By Lily Alexander | Searchlight New Mexico

For members of the LGBTQ+ community, Kevin Bowen said, mere existence is political.

That’s why Pride is integral.

“We are political because of how the administration has pushed back against the community and in many ways that are quite tangible,” said Bowen, executive director of the Human Rights Alliance of Santa Fe. “So it’s more important than ever that the community comes out and people see how many people are here that are part of this community and how many people are also here that are allies to our community.”

The organization’s annual PRIDE celebration — which this year will feature an 85-float parade and more than 120 booths — will decorate the Santa Fe Plaza in shades of rainbow this weekend. For Bowen, it’s about engaging local youth in particular.

“One of the things that many of us organizations that put on Pride celebrations are really concerned about is letting other people know who don’t live a real open life — especially young folks — that there are people around that are just like them,” he said. “And many of us that run these organizations say if we save one kid’s life, it was all worth it.”

In response to a 2024 survey by The Trevor Project, 43% of young LGBTQ+ New Mexicans said they had seriously considered suicide in the previous year. The survey also said 64% reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety, and 56% said they had experienced feelings of depression.

A Santa Fe Public Schools bus and the Santa Fe Public Library will make appearances at Saturday’s celebration, Bowen noted. He said he thinks it’s important for young LGBTQ+ people to see themselves in the present, but also to learn and know about their community’s past.

The Human Rights Alliance hosted two lectures about LGBTQ+ history this month — a Pride-month first for the organization.

“There’s a real important push to educate the younger queer folks about lots of things — like the history of the queer movement and how it all started — because some people who are younger have been born into a very accepting atmosphere that now has, all of a sudden, become very unaccepting,” Bowen said.

The American Civil Liberties Union is currently tracking 530 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in state legislatures across the country. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s administration has repeatedly targeted queer and transgender people, especially trans youth, with executive orders and proposed rules.

Saturday’s bigger-than-ever PRIDE festivities — which will involve live music, a DJ and drag and burlesque performances — will begin at 9 a.m. and run through 4 p.m. The parade will begin at 10 a.m.

New Mexico drag performer Avery, who has been part of the event for the past several years, said she has watched Santa Fe’s community involvement in PRIDE grow over time.

“Even a lot more local vendors have made themselves a lot more prominent in the actual festivities,” she said. “They’ve really kind of pulled together a specific community event that I don’t necessarily feel got a lot of buzz in years prior.”

Avery bases her performances on the venues where they are showcased, she said. Smaller venues often get slower, more intimate performances, while larger venues get dancers and “production-value kinds of things.”

When it comes to songs and outfits, however, the show depends on “the vibe” and how she’s feeling, she said. Sometimes her happiness is showcased; sometimes, her sadness and anger are palpable.

“I think drag can be really, really emotional, as well as political,” she said. “And I think that’s a really great way to kind of expel those emotions, especially through entertainment.”

This weekend, Avery plans to focus on being celebratory.

“I am bringing a production — just because I want to showcase the full talents of not only myself, but other creatives and other dancers in town,” she said. “So, I’m definitely going to be doing something a little larger than life.”

Avery hopes people take time to pause and enjoy themselves while watching her performance, she said. Her drag, she added, pulls people out of their hardships and brings them together in a safe space.

Bowen said he wants PRIDE attendees to leave with joy and a sense of belonging. He said the LGBTQ+ community intertwines with all marginalized communities.

“The great thing is that we all stick together,” he said. “Because, you know, we’re not all free until we are all free.”

This story was originally published by Searchlight New Mexico