ENDORSEMENT ALERT: EQNM’S STATEWIDE ENDORSEMENTS

You’ve seen the first waves of our endorsements over the past few months. Today, we’re proud to share our statewide endorsements for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Land Commissioner, and additional candidates for the New Mexico House of Representatives.

These leaders have demonstrated a commitment to LGBTQ New Mexicans not just in words, but through action. They understand that building a state where all of us can thrive requires bold leadership, strong relationships, and a willingness to stand up when it matters most.

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Deb Haaland, Governor of New Mexico

Secretary Haaland has always been a champion for our communities. From her leadership as Chair of the Democratic Party, to her time in Congress, to her historic role as Secretary of the Interior, she has consistently shown up for New Mexicans. We know Deb is focused on the things that matter to New Mexicans in a way that addresses root issues and puts people first. We are proud to endorse Deb Haaland for Governor because we know she will continue to lead with values that center equity, dignity, and opportunity for all.

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Maggie Toulouse Oliver, Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico

Secretary Toulouse Oliver has been a proven champion of the LGBTQ community for decades. As a national leader for Young Democrats, she fought for the first platform that supported Marriage Equality in 2003. She was the first County Clerk who willingly chose to be sued in order to get a Supreme Court ruling on Marriage Equality. Whether putting herself in the media as a public enemy for anti-marriage equality movements, or showing up as Secretary of State to fight for Secure Automatic Voter Registration that protects Trans people's ability to vote comfortably - Maggie has been championing queer and trans New Mexicans all along.

Maggie is the bold, experienced leader we need.

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Amanda Lopez Askin, New Mexico Secretary of State 

The Secretary of State’s office is responsible for public campaign finance laws, lobbyist reporting, and administration of elections. LGBTQ New Mexicans need someone who has shown up for us already in these areas - we need Amanda, who publicly and fervently supported our Voting Rights Act the first year we tried to pass it and stood up to support the bill this year to ban ICE from polling locations. The Secretary of State’s office has to run elections across the state, and that requires building relationships and making the case to the legislature to fully fund that office. We need a Secretary with trusted, supportive relationships in the legislature to get that funding.

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Matthew McQueen, New Mexico Land Commissioner

Representative McQueen has been a constant, unwavering voice for LGBTQ communities in the Legislature, and he has a solid plan for how to include us in the State Land Office. We show up for the people who show up for us. Chairman McQueen has been showing up for us his entire time in public service. The State Land Office is more than hunting and fishing. Its revenue for New Mexican Schools and Hospitals, it makes decisions about how we steward resources, and it’s an office that can have immense influence on policies that determine who can access the land and what businesses pay to rent their spot. We need trusted, committed, and proven leadership in this office for what's to come.

Matthew McQueen has shown he is that leader.

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Endorsed Candidates for the New Mexico House of Representatives

Katherine Gauer - HD8

Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero - HD13

Joseph M. Romero - HD14

Rep. Janelle Anyanonu - HD19

Rep. Meredith Dixon - HD20

Abby Christine Foster - HD27

Laura Parra - HD32

Rep. Raymundo Larra - HD34

David Mooney - HD38

Rep. Tara Lujan - HD48

Sarah Boses - HD50

Rep. Doreen Yvonne Gallegos - HD52

Luke Nicholas Jungmann - HD60

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Make Your Plan to Vote

Election Day is June 2nd, so make a plan to get out and vote at nmvote.org 

Elections are not the only factor in creating a government and systems that are built by us - but it is where it starts. We are confident that these candidates won’t just say they support our communities, they will stand alongside us and take action.

Join the Builder Circle! Help Us Build the New Mexico We All Deserve

More and more frequently, we're seeing billion-dollar entities and out-of-state corporations put profit before people. From civil rights to healthcare legislation, exploitation is coming before the change our communities need to see. The systems we live inside, the ones meant to protect us, are being shaped by those who will never feel their consequences.

New Mexicans deserve better.
LGBTQ New Mexicans deserve better.

And Equality New Mexico has never been more clear about what it will take to get there. There's only one way to ensure our government and the systems we exist in allow us to thrive, not just survive. They must be built by us, for us.

Community-led. Policy-driven. "Built by Us" isn't a tagline, it's a commitment to ensuring New Mexicans are put first, and that lived experience influences policy, not out-of-state corporate interests.

But we can't do this work alone, and we can't depend on elected officials alone. Building lasting power requires resources, consistency, and a community ready to invest in the durable power.

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Introducing the Builder Circle

We're launching the Builder Circle, an opportunity for our community to directly fuel the fight for systems that work for every New Mexican.

• Monthly support turns into stability.

• Stability turns into lasting LGBTQ power in New Mexico.

As a nonprofit, we rely largely on community support to make our work possible. A monthly recurring donation means we can plan ahead, move fast when it matters, and never stop advocating alongside and for LGBTQ New Mexicans harmed by oppressive systems.

Choose Your Impact

Community Builder — $10/month

The foundation of everything we do

• Community outreach

• Volunteer recruitment and onboarding

• Expanded organizing access statewide

Policy Builder — $25/month

Turning voices into action

• Research and policy development

• Elevating community voices in advocacy

• Strengthened policy response capacity

Power Builder — $50/month

Growing the next generation of leaders

• Organizer and volunteer training

• Expanded regional organizing

• Long-term campaign infrastructure

Statewide Builder — $100/month

Building durable LGBTQ power across New Mexico

• Multi-region organizing

• Large-scale mobilization and campaigns

• Influence on statewide policy and elections

Every tier matters. Whether you're joining as a Community Builder at $10/month or anchoring statewide work at $100/month, your recurring support sends a clear message: New Mexico's LGBTQ community is not going anywhere, and we will not be silenced.

Ready to become a Builder?

Join the Builder Circle today and help us build the New Mexico we all deserve.

The 2026 Legislative Fellowship: Reflections from our Fellows

A look inside the lived experiences, growth, and power-building of our 2026 cohort.

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Finding My Voice: Advocacy, Visibility, and Hope
By Kara Villegas

Instead of feeling silenced, I felt called to take action.

Being a trans woman in today’s political climate, where there is so much tension and misinformation, has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. Instead of feeling silenced, I felt called to take action. I realized how important it is to educate myself, speak up, and surround myself with people who are committed to protecting our rights and creating real change.

That journey led me to Equality New Mexico, where I was given the opportunity to step into the world of advocacy. Through the 2026 Legislative Fellowship experience, I was able to learn, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and truly feel seen and heard.

It reminded me that our voices matter, and that we are stronger when we come together.

What Advocacy Really Takes

During the 2026 Legislative Session in Santa Fe, I witnessed firsthand what it takes to fight for change. Advocacy is not just about speaking, it is about building relationships, staying prepared, and showing up consistently.

I learned that not every outcome will go in our favor, but that does not define the work we do.

“What truly matters is continuing to push forward, taking up space, and honoring those who paved the way for us to be there.”

Learning in Community

One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was the opportunity to collaborate with individuals from other organizations. Together, we lobbied for important issues, strengthened our communication skills, and learned how to effectively share our stories and perspectives.

With the guidance and training from the Equality New Mexico team, I gained a deeper understanding of how the legislative process works and what it takes to move change forward.

Moments That Gave Me Hope

“Even in challenging times, change is possible when people come together with purpose and determination.”

There were also powerful moments that reminded me why this work matters. Witnessing progress, like the passing of key legislation such as HB9, the Immigrant Safety Act, gave me hope.

