ALAMOSA — San Luis Valley Pride, a Non-profit organization dedicated to the ensuring the visibility and inclusion of individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ in the San Luis Valley is hosting the annual Pridefest celebration through Aug. 25 at various locations.
Pridefest brings awareness to queer individuals in the San Luis Valley. According to the group, “We strive that every individual who is LGBTQ+ feels safe to be themselves in the Valley while providing some education around queer issues.”
Pride originally began as a protest in the late 60’s due to police oppression that was occurring to the queer/LGBTQ+ community in New York. Thus began the famous Stonewall Riots which kick-started some of the most instrumental civil rights work. Pride then was about securing the rights to love people most genuinely, reduce discrimination, and build job protections for individuals who were being fired due to their sexuality. It still is about that, but much progress has been made and there is more to come. Pride now is a celebration of how far we have come as a marginalized group.
Pride is an important event for everyone, not just LGBTQ+ individuals, but allies alike. It’s the time of the year to show up and be there in support of our families and friends.
SLV Pridefest includes wonderful events. There will be a Brave Spaces Roller Skating event on Aug. 10 at the Alamosa Recreation Center from 4 to 8 p.m.
There is a Pride Gaming Night at Respawn Gameroom and VR Lounge in Del Norte from 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 14.
On Aug. 23, there will be pre-kickoff reading in Cole Park from 4 to 6 p.m. A DJ with some Drag Queen/King performers dropping in will be at the Rio Grande Farm Park from 6 to 10 p.m. The first 100 guests to the Kick-Off Party, will get free tacos from Taco Martinez.
On Aug. 24 at 10 a.m., folks will meet in the Alamosa Library parking lot to begin a human-led parade through town, whoever is Embracing their Rainbow the most enthusiastically dressed in their Pride will be rewarded on stage. After the parade, we kick-off Pridefest in Cole Park at 11 a.m. with live music, drag performers, and speakers.
The festivities will round out the weekend with a Drag Brunch on Sunday, Aug. 25, at the San Luis Valley Brewing Company at 9 a.m. for tickets, see our Instagram, Facebook or website slvpride.org.
