Why Pride Felt Like a Bust in 2025 in Albuquerque
By Your Lesbian World / LesbianEarth
This June, the streets of Albuquerque didn’t quite sparkle the way they used to.Yes, the rainbow flags flew. The drag queens brought energy. Social media lit up with glitter and smiles. But for many in our community—especially lesbian and queer women—Pride 2025 felt… off. Hollow. Disconnected.
No Long Term Lesbian Representation
Let’s name what happened:
In past years, 5–6 Lesbians and Queer Women experienced in putting on Pride events served on the board. This year? Just 2 newcomers—no roots, no memory.
This wasn’t an oversight. It was a quiet clearing out. And it showed.
No Sponsors, No Support
This year’s board secured no major sponsors—a rare and telling silence. Whether it was budget cuts, politics, or discomfort with leadership that doesn’t reflect the full LGBTQ+ spectrum, the absence was glaring. For instance, Pepsi wanted to donated not only money but also drinks. But Pepsi was denied.
Pride Came With a Price
This year’s Pride was held at the Civic Center, under the brutal New Mexico sun. Temperatures soared. Shade was minimal. Water wasn’t allowed past security, and unlike previous years, no free drinks were offered. Last year, there were drinks being handed out. This year? You were own your own.
Adding insult to injury, clear purses were suddenly mandatory, though this was not communicated in advance. Attendees carrying even a small bag were forced to return to their cars — if they could even find them again in the parking mess downtown. And while Pride should be open and accessible, Albuquerque charged $20 for entry this year. There was no charge to have Pride at Civic Center.
That made the Albuquerque Pride event one of the only few paid Pride events in the entire state. Santa Fe? Free. Las Cruces? Free. Gallup? Free. Why is the largest city in New Mexico gatekeeping Pride behind a ticket fee?
For Queer Folks already navigating economic insecurity–especially trans folks, elders, and younger lesbians and queer women this was a barrier to entry. Who is Pride for? Pride becomes a performance. A popularity contest. Not what we were promised.
Want to Support Queer Women Doing the Work?
Here are some fabulous ways to show up, give back, and stay involved:
🎨 Attend the Art Show “Beyond the Frame” by 33 Lesbian & Queer Women
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We don’t need permission to exist.
We just need each other.
With love and fire,
Your Lesbian World / LesbianEarth
Seems like Albuquerque Pride was taken over by male dominance, male supremacy, or what we call sexism. Let’s call it what it is!