It showed me that even in challenging times, change is possible when people come together with purpose and determination.

Moving Forward

Most importantly, this experience changed me. It opened my eyes, strengthened my voice, and gave me a sense of belonging within a community of advocates and allies. I walked away feeling hopeful. Hopeful that progress is happening, that our voices are being heard, and that we are making a difference.

This is just the beginning of my journey in advocacy. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow, to learn, and to be part of something bigger than myself. And I will continue to show up, speak out, and fight for a future where everyone is seen, valued, and protected.

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The Experience of Being an Old Fellow or Four Weeks in Purgatory
By Legislative Fellow

“Trying something new feels incredibly vulnerable.”

When you’ve been an adult for a while and working in a certain career, in my case teaching and social services, trying something new feels incredibly vulnerable. I originally applied for an organizer position because I felt like it was something I knew how to do, since I started as a teen in Houston, Texas.

I do not really like crowds, being perceived, getting embarrassed easily, and talking to new people can be difficult for me. I accepted the fellowship because I wanted to learn more about my state, and I wanted to get out of my comfort zone.

I did not expect to do all the things I did in this fellowship, but I am so happy I had the opportunity and took it.

First Impressions

Upon arriving the first day in Santa Fe and walking the halls of the Roundhouse before the session began, I felt all that has happened in that building and all that will continue to happen.

I loved walking through the halls and admiring the artwork, reading about the people that donated their work to make it beautiful.

Every day, as I walked through it, it was a reminder that we make our state what it is.

People Who Make the Process Work

“The best thing to do in this house is to love on each other.”

On our first day in the capital, we spoke with staff members of Senators and House Representatives, learning the parts of the state that they came from in order to contribute to this session.

I loved talking to retired teachers and nurses who schedule appointments for senators because they believe in themselves and their importance in maintaining the session.

I loved learning from listening. Coming from a working class background, seeing women that were lawyers and had been in this work for years was incredibly powerful to me.

I was able to see myself in their experiences, and the advice they gave me is something I will take with me no matter where I go.

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

Although the bill did not get heard, speaking with a Republican legislator and standing in front of them as my full self, because we both want safety for our children and success for our community, was something I never thought I would do.

Although I was very anxious, I was incredibly moved by her meeting me where I was and giving me her card.

“It gave me hope that we can have a diverse, sustainable, safe, and loving future together.”

It just takes getting out of our comfort zone for a little bit.

Small Moments That Mattered

Getting to deliver snacks and having staff members remember my name and give gratitude because they were running around trying to get committee rooms ready and did not have time to have a snack or coffee that morning.

My favorite day was giving Valentine’s Day cards and seeing full grown adults get excited about candy.

“It is simple things that bring us together, and it is simple things that give us joy.”

What I Learned

I also appreciate all the learning opportunities I had. My opportunity to learn about the different agencies within our state and the ways that their policies affect my everyday life, as well as my neighbors.

I think we all learn how a bill becomes a law in school, but we do not always learn what a bill actually tells you or leaves out, and how that affects you as a citizen.

Learning who did not feel connected to us in our queer experience in New Mexico was an educational moment as well.

“I learned not to explain my existence and to walk into rooms knowing that I am there because I deserve to be there.”

I am a person that believes that our community is strengthened by adversity and diversity.

Being in Community

I greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet with partner organizations that are doing direct service for all of us, all around the state. One such organization was at the New Mexico LGBTQ Roundtable, where I sat at a table where everyone on staff was also experiencing something that they were serving others for.

I loved knowing that the people who were advocating for me, and my former students and families, understood us. I also loved being able to shadow the ACLU’s team and learn how the way things are written into law can be applied.

A Moment I Will Never Forget

“I do not know how to put into words how empowering it felt to know it would be part of public record.”

Although it was difficult at times listening to legislators debate bills and understanding how their arguments are formed, it was incredibly important to see how information can be used to harm or help others.

Being able to contribute to public comment for bills that are important in my daily life, and being there when the Immigrant Safety Act passed, is something I will never forget.

Years in the making to make life safer for everyone in this state, and hopefully across the world.

I will also never forget the opportunity to contribute to EQNM’s public comment for the Immigrant Safety Act, hearing my words being spoken in favor of something that will protect others and end suffering for some.

Moving Forward

I feel like I am leaving this experience not a new person, but a person who knows what she is made of.

This opportunity is why I decided to continue my education and receive my board certification for chaplaincy.

“I want to continue to advocate for others while being entirely myself, loudly and proudly.”

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The Legislative Fellowship program is made possible by contributions from our community. To fuel statewide advocacy, make a donation below!

Join Our Team: Donor Engagement Strategist (Part-Time, Temporary)

Part-Time Temporary
Donor Engagement Strategist

Equality New Mexico (EQNM), a statewide LGBTQ advocacy and public education organization, is excited to welcome a part-time, temporary Donor Engagement Strategist to our team. We’re looking for someone motivated, relational, and committed to building meaningful connections with supporters who sustain our work for LGBTQ New Mexicans. This role will focus on deepening donor relationships, strengthening stewardship practices, and expanding individual giving.

JOB OVERVIEW

We’re seeking someone who has experience with donor relations, cultivation strategy, stewardship systems, and individual giving programs. While grant writing and event support may be part of this role, the primary focus will be relationship-based fundraising and donor engagement.

If you’re someone who believes fundraising is about people, trust, and long-term community building, we’d love to hear from you.

This is an hourly, part-time, and temporary position (average 20 hours per week $18.50 and up/HR, depending on experience and expertise). There is potential for this position to grow into a full-time role as the budget allows. Unless otherwise discussed, the role is set for 26 weeks at 15–20 hours per week. This position reports directly to EQNM’s Chief Liberation Officer.  

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Develop and implement a donor stewardship plan that strengthens relationships with current supporters and re-engages lapsed donors.

• Assist the Executive Director and Board of Directors in developing a fundraising plan, with a strong emphasis on individual donor cultivation, stewardship touchpoints, and relationship mapping.

• Create and maintain systems for personalized donor communication, including thank-you processes, impact updates, milestone recognition, and follow-up engagement.

• Assist in the development and implementation of fundraising events, including house parties and other gatherings accessible to various demographics, in collaboration with EQNM’s Internal Liberation Strategist.

• Communicate with donors by phone and email in a thoughtful, people-centered way.

• Track donor interactions, giving history, and next steps to ensure consistent, strategic follow-up.

• Work with communications staff to create compelling fundraising communications for EQNM supporters, ensuring messaging reflects donor impact and reinforces relationship-building.

• Schedule donor and community meetings with the Board of Directors and/or Executive Director.

• Use research tools to identify potential EQNM donors and supporters.

• Support the growth of a recurring donor program and mid-level donor strategy.

• Convene and facilitate a fundraising committee to expand EQNM’s donor base, volunteer network, and visibility in the community.

• Support staff with grant applications and reports (e.g., track and calendar deadlines, proofread documents, and complete other tasks as assigned).

• Collaborate with staff and committees to schedule and organize fundraising committee meetings, donor meetings, and events.

• Provide regular donor engagement reports, including retention insights, donor movement tracking, and relationship status updates.

• Assist with special projects as assigned.

• Report regularly to your supervisor on successes, barriers, and progress toward organizing goals.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable connecting with people one-on-one or in groups.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Access to reliable internet service.

• Ability to work in-person at our Albuquerque office (if local) or work remotely and actively participate in Zoom meetings (if not local).

