One spot recommended by for LGBT travelers is Nob Hill. While there is no specific gayborhood in Albuquerque, there are plenty of gay-friendly restaurants and attractions to help keep the gay and lesbian traveler busy.Īlbuquerque does not have a centralized gayborhood, but it is certainly a gay friendly city. Albuquerque Gay SceneĮxplore the Albuquerque gay scene with expert tips and gay and lesbian travel guides from. Members of the international LGBT community flock to Albuquerque in the beginning of October to see this cultural wonder. Hosted by Closet Cinema, a non-profit organization devoted to showcasing the richness of LGBT’s life, the Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is New Mexico’s largest film festival and lasts for 7 days, screens over 80 features, and 54 shorts and documentaries.
Last, but certainly, not least is the Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. This event brings together an eclectic mix of famous “L” comediennes and amazing musicians. If you feel like laughing and music try to plan your trip around Southwest Funnyfest. Even though things hit their peak in October there are some companies that will let you fly year round. Watching balloons of all colors, shapes, and sizes is fun for all ages, but why watch when you can ride. Albuquerque’s weather is perfect for hot air ballooning, and in the beginning of October more than 700 balloons go up in the air at this week-long festival. In October, treat yourself to a view of the Southwest like you’ve never seen at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Profits from the Rodeo also support a number of causes like: HIV/AIDS research, legal services for minors who are coming out, and shelters for battered women. The rodeo also has a gay twist with the gay games like drag queen steer riding. This three day event has some of the best wranglers this side of the Mississippi. Come see some of the hottest cowboys and cowgirls rope up some calves, race through some barrels, and ride some bulls. In August, be sure to stop by the Gay Rodeo. When it comes to events, Gay Albuquerque truly does have something unique to do year round. Whether you want to travel back in time and see the Spanish style architecture of Old Town Albuquerque, be in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Downtown, or get back to nature and explore the gorgeous dormant volcanoes of the West Side, Albuquerque is a great place to adventure.Ĭheck out 3 of GayTravel's hot spots to visit while in town! There are many places for the gay traveler to explore in this pueblo backdropped by the majestic Sandia Mountains, and our travel guides can help you with every aspect of planning your trip. Update: The Albuquerque Social Club will no longer be permanently closing following fundraising efforts to save the club.Ready for a hot vacation in the Southwest sun? Want to tie the knot? Well, Gay Albuquerque is the place to be! Albuquerque is known to be a fun family destination that welcomes all. “It almost didn’t feel real,” Peralta said. He processed it by speaking with other club members and sharing memories. “I’m hoping there’s a way for us all to stay connected because it really means a lot to a lot of us.” “When you have a place like SOCH to go, you have a chosen family and you get really close to those people,” he said. The members of the SOCH often stepped up to fill that role.
Peralta said many gay people do not have a family after coming out. “And I think for a lot of people, just knowing that you had that safe space meant a lot.” “If you were having a bad day, or you needed somewhere to go or you didn’t want to go home, it was always a safe space,” he said.
Peralta, who performed drag shows at the club for the past 20 years, said for many members, the SOCH was a place you could always count on. “There were people that were there every single day and you could see no matter what. “I could go there in the afternoon by myself and I would find people to talk to and people that would want to be friendly and nice,” said former manager and performer Kyle Peralta.