In 2024, comedy has never been more popular. While some famous stand-up comedians have notoriously pivoted into homophobia and transphobia in the name of edginess, in Albuquerque, at least, the comedy scene is alive, well, and beautifully queer. 

For one thing, the 505 is one of the only cities in America with a queer-owned independent comedy club. Sarah Kennedy, an Albuquerque comedy veteran with over 15 years of experience telling jokes on national and local stages, opened Dry Heat Comedy Club in 2021 with her wife (yours truly), and the club has been crushing it ever since.

"Albuquerque has always been a place where people are allowed to live their lives and be who they are authentically," says Kennedy. "Comedy thrives when that's the case, so it's no surprise that queer comedy is also thriving. When folks are allowed to be themselves - when they're their funniest."

It’s true—these days, Albuquerque boasts a healthy (and hilarious) queer contingent of new up-and-comers. One of these newbies is Sarina Ochoa, who started comedy just two months before taking home second place (out of 64!) in the annual One Liner Madness competition. 

"I'm so lucky to have started comedy here because everyone is incredibly supportive," says Ochoa. "There seem to be almost as many women (and nonbinary folks) in the scene as men, of which many are queer as well."

One of the most prominent Queer comedians in the scene right now is Carla Vasquez, who has been doing stand-up for nearly five years. Vasquez regularly jokes about her queerness on stage, "Comedy has helped me explore my own identity." She's not the only one who mines her experience as a Queer person for material on stage, though.

Alex Slim and June Opal are two trans women who regularly get on stage in Burque. Slim has been doing stand-up and improv in the scene for several years and traveling. She took classes from the Groundlings in LA, who famously influenced many queer icons, like Paul Reubens, Cassandra Peterson, and countless others. On the other hand, Opal, who has long been a musician, has only rounded the corner of her first year doing stand-up, but she's well-liked on and off-stage all over Albuquerque.

"That is the beauty of being queer—you have already done a lot of the work to be true to yourself," Opal says. "My identity has influenced my comedy by giving me a unique perspective on the world, influenced by my own experiences."

She isn't the only convert from music to comedy—Alex Bachicha, or "Leka" as they call themself on comedy stages, got into stand-up after being the vocalist/lyricist in Wounded Silence (where they still belt it out everywhere from Launchpad to Echoes and more). They're a force to be reckoned with whenever they're on stage.

But Queer comedians are not just coming from other art forms - they're moving into town, too. Charm Baxter is a recent transplant from Florida. While she's been doing stand-up for a while now, she's new to the Albuquerque scene, tearing up every stage she's on. 

Nax moved to Albuquerque after some time away, and now that they're back in New Mexico, they run a weekly mic and a monthly stand-up showcase in Nob Hill. "There's real crafted comedy happening right now. I'm stoked to be here nurturing this form of expression," says Nax.

No matter who your favorite Queer comedian in Albuquerque is or whether you're just now acquainting yourself with them, one thing is for sure. When it comes to stand-up comedy, you don't have to look far to find some funny fam. - Kelli Trapnell

What does being LGBTQIA+ mean to you? For me, it means that I have a community in this world that sees me for who I am and understands what it takes to survive the turbulent and often dangerous society around us in America. In writing this article, I do so from the perspective of a gay cis-gendered man from rural New Mexico. I have run for public office in my rural community and have even been a part of the larger conversation surrounding our quality of life throughout the state. 

However, this is not where my story began. It has been a long and arduous path paved by the LGBTQIA+ people who came before me, and I am profoundly thankful. Along my journey, it has been my life’s work to uplift and elevate those around me because our voices, as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and other marginalized people, matter in the fight for equity and equality. 

To achieve equality and equity, we cannot stand alone or silo off from the rest of our communities. No movement, political, social, or otherwise, has successfully been accomplished alone; it requires everyone to be engaged and aware of what the end goal is for our people. The LGBTQIA+ community has a strong history of being unified and a history marked by our internal quarrels. But both of these truths make us stronger today. We need to catalyze our efforts, get involved, run for office, and change the face of modern politics in New Mexico & America. 

As it stands, roughly three elected officials in the new state legislature are members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Why does this matter? Because this reality proves why it is important to get engaged and possibly even run for office. As members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the only way we can effectively protect our rights, change our current social/political trajectory, and see the tomorrow we deserve is by being the voice we’ve always needed. I was 22 when I decided to run for the New Mexico House of Representatives in House District 22, not because I had preplanned and forethought that this was my way into politics, but because it was what was needed. To make a long story relatively short, the best-elected officials are those who don’t seek the spotlight and, quite frankly, do not even want to run for public office. The rationale in this thinking is that these people, our people, rightfully reflect our values, needs, and community.

