Pride Week Features Special Events June 15-17

By BONNIE J. GORDON
Los Alamos Daily Post
bjgordon@ladailypost.com

The Los Alamos County Council presented a proclamation in May, which recognizes the second week of June as Annual LGBTQ+ Pride Week. This is the first time Pride has been recognized or celebrated by the Los Alamos Community.

It started when three women, Tina DeYoe, Roberta Beal and Danielle Sutherland were sitting around talking about how great it would be if Los Alamos had its own Pride Week, as many other communities do.

“The idea spread quickly,” said Pride organizer Anna Dillane who owns Boomerang Thrift Boutique.

Like-minded people came together to form FLAP (Friends of Los Alamos Pride).

“We started out by talking with the Santa Fe Pride committee,” Dillane said. “They suggested we start with a community festival and build from there.”

Los Alamos Teen Center Assistant Director George Marsden got involved through the Center.

“I know first-hand how important it is for teens in our area to be recognized and loved for who they are,” Marsden said.

He called FLAP, “an awesome, crazy grassroots effort.”

This year’s plans include a community Festival 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 15 at Fuller Lodge followed by the Summer Concert at Ashley Pond featuring the Red Elvises sponsored by FLAP. The entire community is invited to come out and celebrate diversity.

Festival events include:

  • Lip Sync for Your Life, Karaoke/Drag/Dress up show – dress up, play with gender if you like and karaoke or lip sync on our catwalk. Makeup artists, hair stylists and costumes available;
  • Coming Out Door – customize a T shirt and tell the world what makes you different;
  • Over the Rainbow Bubble Challenge – see if you can get your bubble to fly over the rainbow arch of balloons;
  • Make your own PRIDE Float. Get your arts and crafts on. Floaties and Pool Noodles provided;
  • Henna Pride Tattoos, Face Paint, and PRIDE temporary tattoos for all ages;
  • Lawn games, volleyball, badminton for all ages; and
  • Local LBGTQ+ resources, education and partners;

Many of the activities are geared especially for children, and Dillane stressed that this is a family-friendly event.

“We want kids to see that love comes in many forms, shapes and sizes,” Dillane said.

Other Pride Weekend events:

  • The new feature film “Love, Simon” at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16 at the Unitarian Church, 1738 N Sage Loop. Simon Spier keeps a huge secret from his family, his friends, and all of his classmates: he’s gay. When that secret is threatened, Simon must face everyone and come to terms with his identity.
  • Pride After Dark, sponsored by Bathtub Row Brewing in Central Park Square 7-10 p.m. Saturday features musician Eryn Bent, playing live. This is a 21+ event.
  • The Unitarian Church will hold a Pride Service at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 17.

“This isn’t a one-time event,” Dillane said. “FLAP is a year-around community. It’s a way for people to connect.” To become involved or learn more, visit FLAP’s website https://losalamospride.org/ or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Los-Alamos-Pride-189623935011756/ .

“In a town with more than 25 churches, LGBTQ+ people may feel marginalized, outcast or possibly even threatened,” Dillane said. “It’s imperative that we as a community make a concerted effort to be welcoming, inclusive and kind.”

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