• Ability to manage multiple projects, stay organized, and meet deadlines while maintaining focus.

• Familiarity with Google Suite programs.

• Experience working with donor databases or CRM systems preferred.

• Willingness and ability to travel on occasion.

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

• Ability to learn new systems quickly (both technical and organizational).  
  

OUR COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE

EQNM is committed to uplifting the voices of Black, Indigenous, and people of color within the LGBTQ community. We prioritize outreach to communities most impacted by harmful policy, ensuring they are at the center of our work to shift policy and public narratives.

While EQNM has an evolving list of issues that we see as impacting LGBTQ people, this list is not comprehensive. We engage our communities around issues that impact LGBTQ New Mexicans, including:

• Reproductive and Gender Affirming Care access

• Worker protections, including equitable pay and time off

• Racial justice and equity, including addressing systemic biases in the criminal justice system

EQNM is proud to be an advocacy organization that speaks not on behalf of, but in unison with, LGBTQ people across New Mexico. We seek opportunities to align with people and systems of power to create a state where all of us thrive — and we don’t shy away from engaging authentically with institutions when their decisions harm our communities.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

EQNM is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and we encourage People of Color, Women, Trans folks, and people of various experience levels to apply! We know that the systems of higher education and previous job experience often further marginalize strategically undervalued/resources communities like People of Color, Women, Trans and Queer folks, etc.  If you think you have an interest in this work, please apply and allow us to interview you to identify transferable skills that you may have.

TO APPLY:

We’d love to hear from you!
You can apply by filling out our GOOGLE FORM. 

Built by Us: 2026 and Early Endorsements!

We’re excited to be back from the 2026 Legislative Session, and more determined than ever to work hard for our communities. 

This session was one that opened many eyes to the barriers that communities like ours are facing. When it comes to rebuilding and challenging the systems and corporate forces that play massive roles in the oppression of the LGBTQ community, along with every other marginalized group - we are at a disadvantage.

The truth is, even with our unwavering efforts to lead and support policies that protect LGBTQ New Mexicans, crucial legislation died quickly, and harmful bills flourished. Protecting Queer and Trans New Mexicans, victims of sexual abuse, and communities exploited by corporate forces was unsuccessful because of multi-million dollar misinformation campaigns and leaders unwilling or unable to stand with us. The ugly truth about billion-dollar corporate entities and systems that work to oppress New Mexicans is daunting, but the path forward is clear. We can no longer expect champions in the legislature to carry the weight of every battle on their own. We can no longer expect community advocates to attempt damage control in the face of corporate forces with astronomical budgets. It’s time to take charge. It’s time for a government built by us. 

Built by Us: 2026 isn’t a campaign, event, or slogan, it’s a plan of action. Policy-driven, community-built, local power rooted in our shared mission to protect every New Mexican.  

In an era where corporate interests are influencing healthcare, data privacy, and civil rights legislation, LGBTQ New Mexicans are building something different. 

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Let’s be clear- elections aren’t the only hurdle when trying to rebuild the systems that hurt New Mexicans, but it’s a great place to start. In order to change and influence policy in a meaningful and impactful way, we need leaders who are willing to throw down for Queer and Trans New Mexicans.

We’re sharing our early endorsements for the 2026 Elections now!

Early endorsements give our community insight on the kinds of candidates we’re supporting before the filing deadline. Not only to help them get on the ballot, but to uplift people we’re confident will push beyond the status quo for LGBTQ New Mexicans. Some of these candidates will face opposition in the Democratic Primary on June 2nd and some of them will face opponents in the General Election in November - but we’re making it clear right now that we will stand with them in the coming months - because they consistently stand with us.

Electing leaders who will uplift and champion policies for LGBTQ New Mexicans and their families is a key factor in creating systems that are built by us!  But we are working to elect leaders who do more than stand with LGBTQ New Mexicans.  These are fighters, who collaborate with us, who center Queer and Trans people in all of the policy decisions they make, and who work hard to maintain strong relationships with our communities across the state. 

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Election Day is June 2nd! So stay plugged in for the rest of our endorsements and make a plan to get out and vote!

2026 Legislative Session Recap: Community Power Over Corporate Control

Facing the Harsh Reality

Now that the 2026 Legislative Session has closed, New Mexico faces a stark reality. For the first time in years, protecting corporate interests or entrenched systemic power often outweighed the needs of the communities lawmakers were elected to serve and protect.

Across various issues, corporate forces engaged in and funded massive disinformation campaigns. They claimed that protecting New Mexicans from the harms of these interests would “kill jobs” or “hurt the economy,” ignoring the very real human costs of inaction, particularly for people of color and LGBTQ communities. From climate policy to data privacy, these false narratives often obstructed policies that would have protected lives.  It is hard for an unpaid Legislature, who doesn’t get to work more than a month or two per year - to be able to sift through the disinformation they are fed, and yet we do believe they are responsible for taking the bold action their communities demand.  This is not to say they must take the blame, but emphasizes our responsibility as constituents to make expectations clear. 

Community Advocates and Allies Persist

Even in this challenging environment, there were lawmakers who fought to center our priorities. House leadership worked tirelessly to include our issues among their top priorities, pushing conversations on the Rainbow Budget, advocating for PREA safeguards, and raising the profile of NMCHISPA data privacy protections. While these proposals did not pass, the fact that they were actively discussed is a sign of what can happen when leaders are willing to uplift people-first policies.

While many crucial fights were lost to systemic and corporate powers, we saw community organizations and elected allies come together to fight for New Mexicans. This serves as a reminder that while some leaders play politics and gamble with New Mexicans’ livelihoods, many of the folks in the Roundhouse are still there to fight for our communities. After almost a decade of advocacy for the Immigrant Safety Act, it quickly passed the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor by the third week of the session. Thanks to the hard work of community advocates, sponsors, and supporters, New Mexico is now removed from the immigrant detention industry. We were especially excited to see this passage - as an organization that was working on this topic years ago, and witnessing the young people who took over this fight lead with such commitment to our communities . SB40, the Driver Privacy and Safety Act passed in the final days of session, protecting New Mexicans from being tracked and targeted through law enforcement tools like automated license plate readers. We cannot overstate the importance of enacting community-centered privacy policies like this to protect New Mexicans!

This session was a tough one, especially for those who are there to protect their communities instead of corporations. But there’s a clear juxtaposition that we must face in order to move forward intentionally and effectively: while many are focused on aiding and maintaining the exploitation of New Mexicans by multi-billion dollar entities and harmful systems, EQNM and our partners and allies alike have reaffirmed our commitment to protect our most vulnerable communities. 

This session highlights that the fight against corporate and systemic forces cannot rest on a few champions alone. It requires all of us stepping up together. Equality New Mexico will work toward this vision with our Built by Us framework: community-centered, people-powered, and policy-driven.

A Call for Every New Mexican to Step Up

We are calling on New Mexicans to join this movement, and help ensure that the voices of our communities, not the influence of systemic powers, shape policy. By engaging, organizing, and holding decision-makers accountable, we can turn the conversations this session started into action.

The work ahead is clear: corporate interests will keep pushing myths that profit should come before people. But with enough people ready to stand together, we can ensure that future sessions truly reflect the needs of our communities. This is the time to get involved, raise your voice, and help build the New Mexico we know is possible, built by us.

Only 8 Days Left: Help Us Cross the Finish Line

There are only 8 days left in the 2026 Legislative Session and we need your help to keep things moving!