So, if you want to make the change, secure our future, and ensure that our LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities are secure, run for office. If you feel that you cannot pull yourself into the mindset to run for office, consider working a campaign, join a political organization (LGBTQIA+ Caucus of the Democratic Party), or at least get out and VOTE. The right to vote has not been a right for all in our history as a country. So, if you cannot volunteer or be engaged that way, please get out and vote. We have a voice in electing the people we want to make the changes you and I need. So protect our tomorrow, next week, and future by standing up, pushing back, and voting. - Augustine Montoya, Chairperson, LGBTQIA+ Caucus of the Democratic Party of New Mexico

The Human Rights Alliance is collaborating with the New Mexico History Museum to screen the ground-breaking 1977 documentary Word is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives. More than 40 years ago, the film startled audiences when it appeared in movie theaters and on television. The first feature-length documentary about queer identity made by gay filmmakers, the film was created by the Mariposa Film Group, a collective comprised of three lesbians (Veronica Selver, Lucy Massie Phenix, Nancy Adair) and three gay men (Rob Epstein, Peter Adair, Andrew Brown). Featuring candid interviews with 26 gay men and women across a wide range of demographics, it became an immediate flash point in the emerging gay-rights movement of the 1970s and forever altered the cultural conversations about LGBTQ+ issues.

The interviews conducted for the film were compiled into a book with the same title and released in October 1978. In 2022, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
The interviewees describe their experiences of coming out, falling in and out of love, and struggling against prejudice, stereotypes, and discriminatory laws. In addition, The Human Rights Alliance, working with Hannah Abelbeck, curator of photo archives at the New Mexico History Museum, uncovered videotapes of four interviews conducted in Albuquerque that never made it into the original film. These interviews have been notated and edited these interviews and produced an additional, never-before-seen 20-minute segment unique to New Mexico.

Filmmaker Peter Adair said, "In the 1970's when the modern gay movement was just beginning, our biggest problem was invisibility. Who homosexuals were was largely determined by straight people. It was bad enough that the public image of gay men and lesbians was defined largely by stereotypes—after all, I want other people to have an accurate picture of who I am. But these stereotypes created by outsiders largely defined our perceptions of who we thought we were. What a state of affairs. One's reference for what was gay was a few nasty images and, if you were lucky, your immediate circle of Queer friends. Word Is Out, finished in 1977, was on its surface a very simple idea answering the simple question - Who are we? For the film, I and the five other principal people I worked with spent a year doing research interviews on videotape of 250 lesbians and gay men all across the country. In the end, 26 were chosen to tell their stories in the film."

In the New York Times, David Dunlop wrote in 1996, "Understated though it was, Word Is Out had a remarkable impact, coming at a time when images of homosexuals as everyday people, as opposed to psychopaths or eccentrics, were rare."

​​Word is Out 
Friday, June 21, 2024
New Mexico History Museum 
113 Lincoln Ave
Santa Fe, NM 87501
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tickets are free at bit.ly/pridemovie2024
Sponsored by: La Montanita Co-op

Las Vegas, known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, embraces LGBTQ culture with open arms, making it a thriving hub for the community. Iconic events like the annual Las Vegas Pride Parade and Festival bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate diversity and unity. Las Vegas Pride is typically in early October, so start planning now.
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The city's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the diverse range of LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, ensuring visitors feel welcome and respected. Beyond the nightlife, Las Vegas hosts a variety of LGBTQ-focused community organizations, support groups, and cultural events that contribute to the rich tapestry of the city's inclusive ethos. Whether exploring the famous entertainment offerings or participating in community-driven initiatives, LGBTQ individuals and allies alike find a warm and accepting home in the vibrant tapestry of LGBTQ culture in Las Vegas.

Since I was young, I have always wanted to stay at Bellagio. Their iconic foundations have fascinated me for decades. The hotel is the epitome of luxury and sophistication - an unparalleled experience that seamlessly blends opulence, entertainment, and fine dining. From the moment you step into the grand lobby, it's evident that Bellagio is committed to providing a world-class stay when you glance at the ceiling adorned with Chihuly glass sculptures.

I stayed in a recently renovated room in the Spa Tower with an unobstructed view of the Vegas strip and the fountains. The attention to detail is evident in the tasteful decor, plush furnishings, and modern amenities. Beginning at 3 pm on weekdays and noon on weekends, the choreographed water show set against the backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip is a mesmerizing display of artistry, combining music, light, and water in perfect harmony. It sets the tone for the exquisite experiences that await within Bellagio.

"You see the word prostitute, and something allows people to say, 'Oh, just a prostitute.' People need to stop allowing that word to equal dismissal or less than," Christine Barber, one of the founders of Street Safe New Mexico, said in an award-winning short video by Julie Mowrey. Barber recalls a woman she knew who sold sex on the street in the 1990s. She shared that they "just wanted someone to pay attention." According to Barber, when someone went missing on the street, "everybody knew it, but nobody who had a voice and who would be heard by mainstream society said anything." That was how Street Safe got started.

