FARMINGTON – To celebrate Pride Month this June, a local group has put together an outdoor event to include food, music and a race in high heels.
According to the Library of Congress, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer + (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is celebrated each year during the month of June to “honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan” that was a tipping point for the gay liberation movement in the United States. The first pride march took place exactly one year later in New York City and has grown and spread all over the U.S.
One of the few local events taking place this month to strengthen the LGBTQ+ support is Pride in the Park, at Burg Park in Farmington, an event hosted by DJ’s Way and Suerte Beauty.
DJ’s Way is a local organization founded in 2018 after DJ Elkins-Escobar, who was gay, died by suicide after struggling with mental health issues, said her sister, Jasmine Elkins, who lives in Farmington.
“She was the most loving wonderful loving person, and we wanted to pour her love and light into this organization to help provide suicide awareness and mental health support,” Elkins said.
The group also participated in a suicide awareness rally with the Corvette Club and at a homeless drive with Suerte Beauty in Farmington.
Elkins said the event started small with her friend, Toni Martinez, owner of Suerte Beauty. The two wanted to do something for Pride month and decided to do a little barbecue at Burg Park.
“The event is really just to bring everyone together for a good time with good people to show our support for the LGBTQ community. No expectations,” Elkins said. “We want everyone to come and be who you are without feeling judged. Let your flags fly whatever they may be.”
The event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. June 19 at Burg Park. There will be food, live music, a lip-syncing contest, a race in high heels and more.
mmitchell@durangoherald.com
