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.