Pride 2024 - The Naked Truth - In Memoriam: Abraham L. Placencio OFS (April 27, 1968 - March 11, 2024)

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When I met Abraham, he was a sophomore in High School. I was a junior. It was at a school speech and debate festival while we, in theory, were competing against each other; in reality, we were establishing a lifelong friendship. At that moment, I would have never guessed that 44 years later, I would be seated at his funeral a couple of weeks before his 59th birthday. We celebrated all of the milestones - high school graduations, college graduations, birthdays, family events, etc., and supported each other in times of sorrow and heartbreak. Boyfriends came and went; we had something beyond a romantic bond—we were family. When we were in college (he in Phoenix, me in Santa Fe), we enjoyed an old-school friendship where we wrote letters and called each other long-distance - things not understood today. His outreach work started while he was in Phoenix, working for various AIDS organizations. He created Angelica Del Rio to raise money and fulfill his passion for performance art. He moved between Albuquerque and Phoenix several times over the decades that followed. But Angelica was the persona that would forever link him to outreach and activism. Our friendship changed over the years - balancing who was the anchor and who needed it. In the early 90s, I had the opportunity to follow in her footsteps and create a drag persona to do some outreach and charity fundraising. While she never accepted a Drag Mother role with Mahri-Achi LoRenz, the two forever become drag sisters. We even performed a few times at each other's events. The song "Bosom Buddies" from the musical Mame became our go-to number, but it also totally embraced what our friendship had developed over the years. When Angelica finally did give birth to drag daughters Gia and Raquel,  I became "Tia" - a title I cherish because it linked me to Abraham's love. The two of them made sure I got the news of Abraham's passing with that same love.
 
Abraham, and by extension, Angelica, found their way to public access TV with a short-lived show where they always focused on organizations that supported our community's needs. Abraham then turned his focus to homelessness. He worked for various non-profit organizations to find ways for a better life for those living on the streets. Faith was always important to Abraham, and it was no surprise to me when he decided to formally follow his call into the ministry. Again, it was a way for him to continue his outreach and share all the love that it took both Abraham and Angelica to share.
 
It might seem that 44 years of friendship has ended, but I know he is with me always. Just as his legacy will continue, so will our friendship. I am honored to pay homage to him here because he lived, making sure those around him lived with dignity and love. - Robb Anthony Sisneros

My friendship with Abraham began over 40 years ago; we've shared many adventures. I am lucky to have a wealth of memories of him, his love of Diana Ross, going to a Prince concert in full face, he and I dancing Baile Folklórico at Caught in the Act, filming him hiking in the Sandias in Stevie Nicks boots and cape for his weekly cable TV show, and standing as my best man at my wedding, to name a few. His bold courageousness, infectious laugh, and compassion for all who crossed his path are his legacy to me.

Abraham wasn't one for the ordinary. His talents, particularly his brilliance as a drag performer, were never meant for mere entertainment. He used them as a platform for good, becoming a champion for HIV/AIDS education and care. He stood at the forefront of the fight, working tirelessly with New Mexico AIDS Services to equip volunteers with the emotional support skills needed to uplift those struggling with the disease.

His activism extended beyond the stage. Recognizing the need for a safe space for LGBTQ youth, he co-founded M power, a haven where young people could find acceptance and community. This wasn't just advocacy. It was a reflection of his deep compassion.

But Abraham's dedication wasn't limited to social causes. He fiercely loved his family, ensuring his parents enjoyed a dignified and loving environment as they aged. His nieces and nephews found in him not just an uncle but a confidant, a loyal advisor who always had time for their concerns.

His circle of friends knew him for his unwavering loyalty. He was a fierce defender of those he cared for, a shoulder to lean on, a wellspring of support.

His faith was another cornerstone of his life. Devoted to the Franciscan order as a layperson, he truly embodied their spirit. His choice of a career - advocating for the homeless - was a perfect reflection of his dedication to serving those most vulnerable.

Abraham stood firm in his convictions that all people deserve kindness. But make no mistake, he wasn't a pushover. He held people accountable, demanding justice and compassion in equal measure. He commanded a room with his presence, his essence radiating an undeniable force for good. - John Guillen