.
This year marks RainbowVision Santa Fe’s third birthday, an occasion for much celebration. RainbowVision is the only full service LGBT and allies “Community for the Second Fifty Years” offering an active social environment for members who live completely independently through assisted living. The 146 residences are centered around the El Centro clubhouse where members and their guests enjoy fine dining at Garbo’s, incredible events at the acclaimed SilverStarlight Lounge and a top of the line fitness experience at the Billie Jean King Fitness Center and Spa.
RainbowVision Santa Fe has become a leader for the senior housing industry, in addition to providing groundbreaking services for the LGBT and allied community. Moving away from the entry fee model, so prevalent in past decades, RainbowVision properties has found success in a no fee model. This gives the Baby Boomer and beyond population greater flexibility in determining their futures. In addition to ground breaking services like Functional Fitness, A Matter of Balance© training, MS support groups, etc., RainbowVision has redefined the language and services offered in a way that is reflective of the self image experienced by this demographic.
Upcoming at The Rio Grande
RIO GRANDE THEATRE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JULY 2009
Saturday, July 18
Missoula Children’s Theatre presents “Robinson Crusoe”
Hula-dancing Chameleons and other wacky characters from Friday’s Seaside Resort will take center stage as Missoula Children’s Theatre brings their annual production to Las Cruces, starring local children ranging in age from 5 to 18. Showtimes for Robinson Crusoe are 3pm and 7pm. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for children. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.
Thursday, July 16
Benefit Screening “The Sharp End”
Early in June of this year, the rock climbing community was rocked by news that three American climbers had been lost in an avalanche in an isolated part of Southwest China. After several days of search and rescue, two bodies were recovered, while the third remains unfound. To help fund the continuing search, as well as the memorial services for the three climbers, NMSU Outdoor Recreation will screen Sender Film’s “The Sharp End,” an adrenaline-soaked journey up the world’s most challenging walls. Showtime is 7pm. Tickets are $10. For more information call 575-646-4746 or visit www.AdventureFilm.org
Friday, July 24
Las Cruces High School Theatre Arts presents “The Odd Couple”
In Neil Simon’s Broadway masterpiece, fastidious neat freak Felix and habitual slob Oscar find themselves unexpectedly sharing an apartment together, leading to inevitable conflicts and good-natured laughs. A one-night-only performance for the entire family. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.
Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre
July 14 – Doug Randle: Guitar & Vocals
July 28 – La Cella Bella: Women’s Cello Quartet
Please note: Every Other Tuesday performances always begin at 5:30pm and are free to the public.
On Exhibit in the El Paso Electric and Caroline de Mesilla Galleries
Marie Siegrist (Watercolors) and Joe Dominick (Photography)
The works of two very different artists will fill the El Paso Electric and the Caroline de Mesilla galleries, beginning with a reception for the artists to coincide with the First Friday Downtown Arts Ramble, on July 3, 2009, beginning at 5pm. Siegrist’s paintings encompass a wide variety of subjects, including up-close nature studies, floral themes, landscapes, doorways, windows and candid moments of life. Dominick works in the black and white silver print medium, using a 4x5 large format camera. His works have been seen as far afield as Chicago, Houston and Santa Fe. The exhibit will run through July 31, 2009.
For clarification, photos or additional information, please contact the Rio Grande Theatre Manager, David Salcido, at 575-523-6403.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JULY 2009
Saturday, July 18
Missoula Children’s Theatre presents “Robinson Crusoe”
Hula-dancing Chameleons and other wacky characters from Friday’s Seaside Resort will take center stage as Missoula Children’s Theatre brings their annual production to Las Cruces, starring local children ranging in age from 5 to 18. Showtimes for Robinson Crusoe are 3pm and 7pm. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for children. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.
Thursday, July 16
Benefit Screening “The Sharp End”
Early in June of this year, the rock climbing community was rocked by news that three American climbers had been lost in an avalanche in an isolated part of Southwest China. After several days of search and rescue, two bodies were recovered, while the third remains unfound. To help fund the continuing search, as well as the memorial services for the three climbers, NMSU Outdoor Recreation will screen Sender Film’s “The Sharp End,” an adrenaline-soaked journey up the world’s most challenging walls. Showtime is 7pm. Tickets are $10. For more information call 575-646-4746 or visit www.AdventureFilm.org
Friday, July 24
Las Cruces High School Theatre Arts presents “The Odd Couple”
In Neil Simon’s Broadway masterpiece, fastidious neat freak Felix and habitual slob Oscar find themselves unexpectedly sharing an apartment together, leading to inevitable conflicts and good-natured laughs. A one-night-only performance for the entire family. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.
