May-August 2026 - The Pride Issue: Preserving Pride: PJ Sedillo Documents a Legacy of Community and Resilience

For PJ Sedillo—author, activist, and historian—preserving Albuquerque Pride history is a committed effort, a way to honor the LGBTQ+ community’s voices, struggles, and triumphs. He served as President and Co-President of Albuquerque Pride for 21 years. Decades of history surrounded Sedillo: boxes of meeting minutes, photographs, and artifacts told a powerful story. This rich history was calling out to be documented, and the inspiration to write a book about the history of Pride in Albuquerque was born.
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“The inspiration behind both books was to record our history in print,” Sedillo says. “They showcase the vibrant, deeply researched chronicle of the Southwest’s enduring Pride celebrations.” From the first 1976 march - only twenty-five people marching quietly along Central Avenue - to today’s large celebrations, his work captures the heart of Albuquerque’s LGBTQ+ community and the dedication and resilience that went into the fight to be seen. His books also serve as a reminder that Pride in New Mexico was built by community members who organized, volunteered, protested, and created spaces of visibility during times when acceptance was far from guaranteed.

His latest book, If These T-Shirts Could Talk…50 Years of GLBTQ+ Pride in Albuquerque (1976–2026), expands that legacy. The updated edition covers the past decade of Pride events. It also highlights historic gay bars along Route 66, beloved landmarks for the community. “We are part of that historic roadway, holding a parade for 50 years on Central Avenue,” Sedillo notes. The book also documents organizations and individuals who helped shape Albuquerque Pride into one of the Southwest’s longest-running LGBTQ+ celebrations.

Documenting recent history proved challenging. “These new chapters were difficult to write in today’s digital world,” he says. Much of this history risks being lost without preservation. The past decade brought both celebration and hardship, underscoring the need for preservation. Sedillo also reflects on moments of division, leadership changes, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which shaped the organization and the community.

Through these efforts, Sedillo’s work continues to center on unity. When signing his books, he includes a quote reflecting his belief: “Without Solidarity there can be no Pride and without Pride there is no Solidarity.”

Sedillo continues to build his legacy. He is planning the 20th anniversary of the Come Out, Come Out show in 2027 and working on a book about performers’ coming-out experiences.
Ultimately, for Sedillo, preserving history means more than recalling the past—it ensures future generations understand the resilience, unity, and pride that shaped their community.