A rainbow of colors appeared Saturday across much of Berg Park, where Farmington Pride in the Park celebrated the LGBTQ community with dancing, laughter and community.
Drag and comedy performances were on the schedule, and attendees could visit vendors and booths. Local and state organizations were present, including the Democratic Party of San Juan County and candidates for office.
Equality New Mexico, a nonprofit, provided resources about their services that range from immigration work to legislation advocacy. It was all part of Pride Month 2026 in San Juan County.
Nicolas Orosco, engagement strategist for Equality New Mexico, said participants were engaged and signing up to receive additional information from his organization.
“We just want to connect with LGBTQ New Mexicans around the state,” Orosco said. “It’s really important that we go out into the four corners of our state and go out and meet with people who are not just in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, but in every community.”
Herb Jackson, author, had books for sale, including “Shadows of the Sacred Rock” and “Door in the Cliff.” The main character in the books, John, was written after his husband, Jackson said.
Jackson, of Newcomb, said drive time and the desert landscape can be used as ideas for his stories.
A crowd gathered by the pavilion in support of the performers that took the stage, including Chaos and Cipher, who have been advocates for drag in Farmington for the past five years.
“To me drag is very punk. I was raised by very punk parents, who didn’t conform,” Chaos said. “I was always taught to fight for who I am, even when it’s not necessarily believed in.”
Cipher draws inspiration for his drag persona from the television show “Gravity Falls” character Bill Cipher.
“My whole message is be weird, be yourself, be a little scary ‒ it’s fine,” Cipher said.
For Cipher, who has two mothers, Pride is about acceptance, community and family.
“The most important thing for me is the next generation,” Chaos said. “I want to be able to give them a place that they feel safe to be who they are. Even if that means being vulnerable on stage with this strange drag persona that I’ve created.”
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