The Epoch 80s: A Decade of Upheaval

Join the New Mexico History Museum for a free talk with historian Garrett Peck about New Mexico's queer movement during the 1980s. The 1980s was a decade of upheaval for the queer community. Freshly rebounding from singer Anita Bryant’s homophobic “Save Our Children” campaign, gays and lesbians began flexing their political muscles. National Coming Out Day became a thing as more queers went public with their sexual orientation. Gay Pride events blossomed around the country, and the Second British Invasion, including Boy George and Culture Club, introduced an iconic synth-driven pop music sound that defined the era. But much of this progress was overshadowed by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which devastated the community. In New Mexico, queer-friendly politicians like Bill Richardson began to be elected, Catholic Archbishop Robert Sanchez took a stand to support congregants and families suffering from HIV/AIDS, Albuquerque Pride grew into a sizable event, and Santa Fe finally organized its first Pride in 1989. Garrett Peck is an author, historian, and tour guide in Santa Fe. He is a member of the PRIDE Santa Fe committee and leads an LGBTQ+ tour of the City Different. His latest book is "The Bright Edges of the World: Willa Cather and Her Archbishop." This program is offered in conjunction with Santa Fe Pride and The Human Rights Alliance’s The Shoulders We Stand On project.