Acceptance focus of Pride weekend

Eastern New Mexico News, Clovis, N.M.
·2 min read
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Jun. 27—Several Pride rainbow flags waved under the blue sky Saturday, as 300 activists and families traveled down Main Street for Clovis' Pride Parade. Participants sang and cheered about LGBTQ+ pride at the Eastern New Mexico Rising event.

With big red hair and a frilly long-sleeve gown, the parade was led by a drag queen who led cheers. Crowds of people sat along the sidewalk, wearing varying pride flags and elaborate makeup as they waved and took pictures of the parade.

Laura Wight, co-founder of Eastern NM Rising said she was in shock by the amount of support the community's first week-long celebration had received.

"We're doing this for the queer community, we're doing it for us. We're not doing it for everyone else. It's to show love and acceptance and that we're here. We've just been amazed by the support, turnout and all of the events," Wight said.

The weekend events went smoothly, Wight said. Saturday's parade attracted silent commentators who stood in front of the Potter's House Christian Fellowship Church. They held signs stating "Jesus died for you" and "Jesus te ama," which translates to "Jesus loves you."

A reporter for the News attempted to speak with several of them, but they declined.

"They (the signs) were very positive," Wight said. "...We felt good that they were at least sending a positive message, instead of something negative."

After the parade, residents were invited to continue the celebration at Hillcrest Park for the "Family Pridefest" event. The free event hosted 29 vendors within the park, each under their own colorful tent. Wight said about 400 people came to the park event.

Wight said the celebration was a great chance to meet with the community and hear about everyone's stories in seeking representation within New Mexico.

"Pride to me is really symbolic personally. I can be who I am. I'm accepted as I am. I get to define who I am and that I own that. So it's that self-autonomy," Wight said. "Being loving to everyone, accepting them as they present themselves to you and not trying to define that for another person."