of the GLBT community
Jesse Lopez
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Jabber/GTalk: Jesse.Lopez@ABQPride.com
Posts by Jesse Lopez
In Memory of Robert Quintana, Taos Pride President
Aug 18th
Friends,
It is sad that I report to you the death of Taos Gay Pride President Robert Quintana. Robert was a special young man with the energy, and charisma to lead many people. Through out this past year Albuquerque Pride including James Reese, PJ Sedillo, Tony Ross and myself had the opportunity to work with Robert. He was a courageous man, and will be remembered for bringing gay rights issues to the forefront in Taos and in Northern New Mexico.
I ask that you keep Robert, his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
Together in pride
Jesse A. Lopez
President Albuquerque Pride, Inc
(below is the article from the Santa Fe New Mexican)
Robert Quintana, Gay Pride Taos organizer, dead at 29 Chandra Johnson | The Taos News, Tuesday August 10
Taoseña Janie Corinne summed up her friend and local Gay Pride Taos organizer Robert Quintana in three words: “Sweetest guy ever.”The Taos Police department confirmed to The Taos News early Tuesday morning that Quintana, 29, had died sometime Monday of as yet unknown circumstances. Quintana, originally from Questa, was the founder of Gay Pride Taos and was in the midst of planning a weekend-long gay pride event in Taos — the first of its kind.
In a recent interview with The Taos News, Quintana said that Gay Pride Taos and its upcoming August events were not just about celebrating gay rights and progress, but about celebrating the local community.
“This event is not for me, or even the people who have worked so hard to put in together, it’s for the kid growing up in Taos or any other small community who is having a hard time coming to terms with being gay and then he or she sees our events and the support from the community they benefit from and realizes that it’s OK to be exactly who he or she is,” Quintana said earlier this month.
“Maybe, just maybe we can save some of these kids from a life of depression and misery and give them a happy, clean start and in turn they can bring their energy and talents back to our community.” Corinne said that Gay Pride Taos is holding its regular Tuesday night meeting at El Pueblito Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. and anyone who knew Quintana and wants to lend support or talk is welcome to attend.
Thank You from Albuquerque Pride’s President
Jul 7th
Friends,
Albuquerque Pride 2010 is officially over, and what a success it was! Thank you to our participants sponsors, local businesses, bars, and nightclubs. It is through your giving nature Albuquerque Pride continues its work for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community.
To those of you that signed the “Pride United” pledge, I thank you. We are a much stronger, more unified community because of it. Together, and only together we will overcome any prejudice, and hate that still exists in communities across the country. Together we are a community that uplifts each other, and looks beyond our differences and misunderstandings. I am proud to be a gay man living in Bernalillo County and the great City of Albuquerque!
For the last 34 years the all volunteer Albuquerque Pride Board has been bringing you the largest GLBT event in the state of New Mexico! From an event down central that ended at Morning Side Park to our current location at the New Mexico State Fair Grounds. Albuquerque Pride will continue to grow and be around for the next 34 years!
Albuquerque Pride 2011 is set for June 9 – 11! Along with members of the board, I am heading out on a GLBT Organizations, Bar, & Business tour. It is our intention to create partnerships, to listen, and to grow Albuquerque Pride together with input from the community. If you would like me or members of the board to visit your organization or place of business please email me at jesse.lopez@abqpride.com. I look forward to meeting with each of you!
Together In Pride,
Jesse A. Lopez
President, Albuquerque Pride, Inc.
Jesse.Lopez@abqpride.com