Street Safe New Mexico is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit staffed by volunteers, and their focus is to minimize the effects associated with life on the streets, particularly for those who have experienced sex trafficking or sexual assault. One of their core strategies involves establishing a presence through weekly outreach efforts and engaging directly with individuals in need on the streets of Albuquerque. During these sessions, Street Safe New Mexico set up stations to distribute essential items like clothing, hygiene products, and other necessities, creating a safe space. Based on a survey conducted by Street Safe in 2015, in Albuquerque alone, an estimated 1,080 women engage in street-based sex work daily. Approximately 17,000 women occasionally sell sex, while 43,812 do so due to substance use. These numbers highlight the interconnected challenges of poverty, homelessness, addiction, and exploitation that many experience.

"For police, the word 'prostitute' is equivalent to 'criminal,' so all of those connotations led us to dismiss it and that when bad things happen, we don't have to care about that," Barber states in the video. "Calling someone a 'prostitute' doesn't tell you anything. What matters is their experience and the fact that they don't deserve this treatment that they get." That is why Street Safe took matters into its own hands with the "Bad Guy List," which identifies individuals who have attacked women on the streets, offering victims support options ranging from medical assistance to legal guidance. They also take preventative measures. "We got tired of seeing women on the street being beaten up, raped and murdered - the second leading cause of death. Instead, we wanted them to have a fighting chance when they get attacked, so we made them fighting tools, which we give out for free," their website says.

To sustain their work, Street Safe relies on donations. The top five most requested items for donations are secret pocket scrunchies, chocolate, underwear, feminine wipes, and anti-chafing wipes. Monetary donations can be made online through PayPal, and donors can drop off or mail in items. To learn more, visit their website at https://www.streetsafenewmexico.org/. - Samantha Nagel

Matt Cullen has always had a curiosity to learn more about a person. It’s a trait that isn’t seen in many today. He believes that all queer individuals share common aspirations in life, such as love, a stable living situation, good health, supportive relationships with family and friends, and the desire to approach each day with a positive attitude. In his uplifting documentary series Our Queer Life, he features interviews with LGBTQ+ individuals from diverse backgrounds, ranging from well-known celebrities to everyday people living unconventional lifestyles. The series is an inspiring project needed in today’s political and social environment. “I feel if something scares me, there's a reason for it. I've always been a curious person. I wanted to know about people in my community and the stories they've gone through to live in their authentic truth,” shared Cullen. “I grew up in California —Los Angeles—New York and very liberal places. I was hungry to learn more about my community so I trusted the fear and went with it.”

Cullen has had the opportunity to talk with all walks of life in this series. The challenge of picking which ones to start with wasn’t as difficult as he anticipated. “At the beginning, it was just who I could get, especially before the series was out,” stated Cullen. “I had a proof of concept to show people. It was just who would trust me enough to share their story. Once I showed the audience and people watching the show that I was doing these stories from my heart—with care and sensitivity—I felt like it opened more doors. People were trusting me with their stories, so it's been a bit easier finding them. Now people want to be involved and share their stories on my platform because they know I'll do them justice. It was a struggle to find the stories, but I always just trust my gut. If someone's life story or job interests me, I trust the audience would find it interesting too.”

With the myriad of stories Cullen was able to acquire, there may be some that stand out more than others. When asked which one took hold of him, one stood out. “It’s hard to pinpoint one story because every story resonates with me differently,” expressed Cullen. “Some are inspiring, some are harder to deal with, and some are very emotional. It all varies, but when I’m asked that question, I immediately think of one of my guests. Her name was Mousie, and she's a trans woman who lived in Los Angeles. She was a street hustler who had spent much of her life in and out of jail. She invited me into her home when my series was still very new, and she shared her story with me, and it just reached so many people. Unfortunately, she passed about a year and a half ago, but I still feel her with me as my show continues. With every connection I make, I feel Mousie is there cheering me on.”
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Cullen hopes the show will be picked up by a streaming service where the education can be presented to a larger audience and a bigger budget. “I always think about those people in smaller towns in the midwest that maybe don't have a trans person in their life, and they are just reading the news and the trans community is painted in a way that is not accurate. I really hope my videos can reach those people that don't have anybody in their life that they know and can meet the people in the way that I see them, which are beautiful, strong, and resilient people, and that's what I want the takeaway to be.”