Over the past few weeks, our communities have been crucial in getting important legislation in front of advocates, legislators, and the Governor. This is a reminder to all of us how much we can accomplish when we come together and advocate for critical legislation for each other. 

We saw an inspiring, massive public push for the Immigrant Safety Act, which ultimately was signed into law by the Governor by the third week of session! This proves that our voices matter and make a difference! But the work's not over, we’re not resting, and we need you in this fight with us. 

There are key pieces of legislation that must pass in order to protect our freedom, health, and safety. Are you ready to help us get these bills across the finish line?

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TAKE ACTION NOW

Here are a few pieces of legislation that we need you to plug into and fight for!

SB53: NMCHISPA
Our data privacy legislation that keeps our information out of the hands of the federal administration, hostile neighboring government agencies, and hateful individuals in our own communities needs to get through the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House quickly in order to pass! Tell your legislators to support SB53 through the link below!
https://goeqnm.org/NMCHISPASB53

HB292: Prison Rape Elimination Act
The federal government has rolled back protections for Intersex and Trans people who are incarcerated. We must protect every New Mexican - incarcerated or not - from sexual abuse and violence. This bill finally received a message from the governor, now we need your help to get this through the House and Senate rapidly! Tell your legislators to support PREA! 
https://goeqnm.org/PREA

SB189: Gender-affirming Care and Reproductive Healthcare Insurance Coverage
Gender-affirming and Reproductive care are legally protected in New Mexico, but that’s not enough when we don't have affordable, guaranteed access to it. SB189 will require insurance coverage for full spectrum Gender-affirming and Reproductive care. Tell your legislators to support guaranteed access to affordable Reproductive and Gender-affirming care!
https://goeqnm.org/SB189

SB40: Driver Privacy and Safety Act
This legislation addresses tools used by local and state law enforcement like automated license plate readers to ensure our location data isn’t being accessed by hostile federal and neighboring state agencies. We know that people receiving Reproductive or Gender-affirming healthcare are already being tracked. New Mexico must protect our rights to freedom, health, and safety. Tell your legislators to protect our freedom to move!

HB137: Buprenorphine Stock Requirement
This bill will require all pharmacies to keep buprenorphine (Soboxone) in stock, a life-saving medication that helps reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms for those battling opioid use disorder. New Mexico is facing a growing overdose crisis, we need real solutions. Buprenorphine is proven to reduce overdose and relapses. Tell your legislators to support HB137!
https://goeqnm.org/HB137

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Join Us in the Final Days

We hope you’re able to take the time to fill these forms out! If you’d like to join our final Legislative Phonebanks, sign up below!
https://goeqnm.org/legsessionsupport

We will continue fighting in the final days of the 2026 Legislative Session for policies that uplift and protect LGBTQ New Mexicans, and we’re grateful for our community’s support during a chaotic and ever-changing time of year. We couldn’t do this without you.

Stay plugged in and connected for updates and ways to get involved by following us on social media!

Our Justice Shouldn’t Be Capped

Our Justice Shouldn’t Be Capped

As Executive Director of Equality New Mexico, I am deeply concerned by proposals to cap punitive damages for corporate health care entities.  These efforts are being sold as “reasonable” solutions to complex problems, but New Mexicans should be clear-eyed about what they really are: a move to protect powerful corporations by limiting accountability — and a move that will hit marginalized communities hardest.

Punitive damages exist for a reason.  They are not about frivolous lawsuits or personal profit.  They are about deterrence and accountability. When corporations act recklessly, knowingly cause harm, and put profits over people, they should face consequences that affect their bottom line; that is where punitive damages are most useful.  When we cap punitive damages, we send a message that corporate harm has a price limit — that no matter how severe the misconduct, accountability can be calculated and absorbed as just a cost of doing business.

For LGBTQ people, this is not abstract policy.  Many LGBTQ New Mexicans already face barriers to safe and respectful health care: being denied care, misgendered, dismissed, or forced to fight just to be treated with dignity.  Transgender and nonbinary people experience especially high rates of medical discrimination and mistreatment.  When harm happens, the legal system is often the last line of accountability and justice.  Weakening that system means fewer protections for people who already have the least power.

We should also pay attention to what is happening beyond health care.  In New Mexico, Blackstone, a nearly 200 BILLION dollar corporation, is actively attempting to acquire PNM, our largest utility — a move that would place a critical public service under private equity control.  At the same time, massive data centers are being promoted as the future of our economy, often with generous incentives and limited transparency, while serious questions remain about water use, infrastructure strain, and whether these projects will truly benefit local communities. Again, the ones who will be most disproportionately impacted are communities already in the margins. 

So we have to ask the obvious question: how long will it be before we’re told that limiting punitive damages against those corporations is the only way to keep New Mexicans working?  Right now, the claim is that capping punitive damages for corporate health care entities is the only way to address a doctor shortage.  Is it really such a leap to imagine lawmakers soon arguing that shielding private equity firms, tech companies, or energy corporations from accountability is the only way to bring any jobs to New Mexico?

That argument is a lie — and a dangerous one.  It asks New Mexicans to give up hard-won rights instead of demanding real solutions.  It shifts responsibility away from corporations and onto the people harmed by their decisions.  And once that logic is accepted, it does not stay contained.

We have seen this fight before.  New Mexicans worked for years to pass the New Mexico Civil Rights Act so that government entities could be held accountable when they violate people’s rights. That law was grounded in a simple truth: accountability matters most when power is uneven.  Efforts to cap punitive damages undermine that principle.  They move us backward toward a system where powerful entities are protected from consequences, while ordinary people are told their harm has a ceiling - or better yet, to stay silent..

For LGBTQ people, the stakes could not be clearer.  Our protections have never been freely given. We have had to claw and scrape for basic rights — in employment, housing, public spaces, and health care.  Those protections mean little if corporations cannot be held fully accountable when they harm us.  A system that caps punitive damages turns discrimination, neglect, and abuse into manageable risks for corporations, while leaving LGBTQ people to bear the cost.

Equality New Mexico rejects the idea that corporate comfort should come before human dignity.  We reject the false choice between jobs and justice, between access to care and accountability, between economic development and civil rights.  New Mexico’s future should not be built on shielding corporations from responsibility — it should be built on protecting our people.

We can solve real problems without giving corporations a free pass.  And we must.  Because once accountability is weakened, it is always the most marginalized who are asked to pay the price.

Contact Governor on PREA HB292

Contact Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, telling her to push PREA, HB292, forward! 

Silence and delay are not neutral. Despite previously publicly championing survivors of sexual violence, Governor Lujan Grisham has not issued a message for HB 292 which puts protections around sexual violence in correctional facilities into state law. 

Without these important measures, sexual violence will likely  increase in state facilities and people who experience sexual violence will have decreased access to important supports. 

Governor MLG’s delay on PREA - HB292 prioritizes correctional facility administration and convenience over the safety and dignity of New Mexico residents in custody.

This is why we need your support and your voice now - follow these steps and share with the governor that it is our states’ moral obligation to do what we can to prevent sexual violence in juvenile justice and correctional facilities. 

Instructions: 

Follow the link to contact the Governor

• Fill out your information

• For the “issue” section, select Government Issues

• Copy and paste the suggested message below

• Feel free to make edits 

• Please keep the final sentence of “Provide a message for HB292, The Prison Rape Elimination Act, as it's written!”

• Then you can send the message! 

