July 4th, Independence Day, has just passed, and as we see that the historical celebration’s significance disappears, we must try to stay positive. To that end, there has been increasing turnout in many cities to show support for the LGBTQ+ community in events during Gay Pride Month. Observances became international in 1970 following the Stonewall Riots that erupted after a police raid on a gay bar in Greenwich Village on June 28, 1969.
Here, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Pride Day Parade and celebration were a truly joyous occasion. I saw one figure in print that there were 10,000 individuals attending. Though I am quite sure that figure was greatly exaggerated, our streets were filled with smiling faces of participants and those who came to show support and enjoy the spectacle.
Santa Fe is a relatively small town with a population of the city just under 90,000 inhabitants, but it attracts visitors from all over. Its offerings include hiking, biking, skiing, as well as museums, restaurants, and lately, theater, disproportionate to its size. In the first half of this year, I have seen license plates from 40 different states as well as those from Mexico, Canada, and various Native American Tribes. Many of the latter were represented in the parade, as participants or in booths or as onlookers.
The center of town was full of music and kiosks stretching from the Plaza to City Hall. What was so refreshing was that those manning the kiosks were not selling but rather giving away buttons, stickers, flags, bracelets, wreaths, all in Gay colors. Some also offered free drinks or candy, and one even had brownies. As marchers passed, they threw candies to the crowds.
The parade started off with about a dozen police on motorcycles, then fire trucks, an ambulance, and even a Department of Sanitation truck. Then came the Mayor, Alan Webber, decked out in a glittering jacket and hat.
Many marchers were dressed in rainbow colors, some carrying signs and others just walking in support of the cause. Some wore costumes designed to call attention to their convictions.
Marchers represented many different groups from Girls Inc. to a Veterans organization. There was even a school bus with a sign referencing support for trans kids. The School for the Arts also sent its young representatives.
There were stands representing the Police, the city clerk, and even the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Different religions were represented, including a Jewish Synagogue and several denominations of Christians.
One booth that surprised me was the one for a Buddhist organization.
It really was one for all and all for one! I found the event uplifting, giving faith in one’s fellow man for a change.