To learn more about Our Queer Life and watch full episodes, visit youtube.com/@OurQueerLife or follow Matt Cullen on Instagram at instagram.com/mattcullen. - Teresa Robinson

Tru Tattoo is a beacon of empowerment and community, a transformed sanctuary, born from a crackhouse into an all-women’s tattoo and beauty shop. Led by women who champion beauty as empowerment, Tru Tattoo offers an array of beauty services ranging from nail art to non-invasive treatments while actively supporting sister-female-owned businesses. In an industry historically dominated by men, Tru Tattoo carves out a haven for everyone, amplifying voices on crucial social issues like substance abuse and homelessness in New Mexico. Beyond their artistry on the skin, Tru Tattoo leaves a lasting imprint through weekly flash deals, monthly events, and ongoing charity projects, embodying a commitment to personal expression and community betterment.
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The percentage of women with tattoos surpasses that of men by 18%, with approximately 59% of women and 41% of men reporting having at least one tattoo, according to a survey by Lightspeed in 2024. However, in the global community of tattoo artists, men constitute 75% while women make up 25%, showing a significant gap.

Many women who have tattoos are familiar with the discomfort of entering poorly lit tattoo shops, feeling objectified by male staff, and enduring unwelcome advances during the tattooing process. Tru Tattoo helps to create safe spaces for art and expression. 
Many patrons of Tru share similar sentiments. One individual expressed in a Google review, “All of the ladies were so sweet and welcoming. I came into the shop and automatically felt like a friend.” Another reviewer commented, “I love how it is an all-female tattoo shop. They make you feel very welcome.” Perhaps that is part of what makes art, particularly an intimate experience such as body art, so important - the sense of community and safety. - Samantha Nagel

We always feel that there will be those individuals who seem to live forever. Mauro Walden-Montoya was one of them. We were blessed to have the opportunity to interview him and to have him write for the publication. The community was at a loss to learn of his passing on December 16, 2023, at 65 after battling cancer. Mauro’s journey began in Albuquerque, where he grew up and later graduated from Highland High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University and his law degree from George Washington University School of Law in D.C. In 1986, he joined Whitman-Walker Health as the director of legal services, where he tirelessly fought for the rights of people with HIV facing discrimination.

Throughout his career, he impacted the LGBTQ community, serving as the president of D.C.’s Gertrude Stein Democratic Club and delivering the keynote address at the federal government’s World AIDS Day events in 1994. He later returned to Albuquerque, where he continued his advocacy work and became involved in various business ventures, including real estate management and classic vehicle restoration.

Despite facing challenges, Mauro remained committed to his community, becoming a minister and performing marriages for same-sex couples across multiple states. In his retirement, he dedicated his time to volunteering and serving on various boards, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and dedication to the causes he believed in.

The one person who knew him well was his husband of 15 years, Andy. We were happy to take a moment to share his thoughts about the man he loved.

​"His name preceded him. Friends said he would like me. They said we had a lot in common. Both were true. The night of his party, Mama Karen and I were hoping for a blowout. We were looking forward to a large and wild scene that would rip the seams of a jockstrap. What we found were eight men sitting around a table drinking, talking, and fully clothed. It was not a fabulous extravaganza. The party did not impress me, but I knew I had met a friend. He was a handsome, charming, and clear-spoken gentleman. We never dated, but we did everything else couples do. After being together for six years, we got married.  I felt protected and provided for.  I knew a man who knew the difference between what he could control and what he could not. He would speak his truth. He would dream big. He would navigate through pain and hardship, knowing his life was worth the struggle. We sacrificed for each other. I will miss him every day and find peace knowing he lived fully.”
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Whether you knew him through law, leather, or theater, Mauro will be remembered. Thank you, Mauro, for being a source of light and love for the community.

The world today is struggling with the concept of compassion and understanding. As an ally, I realize I always walk a fine line between support and knowing my place in the community. As a mother of queer, multi-racial kids, I will never truly understand their challenges. All I can do is be there when they need to vent and do what I can to help and be there for them.

That is all we can do as humans on this earth. But it’s been painful to see how difficult it is for some people to open their minds and hearts just a little. So this year, I would love for us to smile a little more and take time out to be grateful for what we do have. Maybe more of that can overpower the negativity. I hope this year’s issue brings a few smiles as P&E celebrates 20 years in the community!

We’re excited to have Dana Tai Soon Burgess as the cover for this year’s PRIDE & Equality magazine. They have been a solid role model to the LGBTQI community throughout their career. And speaking of role models, we’re excited to present this year’s Models of Hope - Sarah Kennedy, Avery Martini, and Hot Flash ABQ - A Woman’s Dance. The community has spoken, and we’re proud to add them to the Models of Hope family. We also have hometown celebrity make-up artist Alexx Mayo and The Final Word from Khoi Le.

Here’s to another 20 years of stories of love, support, and family. Happy Pride, everyone!

Teresa Robinson
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
PRIDE & Equality Magazine