If These T-Shirts Could Talk...: 50 Years of GLBTQ+ Pride in Albuquerque

If These T-Shirts Could Talk… 50 Years of GLBTQ+ Pride in Albuquerque (1976–2026) is a vibrant, deeply researched chronicle of one of the Southwest’s most enduring and dynamic Pride celebrations. From its humble beginnings in 1976, when just twenty-five brave individuals marched quietly along Central Avenue, to the dazzling, multi-day festivals of today, this book captures the heart, struggles, and triumphs of Albuquerque’s GLBTQ+ community.

Through the lens of official Pride t-shirts, archival photos, and first-hand accounts, Dr. PJ Sedillo weaves together the stories of activists, allies, and everyday people who shaped a movement. Discover the evolution of Pride in Albuquerque: the battles for visibility and acceptance, the impact of the AIDS crisis, the challenges of leadership and community division, and the resilience shown in the face of hate, pandemic, and political backlash.

This is more than a history, it’s a celebration of solidarity, creativity, and the power of coming together. Whether you’re a longtime participant, a newcomer, or an ally, If These T-Shirts Could Talk… invites you to honor the past, reflect on the present, and dream boldly for the future. The story of Albuquerque Pride is a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that refuses to be silenced, and a reminder that every t-shirt, every march, and every act of courage matters.

The original book, Solidarity Through Pride (1976 - 2016) 40 Years, won best book 2018 in NM/Arizona. The purpose of these records is to continue honoring the legacy and history of Pride in the dessert known as Albuquerque Pride.

About the Author

Dr. PJ “Paul James” Sedillo, Associate Professor for the Special/Gifted Education Department at New Mexico Highlands University teaches the Gifted Endorsement coursework.  Published in Gifted Child Today, Journal of Education & Social Policy, Parents of High Potential, and ABQ Press where his book Solidarity through Pride won best book in Arizona/ NM 2018 and won in 2024 a children’s book Embraced or Excluded? Fact & Fiction of Famous LGBTQ+ Persons. His book chapter Identifying and Serving Diverse Gifted Learners introduces Stages of Identity for LGBT-Gifted persons. 

As a Suicidologist, he has created an assessment for suicide/suicidal ideation for the gifted in the International Journal of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (2025). He served as President for the NM Association for the Gifted, Communication Member & Chair-Elect for the NAGC-GLBTQ Network, NAGC State Affiliate Leadership and Advocacy member, Co-Chair for the 2019 NAGC Conference in Albuquerque, and as an At-Large Board Member for NAGC.  

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bright Child Books
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 6, 2026
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 392 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8994053287
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.46 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.89 x 11 inches