The University of New Mexico’s Arcoíris Center is participating in Pride Month throughout June, hosting and joining a series of events to celebrate the achievements and contributions of LGBTQ individuals within the Lobo community, according to a June 1 announcement.
The Arcoíris Center, formerly known as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Resource Center, will offer activities including Paletas for Pride on June 2 at BBRP Pavilion; Pride on the Pitch on June 6 at Isotopes Park with discounted tickets benefiting the center; ABQ Pride Parade Tailgating on June 13 at Central & Morningside; a Pride Movie Marathon on June 19 at the center; and a Pride Closeout Brunch on June 29 at Mesa Vista Courtyard. The events are intended to highlight how LGBTQ Americans have strengthened both the university and broader society through their talent and creativity.
The history of UNM’s Arcoíris Center began as a student initiative. Inaugural Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Dr. Josephine “Jozi” De Leon worked with students Jeffrey Waldo, David Griffith, and Adam Quintero to secure funding from the Student Fee Review Board. The center opened its doors in August 2010 at 608 Buena Vista Drive. Alma Rosa Silva-Bañuelos was hired in October that year as professional staff to oversee daily operations for six years. Safe Zone trainings were also introduced during this period.
Nationally, LGBTQ history includes milestones such as the first New York City Pride March held on June 28, 1970—the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising—and ongoing efforts by institutions like the Library of Congress to preserve materials related to LGBTQ culture. “The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.” The gay rights movement has achieved significant progress over recent decades: “Laws prohibiting homosexual activity have been struck down; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals can now serve openly in the military. And same-sex couples can now legally get married and adopt children in all 50 states. But it has been a long and bumpy road for gay rights proponents who are still advocating for employment, housing and transgender rights.”
The University of New Mexico boasts more than 200,000 alumni worldwide—including fellows of national academies—and serves over 24,000 students across its main campus and branches each spring semester. Its athletics program competes in major conferences while its campus features Pueblo Revival architecture within Albuquerque’s metropolitan area, according to the official website.
For additional information about UNM’s Arcoíris Center or details about upcoming events during Pride Month celebrations or its history since inception in August 2010, visit their website.