Every Other Tuesday at the Rio Grande Theatre
July 14 – Doug Randle: Guitar & Vocals
July 28 – La Cella Bella: Women’s Cello Quartet
Please note: Every Other Tuesday performances always begin at 5:30pm and are free to the public.
On Exhibit in the El Paso Electric and Caroline de Mesilla Galleries
Marie Siegrist (Watercolors) and Joe Dominick (Photography)
The works of two very different artists will fill the El Paso Electric and the Caroline de Mesilla galleries, beginning with a reception for the artists to coincide with the First Friday Downtown Arts Ramble, on July 3, 2009, beginning at 5pm. Siegrist’s paintings encompass a wide variety of subjects, including up-close nature studies, floral themes, landscapes, doorways, windows and candid moments of life. Dominick works in the black and white silver print medium, using a 4x5 large format camera. His works have been seen as far afield as Chicago, Houston and Santa Fe. The exhibit will run through July 31, 2009.
For clarification, photos or additional information, please contact the Rio Grande Theatre Manager, David Salcido, at 575-523-6403.
From the New York Times - Why the Gay Rights Movement Has No National Leader
Week in Review
Why the Gay Rights Movement Has No National Leader
By JEREMY W. PETERS
Published: June 21, 2009
Many of the battles were fought by local activists close to home.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/weekinreview/21peters.html
Why the Gay Rights Movement Has No National Leader
By JEREMY W. PETERS
Published: June 21, 2009
Many of the battles were fought by local activists close to home.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/weekinreview/21peters.html
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Community Leaders and Activists Create Movements Future at Summit
By David Stocum
Approximately 100 LGBT community leaders and activists assembled at the
The morning was devoted to assessing where the LGBT rights movement in
Havens Levitt facilitated an interactive presentation of the history of the New Mexico LGBT movement to lead the day off. One striking point of this history is that
Andrew Gans and Sonia Bettez facilitated the afternoon session which focused on the future of the LGBT rights movement in
The summit was followed by a rally on
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Southern New Mexico Pride – “40 Years After Stonewall: Partners in Pride” on June 27th
The afternoon will include a DJ and dancing, live entertainment with local performing artists Randy Granger, Belle and Alister M in the WIA building across the street from the park beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Join the Queer bake-off from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. Participants are encouraged to enter their favorite recipes in select categories which will then be auctioned off.
Various vendors, crafts and food will be available. And, kids can play in the Rainbow Rugrats area with games and jumping balloon.
The parade and picnic are part of a weekend of scheduled events, including Drag Bingo on Friday, June 26, 7:00 p.m. at the NMSU Golf Course Clubhouse, a Pride Dance Saturday, June 27, 8:00 p.m. at Eddie’s Bar & Grill, a PFLAG-sponsored film on Sunday, June 28, 10:00 a.m., at the Fountain Theater, and a Pride Pool Party Sunday evening, 6:30 p.m. at the Dessert Hills Pool.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
LGBT Rights Summit Adds Events
More events have been added to June 6 - it will be a full day. Organizers are expecting over 100 participants at the Summit from 25 communities (as of now) throughout NM.
10:00am - 4:30pm - Summit - UNM Law School (details below)
5:00pm - Press Conference to report on outcomes of Summit - Civic Plaza, Downtown Albuquerque
5:00pm - 6:00pm - Rally to protest California Prop 8 Supreme Court Ruling. Civic Plaza, Downtown Albuquerque
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Equal Rights Champions Reception
Saturday June 6th – following the Summit
4th Street Nightclub – 109 4th St. NW (about a block south of Civic Plaza)
Suggested Donation $20
(All summit registrants will receive one complimentary ticket)
All New Mexico Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Allied Organizations are encouraged to participate by sending a representative. Individual activists are also encouraged to attend! A facilitated community discussion will take place in order to build support around next steps for our community.
Learn about current and future efforts in regards to LGBT Equality:
Domestic Partnership Legislation
Marriage Litigation
Putting the focus on Marriage Equality in New Mexico
What we have accomplished so far...
The Summit on LGBT Rights in New Mexico is being hosted by an ad-hoc steering committee of activists who wish to engage the larger LGBTA community in a conversation about our future.
They have secured a discounted room rate at Sandia Courtyard Hotel and Convention Center starting at $54/night plus tax. You may contact the hotel directly at (505) 296-4852 and reference code LNOP.
For more information, or to RSVP—please contact:
summitlgbtNM@gmail.com or call (505) 266-3578
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