Link to contact the Governor: 

Contact the Governor - Office of the Governor - Michelle Lujan Grisham

Suggested message: 

Every New Mexican deserves protection from sexual violence, incarcerated or not. Vote yes on HB292, The Prison Rape Elimination Act! 

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) has been in effect since 2013. Reducing sexual violence in federal, state, and local correctional facilities, jails, prisons, and juvenile detention centers is critical. 

The federal administration refuses to enforce critical pieces of PREA - this is unacceptable and dangerous. Trans and Intersex people who are incarcerated deserve to be protected from sexual violence. LGBTQ people in the carceral system face higher rates of sexual violence than any other group. This change in policy means hundreds of LGBTQ people across the country could face sexual violence without treatment, and preventative measures may be abandoned. New Mexico must protect people who are incarcerated

Every New Mexican deserves protection from sexual violence, incarcerated or not. Provide a message for HB292, The Prison Rape Elimination Act, as it's written!

Equality New Mexico's Legislative Agenda 2026

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URGENT Announcement Pertaining to Gender-affirming Care in New Mexico

Community Announcement

Important information for folks who have insurance plans through the NM healthcare insurance exchange, BeWellNM.

What is happening?

Several organizations and entities have received information that as of January 2026, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBS) and United Healthcare plans on the state based New Mexico exchange may no longer cover gender affirming care for plan members of any age.

What are your options?

The open enrollment period for insurance selection on the NM exchange BeWellNM is available until January 15th. Until the end of open enrollment you may review your benefits and change your plan if it no longer works for your healthcare needs.

Choosing an insurance plan is a complex decision which requires the consideration of many things, including the availability of network providers in your area and costs.

There are only two days left of this period, so now is an important time to review your benefits and see if your plan works for your healthcare needs in 2026!

What to do:

Figure out if this decision impacts your plan.

Call current and prospective providers to see what plans they take.

Review your insurance plan documents to see things like co-pays, coinsurance, pharmacy and lab coverage.

Have questions about your plan or are not sure? You can find contact information for insurance brokers at:

https://bewellnm.com/

Make decisions before the open enrollment period closes. If you decide to make a plan change, you must do it by Jan 15th, 2025.

After this date, you can enroll in or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

The future:

Advocates are working to try to ensure this care is covered in future plan years, including 2027. The future is uncertain, but folks are working.

Things to know:

If you are unsure if this will impact you, try to get more information.

This information was raised and brought by concerned community members. It should not be interpreted as legal advice or direct advice on determining what plan is right for you.

This may or may not impact employer based plans that are governed by other healthcare plans.

Things are continuously changing and we are gaining access to new information all the time. These changes are deeply impacting trans and gender expansive people and our communities overall. We can get through these uncertain times by caring for each other in little and big ways.

Honoring Melissa Alexander's Leadership and Legacy

As Melissa Alexander departs from EQNM’s Board of Directors, we are taking a moment to reflect on her time with us, her impactful work, and the bittersweetness of saying goodbye to one of the most influential leaders in our organization’s history.

Stepping In When It Mattered Most

Melissa joined the board in late 2019, after spending years building a statewide trans advocacy organization in Ohio and a very successful career in law. When it came to joining the board, she wasn’t just willing, she was excited, enthusiastic, hopeful, and more than ready to get to work. 

At the time, EQNM was navigating a critical period of transition. The organization was separating from the former Executive Director, the only staff position at the time, and facing serious questions about how, or even if, EQNM would continue. Melissa stepped into that uncertainty with vision, steadiness, and an unwavering belief in what EQNM could become.

Rebuilding and Reimagining EQNM

Melissa played a central role in rebuilding the organization from the ground up. She was not only heavily involved in hiring our Chief Liberation Officer, Marshall Martinez, but had also made the selfless decision to volunteer an abundance of time in order to rebuild our organization. She spent countless hours making fundraising calls, sending mailers, proofreading emails, being a political thought partner, overseeing the endorsements committee, building a budget, hiring statewide staff, and strategizing for EQNM’s growth. In short, EQNM would not be where or what it is today without her. 

A Trusted Partner to Staff and Community

Melissa wasn’t just an excellent board member and chair, she was a reliable and trustworthy partner to the organization. She never missed a phone call from a staff member needing support, and was always willing to lobby and get the word out on protections we were championing for LGBTQ New Mexicans. With zero hesitation, Melissa dived in headfirst on anything she could to help fuel Equality New Mexico, and without her, we likely wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what we have in recent years for Queer and Trans New Mexicans.

Giving Beyond the Boardroom

Beyond her direct work on EQNM’s Board of Directors, Melissa dedicated so much of her time to uplifting our organization. She’s donated her art as a seasoned ceramicist for our annual Resilience awards, sold tickets to our events, stood as an ambassador for EQNM, recruited donors, spoken on our behalf at Democratic Party events, and volunteered on campaigns.

“It is not and easy time for our queer and trans community these days with the constant attacks out of Washington and the road ahead is treacherous indeed. I have full faith in the efforts of the staff and Board members of EQNM in keeping up the good fight against this sea of hate and continuing the growth of EQNM!”

— Melissa Alexander

Wishing Melissa Well in Her Next Chapter

While losing Melissa from our Board of Directors is a very sad moment for us, that sadness is greatly outweighed by the excitement we have for her. Melissa will now be able to focus on one of her biggest passions, pottery and ceramic art, and fully enjoy her retirement. Melissa has not just been a Board Member, she’s been an instrumental part of this team. Our staff, organization, and movement would not be where it is today without Melissa’s unwavering support. We’re eternally grateful for Melissa’s time with Equality New Mexico, and we wish her nothing but joy and bliss as she steps into this new chapter.

Our Top Ten Wins of 2025!

2025 was a year of growth, reflection, and action. We couldn’t make any of this possible without your support, so let’s celebrate our biggest moments together! We are grateful for you, and we look forward to continuing to build our movement in 2026.

This year, we hit a huge goal by opening our office! A place where staff, board members, and community can work together!  Shout out to TGRCNM for renting us an awesome space next to our closest partners!

We kept the momentum going and recruited two new board members and hired three new staff! Our team will continue to grow right alongside our movement!

During the 2025 Legislative Session, we defeated every single bad bill! Legislation with potential to harm LGBTQ New Mexicans never got far! Here in New Mexico, advocates and legislators alike stand together against the “new normal” of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, stopping harmful bills and pushing the status quo forward.

We mobilized massive civic engagement. We sent almost 50,000 texts, sent 131,000 emails, and made 6,500 calls, engaging our community and keeping you up to date!

We kicked off Pride Month by hosting the biggest Resilience event in our organization's history! In a time of fear and uncertainty, we gathered in solidarity and joy.

EQNM & TGRCNM collaboratively convened focus groups of Gender-affirming and Reproductive healthcare providers in order to get a better understanding of our state's healthcare landscape and how we can most effectively take action to protect New Mexicans.

Our endorsed candidates for municipal and school board elections had an 85% win rate! Meaning an overwhelming majority of our candidates will soon take office and work to protect and uplift LGBTQ New Mexicans!

We launched the NMCHISPA campaign, taking on Big Tech and hostile governments in order to protect New Mexicans personal information online so that it can't be used to harass, persecute, or prosecute them. Learn more at NMCHISPA.org!

We helped pass landmark legislation like Confirmatory Adoptions, which will help protect LGBTQ families, Semi-open Primaries, ensuring every New Mexican has a voice in every election, and the MVD Data Bill, protecting sensitive personal information held by state agencies.

