ABQ Times

Today, Mayor Tim Keller and the Office of Equity and Inclusion, alongside leaders from the Albuquerque Pride Board, the Albuquerque Gay Men's Choir, and Marshall Martinez of Equality New Mexico, raised the Pride flag on Civic Plaza. This event also marked a celebration of the city's expanded Human Rights Ordinance.

Last month, the City updated its Human Rights Ordinance to include protections against discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or childbirth. The amendment passed unanimously in City Council, signaling Albuquerque's commitment to diversity. For the second consecutive year, Albuquerque scored 100 on a report card issued by the National Human Rights Campaign for LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.

"Pride is a month of celebration, and it is also an important reminder that the LGBTQIA2S+ community is still fighting against systemic violence and injustice across the country," said Mayor Tim Keller. "Here in Albuquerque, the City is doing more than ever to ensure our community enjoys access to opportunities and protection from discrimination."

Marshall Martinez, Executive Director of Equality NM stated: "Equality NM is honored to be invited to this momentous kickoff of pride weekend! We are grateful to the Mayor's Office for their ongoing commitment to the values of Pride, inclusion, and affirmation of the LGBTQ community."

The flag raised at Civic Plaza symbolizes both past struggles and future hopes for true liberation within the LGBTQIA2S+ community. The updated Pride Progress Flag includes a yellow triangle with a purple circle to acknowledge intersex individuals. The flag debuted in 2018 with additional stripes representing marginalized communities within LGBTQIA2S+, including people of color and those living with AIDS/HIV.

"Raising the flag is important," said Dawn Begay, Acting Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion. "It shows our LGBTQIA2S+ family that as a city we stand with them."