Despite the cancellation of the Albuquerque Pride Parade due to the coronavirus pandemic, Central Avenue became home to an “unofficial” celebration of the intersection of LGBTQ+ and Black rights on June 13.
In honor of Pride Month, which spans the month of June, the parade route stretched down Central Avenue from Fifth Street to San Pedro. This was no regular parade with people marching up and down the streets: This parade was similar to the modified birthday and baby shower parades that we have become accustomed to during this pandemic.
All sorts of vehicles decorated with streamers, balloons and signs made their way through the parade route with people waving, hanging out their windows and honking their horns. Although the organizer, Bunnie Cruse, recommended that this be a drive-by parade, there were dozens of people who lined Central proudly displaying their flags and signs and cheering on the vehicles as they passed.
Cruse was surprised by but happy with the turnout, stating, “The community needs something to look forward to.” This was not only a parade to celebrate the LGTBQ+ community — there was also strong support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Many people were simultaneously holding up the traditional rainbow flag and signs calling for justice for George Floyd.
Many of the vehicles also had supportive phrases written on them and displayed signs showing solidarity between the LGBTQ+ community and communities of color.
Mike Sandoval is a freelance photographer and reporter at the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @msandovalphotos