We launched the only LGBTQ Legislative Leadership Development Program in the state, bringing young, Queer and Trans voices into policymaking spaces for a hands-on experience!

None of these achievements would’ve been possible without the unwavering support of our community. We are going into 2026 grateful, grounded, and ready to get to work for Queer and Trans New Mexicans.

JOIN OUR TEAM: LGBTQ Statewide Summit Event Coordinator

JOIN OUR TEAM:
LGBTQ Statewide Summit Event Coordinator

Equality New Mexico (EQNM) is hiring an Event Coordinator to support the planning and execution of our LGBTQ Statewide Summit. This role is remote with required in-person work in New Mexico during the Summit. The position pays 75 dollars per hour, not to exceed 20 hours per month or 14,000 dollars total for the contract. Travel and lodging for in-person work are covered. This role reports to the Chief Liberation Officer.

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Equality New Mexico works to build an empowered, connected, and inclusive LGBTQ community across the state. We bring people together through advocacy, leadership development, and community building, all with the shared purpose of creating a stronger future for LGBTQ New Mexicans.

About EQNM

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The Event Coordinator will lead the planning and execution of the LGBTQ Statewide Summit, a gathering that brings LGBTQ people together from across New Mexico, including rural communities. This role organizes the details that create a smooth, welcoming, and powerful experience for attendees. You will work closely with EQNM staff, volunteers, vendors, and partners to keep the event running on track.

The Role

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What You Will Do

• Coordinate vendors for catering, entertainment, rentals, and logistics, including contract review with leadership.

• Support sponsorship and partner fulfillment before, during, and after the Summit.

• Collaborate on workshop and session logistics with the Director of Policy and People.

• Manage ticketing, registration, and attendee communications.

• Organize, train, and schedule volunteers with the Community Engagement Strategist.

• Oversee setup and takedown to ensure all details run smoothly.

• Track budgets, maintain expense records, and ensure materials are produced on time.

• Provide weekly updates to leadership and join Summit-related staff meetings.

Who You Will Work With

• Chief Liberation Officer

• Director of Policy and People

• Director of Influence, Experience and Culture

• Internal Liberation Strategist

• Community Engagement Strategist

• Narrative and Voice Strategist

• Development & Engagement Strategist

Preferred Qualifications

• Whova or other digital event management tools

• Event planning experience

• LGBTQ cultural competency

• Strong writing and verbal communication

• Problem solving and time management

• Ability to work with minimal supervision

Time Commitment

This role includes flexible remote work leading up to the Summit and in-person work in New Mexico for setup, the event itself, and takedown. Average time is about five hours per week, with variations based on the event schedule.

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Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to support a mission-centered team advancing LGBTQ rights and leadership across New Mexico. You will help create an event that promotes connection, community, and statewide empowerment.

Apply Now

Send your resume and a short cover letter to Info@eqnm.org by December 31, 2025.

​​Queer Immigrants Deserve Safety, Dignity, and Belonging

Across the country, immigrant communities are facing increasing violence. Masked agents are kidnapping people, stoking violence within communities, and physically tearing apart families - leaving children crying while they're pried out of the arms of their loving parents.  Entire communities are living in panicked hiding. These actions are not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of cruelty designed to strip dignity from those who are already marginalized. 

“We know that justice for LGBTQ people cannot be separated from justice for immigrants, because so many in our communities hold both of those identities.”

The fight to protect immigrants is being led in New Mexico by groups like the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, Contigo Immigrant Justice, ACLU-NM, and many others. These organizations have worked tirelessly to mitigate harm, pass legislation, and educate the public.

Between the new detention facility at Fort Bliss, and the guidance released to detention centers to stop counting demographics like gender-expansivity or non-heterosexuality, it’s more crucial than ever that we support our immigrant organizations, fight for the Immigrant Safety Act, and stand with Queer and Trans immigrants. 

“We know that the people detained across New Mexico’s three detention centers can’t wait one more day for relief. Every day someone is detained is another day they are away from their family, their job, and their basic human dignity. New Mexico has the power to take action and end the suffering of those detained and protect others from enduring these unsafe conditions by passing the Immigrant Safety Act. The Immigrant Safety Act would prohibit New Mexico state and local governments from entering into agreements to detain people in federal civil immigration custody. This bill would close a loophole that allows ICE and for-profit detention contractors to use New Mexico counties as passthroughs to avoid normal scrutiny of the disastrous safety records of those contractors in running New Mexico’s immigration detention centers.”  -Jessica Martinez, New Mexico Immigrant Law Center

Queer immigrants live a distinct experience. They often flee violence, discrimination, and economic instability in their countries of origin, only to face new dangers in the United States. For LGBTQ immigrants, detention is life-threatening, with reports of abuse and denial of medical care. For trans immigrants, the risks multiply. Discrimination at the border, compounded with the barriers of language and legal status, makes survival a daily act of courage. When the country enacts policies that target immigrants, Queer and Trans immigrants feel the blow twice over.

We know that immigrants are part of the fabric of our state. They are our neighbors, our coworkers, our classmates, and our loved ones. We know that queer immigrants build families here, create art here, labor here, and lead movements here. Our liberation is tied together. 

When one community is attacked, the safety of all is threatened. To stand for queer liberation without standing for immigrant justice would be to deny the very principle of solidarity.

It is vital to remember that our state has a long history of resilience and collective care. Immigrants in New Mexico have organized for decades to expand access to education, healthcare, and protection from deportation. Many of these victories have been won through coalitions that bring together immigrants, LGBTQ people, workers, and faith communities. These alliances remind us that power grows when we refuse to be divided.

“In light of what we are witnessing across the country, we must ensure the safety of our community. We must stand in our power as a community and continue to uplift voices of immigrants who are enduring dangerous conditions, due process violations, racial profiling, and systems of harm. We as a state have the power to end the suffering of detainees and ensure the safety of our community and that is by taking a stance to refuse to be complicit in human rights abuses. Our movement continues to grow and we will keep advocating for the Immigrant Safety Act and working with our champions in the legislature until this bill is passed.”- Jessica Martinez, New Mexico Immigrant Law Center

There are resources here for those seeking support. Organizations such as:

• New Mexico Immigrant Law Center provides legal assistance and advocacy for immigrant families.

• Somos Un Pueblo Unido organizes immigrant workers and fights for policies that expand protections.

• Contigo Immigrant Justice (formerly Santa Fe Dreamers Project) supports undocumented people, especially LGBTQ+ immigrants, with legal and social services. 

• The Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico offers direct support and advocacy for trans and nonbinary people, including immigrants. 

Together, these groups create a network of care that ensures people are not left to face attacks alone.

We remain committed to building a state where all people can live with safety, dignity, and belonging. That commitment requires us to speak out against every attempt to criminalize immigrants and to fight alongside them for justice. It requires us to listen to queer immigrants in our community and follow their leadership. It requires us to recognize that immigrant justice is not a separate struggle from our own but part of the same fight for liberation.

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We urge our community to take action. Support immigrant-led organizations in New Mexico. Show up at rallies and vigils. Educate yourself about the distinct struggles of queer and trans immigrants. Check in on your neighbors. Build relationships that cross boundaries of identity, status, and background. 

By choosing solidarity, by insisting on intersectionality, and by lifting up the voices of queer immigrants, we can demonstrate the power of a community that refuses to be divided.

