SANTA FE, NM – For the first time in history, the LGBTQ+ pride flag was raised at the Edward J. Lopez State Land Office building in Santa Fe. It was raised today to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots and in celebration of Saturday’s Santa Fe Pride Parade, which will march on Old Santa Fe Trail, directly in front of the Land Office, on the route to the Plaza. On June 1st, Commissioner Garcia Richard released an updated State Land Office seal that incorporated the pride colors to reflect Pride Month.
“In New Mexico we celebrate diversity and we honor the struggle and sacrifices made to get us this far. It is thanks to those who stood up at the Stonewall Inn in New York City on June 28, 1969 that LGBTQ+ New Mexicans have the protections that they do today,” Commissioner Garcia Richard said. “At the Land Office, we work hard to raise money for our state so that all New Mexicans can have a better education, better access to healthcare and public institutions that make their lives a little easier. If the presence of the pride flag at the Land Office makes even one person feel a little safer and more welcome, then we have done our small part.”