On a warm June morning, laughter echoed, rainbow flags waved, and footsteps moved in unison across Santo Domingo Pueblo. It wasn’t just a walk, it was a celebration of love, visibility, and community. On June 5th, 2025, Santo Domingo Pueblo hosted its 2^nd annual “Stride with Pride” event and CSVANW was honored to be part of it. 

As one of the few Pueblos in New Mexico to host a Pride event in their own community, Santo Domingo is doing something truly powerful. They continue to create space where Native LGBTQ2S+ relatives are seen, celebrated, and protected, right at home. 

Organized by the Santo Domingo Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Program, this year’s Stride with Pride invited families, youth, elders, and leaders to walk together in kinship. Attendees got to choose their walking path and were greeted with t-shirts, snacks, and good medicine from the heart of the community. Every step held meaning, honoring someone loved, remembering someone lost, or simply walking in solidarity. 

“The day is to bring together community, a day to walk in kinship.” – Ariana Coriz, Santo Domingo OVW Victim Advocate 

At CSVANW, we showed up to share what we could, PPEs, educational materials, stickers, and swag, but what we received in return were heartfelt conversations, meaningful connections, and a deep sense of shared purpose. It was clear: this wasn’t just an event. It was a movement rooted in care, culture, and connection. 

Pride is Sacred 

When Native LGBTQ2S+ relatives are supported and celebrated, our whole communities thrive. Ending violence means making room for all of who we are, because no one should have to fight for visibility or love. 

Santo Domingo Pueblo’s Pride event is more than an annual celebration; it’s a deeply rooted act of love, healing, and visibility. It’s a bold statement:

our LGBTQ2S+ relatives belong here.

That message, carried through the smiles, hugs, and footsteps of the day, ripples far beyond the Santo Domingo Pueblo community. 

Their efforts embody this year’s theme: Community care. Sacred kinship is our medicine. 

In this space, community care wasn’t just a value; it was a practice. From the way community members welcomed LGBTQ2S+ to the way families walked side by side, every moment reflected the kind of love and support that helps our relatives feel safe, seen, and cherished. 

Let’s Keep Walking 

We honor the Santo Domingo OVW Program for making this space possible for their dedication, vision, and leadership. And we know they are not alone. More and more, Native communities are stepping up to create Pride events that reflect who we are and where we come from. 

We hope other Pueblos across New Mexico are inspired to follow their lead, to host their own Pride events, to uplift LGBTQ2S+ relatives, and to hold space for healing and joy. 

Because every step we take together brings us closer to a world where all our relatives are loved and protected.  

Pride saves lives. Let’s keep walking, in love, in pride, and always in kinship. 

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