Wide-Open Desert: A Queer History of New Mexico

In the 20th century, LGBTQ+ residents of New Mexico created vibrant cultural communities in the Southwest, resisting marginalization through migration and creative expression. Jordan Biro Walters' book explores how land communes, art circles, and university classrooms supported queer cultural expression and launched gay civil rights activism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 03 January 2023
Publisher: University of Washington Press

In the vibrant tapestry of the twentieth century, the LGBTQ+ community in New Mexico found solace and expression in a diverse array of spaces. From the burgeoning bohemian art scene in Santa Fe to the clandestine military developments at Los Alamos, their presence resonated across the state. This captivating documentary, Wide-Open Desert, shifts its focus away from the urban gay meccas that many out queer people called home, unveiling a rich tapestry of two-spirit, Chicana lesbian, and white queer cultural producers nestled in the heart of the US Southwest.

Drawing upon oral histories, documentaries, poetry, and archival sources, Jordan Biro Walters meticulously weaves a narrative that showcases the remarkable resilience and creativity of LGBTQ+ individuals. Through their geographic migration and artistic expression, they defied marginalization, carving out spaces of belonging. Prominent figures featured in the film include two-spirit Diné artist Hastíín Klah, literary magazine editor Spud Johnson, ranchera singer Genoveva Chávez, and Cherokee writer Rollie Lynn Riggs. Biro Walters delves into the profound ways in which land communes, art circles, and university classrooms fostered communities that championed queer cultural expression and ignited the flames of gay civil rights activism in New Mexico.

Throughout the film, Wide-Open Desert shines a spotlight on queer mobility and queer creative production as vital pathways to political, cultural, and sexual freedom for LGBTQ+ individuals. It serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination of those who have fought for equality and justice. By exploring the diverse landscapes and vibrant communities of New Mexico, Wide-Open Desert offers a profound appreciation for the complexities and richness of LGBTQ+ history and culture. It is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and community in shaping the narrative of a nation.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295751016