Join Our Team: Community Engagement Strategist (Part-Time, Temporary)

Part-Time Temporary Community Engagement Strategist

Equality New Mexico (EQNM), a statewide LGBTQ advocacy and public education organization, is seeking a temporary part-time Community Engagement Strategist. We’re looking for a motivated, people-centered individual to help us strengthen community organizing and power-building efforts that sustain the growth and stability of our dynamic organization.

We are building local and statewide power for LGBTQ people! We will work toward LGBTQ liberation until queer and trans New Mexicans are represented everywhere decisions are being made.

This is a temporary, part-time position at $18.50/hour and up, dependent on experience and level of expertise, beginning at up to 20 hours per week. The role is budgeted for 26 weeks, but could be extended or expanded if the budget allows. This role reports directly to EQNM’s Director of Policy and People.

POSITION FOCUS:

This entry-level position has three main objectives:

• Learn and practice organizing skills for movement-building and relational organizing.

• Develop authentic relationships with LGBTQ people across the state on behalf of EQNM.

• Recruit, train, and engage queer and trans New Mexicans in EQNM’s work for policy, culture, and systems change.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Recruit volunteers for EQNM activities, including electoral, civic engagement, community education, and legislative advocacy events.

• Conduct outreach through phone calls, text messages, EQNM social media, and emails.

• Represent EQNM at in-person events through tabling and community engagement.

• Train, supervise, and support volunteers and activists in year-round power- and community-building work, both in person and virtually across the state.

• Maintain volunteer and activist information in EQNM’s database (system provided).

• Communicate EQNM priorities with community members to build alignment and increase engagement.

• Collaborate with the EQNM team to set short-, medium-, and long-term goals for organizing, communications, and public education programs.

• Report regularly to your supervisor on successes, barriers, and progress toward organizing goals.

• Organize volunteers to collect stories, encourage community action, and train participants in public speaking and testimony for advocacy.

• Travel around the state for events, community building, or to fulfil other priorities as directed by your supervisor.

• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Chief Liberation Officer.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable connecting with people one-on-one or in groups.

• Access to reliable internet service.

• Ability to work in-person at our Albuquerque office (if local) or work remotely and actively participate in Zoom meetings (if not local).

• Ability to manage multiple projects, stay organized, and meet deadlines while maintaining focus.

• Familiarity with Google Suite programs.

• Willingness and ability to travel.

• A reliable mode of transportation to and from working locations

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

• Ability to learn new systems quickly (both technical and organizational)

OUR COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE

EQNM is committed to uplifting the voices of Black, Indigenous, and people of color within the LGBTQ community. We prioritize outreach to communities most impacted by harmful policy, ensuring they are at the center of our work to shift policy and public narratives.

While EQNM has an evolving list of issues that we see as impacting LGBTQ people, this list is not comprehensive. We engage our communities around issues that impact LGBTQ New Mexicans, including:

• Reproductive and Gender Affirming Care access

• Worker protections, including equitable pay and time off

• Racial justice and equity, including addressing systemic biases in the criminal justice system

EQNM is proud to be an advocacy organization that speaks not on behalf of, but in unison with, LGBTQ people across New Mexico. We seek opportunities to align with people and systems of power to create a state where all of us thrive — and we don’t shy away from engaging authentically with institutions when their decisions harm our communities.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

EQNM is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and we encourage People of Color, Women, Trans folks, and people of various experience levels to apply! We know that the systems of higher education and previous job experience often further marginalize strategically undervalued/resources communities like People of Color, Women, Trans and Queer folks, etc.  If you think you have an interest in this work, please apply and allow us to interview you to identify transferable skills that you may have.

To Apply

We’d love to hear from you! You can apply by filling out our GOOGLE FORM or by emailing marshall@eqnm.org with your responses to the applicable questions in the application form.

Rested and Ready: Marshall’s Return to EQNM

I am excited to be back at Equality New Mexico after 100 days away on sabbatical. I know how rare and privileged it is to have a board, staff, and community who supported this opportunity for me to rest and reset.

“The time I took this summer is something for which I will forever be grateful.”

After devoting myself entirely to our movement since the early days of the pandemic, I opted to utilize EQNM’s burnout-busting policy of allowing staff with five years of work for the organization to take 90 days of leave. We instituted this policy to build a culture that honors rest, reflection, and sustainability.

The truth is, the people we fight for every day do not get this kind of break. Our communities are under attack, and most of us are working to survive and protect ourselves. I carry this awareness with me as I return.

Because I’m a Leo and I assume everyone is dying to know, here’s a quick recap of how I spent my time off.

I made it to New York City, where I finally saw Orville Peck in Cabaret. Watching the show in the current political and cultural context brought up many unanticipated feelings. I remembered the show’s basic storyline, but I forgot that the plot hinges on the rise of fascism and the tension between those who want to fight fascism and those who want to pretend they are living "outside" of politics.

“It was emotional and inspiring to remember that we can all find a way to be part of the movement even when we want to focus on our own joy as well.”

I also got to see Audra McDonald in Gypsy. Watching Audra perform “Rose’s Turn” was life-changing. After 18 years of hoping to hear her sing live, crossing that off my must-do list felt incredible. Eva Noblezada brought Sally Bowles to life with so much energy, vulnerability, and sexiness that I’ll be hard-pressed to believe anyone else can do it as well.

Outside the theater, I had the joy of showing parts of the city I knew to my partner and their sister, which made the trip even more special.

Beyond New York, I visited San Antonio, Madison, and Chicago. I caught up with an old friend from my Planned Parenthood days who continues to be a mentor and movement leader in my life. I also spent a few days in Palm Springs, my personal queer haven—although I admit the 113-degree heat was not a highlight of my summer!

Back at home, I did something that always seems impossible during work life: I cleaned and organized my house, binged some terrible television, and took naps.

“Did you know that people over 40 who take two 30-minute naps a week reduce their risk of heart attack? I plan to keep those naps going.”

More than the travels and the naps, this time was about reflection. I want to share what I’m bringing back with me. I return with clear eyes and a refilled cup. For me, that means patience, commitment, and excitement to get back to work.

During my time away, our team also managed a short leadership retreat where we rethought how EQNM is structured—our roles, our work, and our vision for the next two, three, and five years. I am eager to keep building on that clarity and focus.

I have to give a massive shout-out to Nathan Saavedra and Rudy Montoya, who held us down while I was away. What was supposed to be a slower summer turned out to be the opposite, and they led us through it with strength and determination.

Of course, while I was away, the world did not stop. I kept up with the news and watched the parade of horrors that unfolded and continued all summer. It’s a sobering reminder that our fight is not slowing down. If anything, we must prepare for a longer and harder road ahead.

What I learned during this time is that those of us in the fight of our lives must stay flexible. We need to try everything we’ve done in the past when our government has failed us, while also being willing to try new approaches. We have to lean into our intersectional commitments, not away from them. Times of crisis can make people panic or hoard power, but I believe crises can also create movement moments, moments when we expand power, share it, and grow together.

“I am coming back more committed than ever to distributing power, to building an LGBTQ movement in New Mexico that doesn’t leave anyone behind.”

That means:

• Fighting just as hard for queer and trans people who are incarcerated or unhoused as for those who are married or able to donate.

• Defending quality healthcare that respects patients instead of harming them.

• Protecting progress, even as the federal government tries to dismantle HIV prevention and treatment systems.

• Doubling down on inclusive education for New Mexico students that is culturally diverse, safe, and engaging.

• Passing effective data privacy legislation to protect our most vulnerable communities from harassment and persecution.

