The Epoch Eighties: A Decade of Upheaval

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 Richard 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.

The Museum of New Mexico History hosts historian Garrett Peck as we look back on this tumultuous decade as part of Santa Fe Pride and The Human Rights Alliance’s The Shoulders We Stand On project.

About the speaker:

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. www.garrettpeck.com

Admission Price: Free with RSVP

ticket link: https: http://www.tickettailor.com/checkout/view-event/id/7720146/chk/39bf

*Limited seating-Bottled water only please

Image credits:

Larry Beckner. Participant wears a "Coming Out" T-shirt during Santa Fe’s Third Annual Lesbian Gay Pride Parade, 1990. The Santa Fe New Mexican Collection, Palace of the Governors Photo Archives (DCA/NMHM), HP.2014.14.860