• Learning and teaching our community how to fiercely stand with our Trans siblings as they face rampant attacks.

I am back, fully in it, and ready to fight for us.
Thank you for the break, and in the words of my favorite TV president, Jed Bartlett: “What’s next?”

Building Power Locally: Join EQNM for Phone Banking & Canvassing

Building Power Locally:
Join EQNM for Phone Banking & Canvassing

At Equality New Mexico, we know that real change happens when our communities come together. And that change is even more powerful when we start to create it in our own communities! Every conversation matters, and your time and energy help us build power across the state

This election season, we’re hitting the phones and knocking doors to connect with voters, share what’s at stake, and make sure LGBTQ voices are heard.

Below is your one-stop shop to sign up for upcoming phone banks and canvasses. Pick one (or more!) and join us:

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Canvassing

• October 11: Sign Up Here

• October 18: Sign Up Here

• October 25: Sign Up Here

• October 26: Sign Up Here

• November 1: Sign Up Here

• November 2: Sign Up Here

Phone Banks

• October 14: Sign Up Here

• October 16: Sign Up Here

• October 21: Sign Up Here

• October 23: Sign Up Here

• October 28: Sign Up Here

• October 30: Sign Up Here

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Every hour you give brings us closer to a New Mexico where all LGBTQ people can thrive.

Thank you for showing up and helping us build power together.

2025 Endorsements Are Here!

This blog has been updated to provide a more detailed explanation of our endorsement for Mayor of Albuquerque.

Every election cycle, Equality New Mexico listens to our community and lifts up leaders who will take our voices with them into office. Our endorsements are not just about politics; they are about action, values, and commitment. We’re proud to stand with candidates who have proven, or who show real potential, to fight for Queer and Trans liberation and to lead with dignity, equality, and justice for all LGBTQ New Mexicans.

The Equality New Mexico endorsement process is simple, but effective: 

• Candidates apply to be endorsed.

• They go through an interview process.

• The independent endorsement committee recommends candidates to the Board of Directors.

• The Board unanimously votes on which candidates to endorse.

But what’s taken into account when choosing candidates to endorse? 

Elected officials don’t determine what our communities need. New Mexico’s LGBTQ community knows what they need, and they’re the people who should be at the table when decisions that will impact them are made. For a candidate to be endorsed, they must show that they’ll prioritize not only advocating for our community, but listening to and valuing their feedback.

You may be wondering: how do we know if a candidate values LGBTQ voices? For our endorsement to be issued, the candidate must have a history of fighting for and supporting Queer and Trans New Mexicans. If the candidate is running for office for the first time, we need to hear and see potential in their stances on issues impacting LGBTQ New Mexicans.

New Mexico policy and advocacy is rooted in our shared morals of freedom, equality, dignity, and compassion. If a candidate shows that they align with those values, and proves it through their work, it’s likely that we’ll support them.

We’re so excited to be supporting this year’s amazing endorsees! From rural New Mexico City Council elections to mayoral races, we’re confident that our Endorsees will carry our values with them and keep Queer and Trans New Mexicans in mind no matter what table they’re sitting at.

Las Cruces held our first announced slate of candidates this year, four Champions who have not only held the line but pushed it forward, protecting and affirming LGBTQ communities in schools and outside of them. 

The capitol of New Mexico; Santa Fe has been an emblem of LGBTQ support for years, and we are proud to support candidates who will continue to uphold and further develop that standard.

Albuquerque, the most populous city in our state, holds plenty of fierce identities and strong values - this is true for its candidate as well as those who call it home. 

While not all of these endorsement decisions were easy, we put our trust in those who volunteer their time to participate in our endorsement committee alongside our Board of Directors to vote in the best possible way for the health of our organization and the broader Queer and Trans communities of New Mexico. 

As exciting as endorsements can be, we also understand that sometimes community members disagree with the candidates we choose to endorse. We encourage our community to vote for the people they believe will protect and fight for them. Equality New Mexico will never waver in the fact that we endorse based on true commitment to Queer and Trans liberation in New Mexico, and we value action over words.

“We decided to endorse Alex Uballez and not Tim Keller because Queer and Trans people are ready for a change. In this extraordinarily dangerous moment, the status quo is not enough. The LGBTQ community faces overpolicing and criminalization, increased homelessness, decreasing access to healthcare—especially addiction treatment and behavioral healthcare—and alarming violence aimed at our Trans siblings. We need a new perspective, a fresh approach, and a deep commitment to meaningful engagement with our community across all levels of policymaking, in every department of City Government. We believe Alex Uballez is the candidate who will bring Queer and Trans people into the spaces we haven’t been included in previously.”

— Daniel Williams, Endorsement Committee Chair

Overall, Equality New Mexico is excited to support our endorsees, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish if they win their races. Regardless of who wins, we will continue to hold elected officials accountable for the policies, values, and actions necessary for Queer and Trans liberation in New Mexico.

You Can Support Queer Liberation by Including EQNM in Your Will

Many LBGTQ folx and our allies make regular contributions to organizations like EQNM to support the movement, but did you know that you can continue to offer financial support as part of a bigger-picture plan for your legacy? 

August is Make a Will Month. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and ask a powerful question: What do I want my legacy to be?

For our community, this is more than just paperwork. It’s about continuing the fight for justice, equity, and belonging for generations. It’s about making bold plans for the future we might not get to see ourselves, but that we still believe in.

A legacy gift, which is also known as a planned gift, estate gift, or bequest, is a commitment you make to support an organization like EQNM in the future. It’s usually done through your will. It can be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate after other distributions, or simply a meaningful gesture that reflects your values.

Gauge Burnett
EQNM’s Development & Engagement Strategist

Legacy gifts come in all sizes and from people in all walks of life. As our Development & Engagement Strategist, Gauge Burnett, puts it: “Some people wonder how much to leave as a legacy gift. We always say that if it’s meaningful to you, then it’s meaningful to EQNM. We give with our hearts.”

It isn’t just about charity. Queer and trans folx are chosen family, so a legacy gift is also about building intergenerational wealth our way. This act can help create security for loved ones of all kinds, and ensure the next wave of queer leaders have the support they need to rise.

For LGBTQ organizations, legacy giving allows us to dream big. It gives us the financial security to plan bold, long-term strategies and take risks in our programming knowing we have a community that believes in what we do. It shows institutional funders that our movement is resilient and sustainable. Perhaps most importantly, it allows us to honor those who have come before us and those who will come after.

For donors, creating a will offers peace of mind. It protects the people you love. It makes your intentions clear. And for many in our community—especially those with small families or chosen family—it’s a chance to extend your voice and values beyond your lifetime.

This Make a Will Month, EQNM has partnered with FreeWill, a free, secure online tool that helps you write a legal will, step by step. You don’t need a lawyer, and there’s no cost to you or to EQNM. In just 20 minutes, you can create a will, assign guardianship, outline your healthcare wishes, and—if you choose—include a legacy gift to Equality New Mexico.

If you’re based in New Mexico, FreeWill will automatically prompt you with the option to support us. We’ll be notified when a gift is pledged and, depending on your preferences, can thank you directly or respect your privacy. Either way, your impact will be felt far into the future.

We are deeply grateful to every EQNM donor who fights for a freer, safer, more joyful future for LGBTQ New Mexicans. Legacy giving is a unique, powerful way to carry that work forward. It’s a promise that our movement will outlive all of us and keep growing stronger with every passing year, and we are honored to be part of that vision.