As soon as I learned what happened in Orlando, I promptly began drafting emails and statements, designing social media graphics, and coordinating vigils and other demonstrations of support across the state and country.
I am angry that queer and trans people of color continue to be commodified and used as collateral to push a single issue policy. I am angry, and as a Queer, gender nonconforming Latinx, I am allowed to be angry.
We often don't know what to do in times of crisis and devastation, and nothing we can do will ever erase the horror and hate that has been inflicted on the victims and families in Orlando, and our LGBTQ community at-large. But, we can come together and show the world that we will not succumb to fear and violence.
Equality New Mexico’s work did not end with same sex marriage. LGBTQ New Mexicans still experience discrimination, lack of acceptance from family, peers, co-workers and the general public, and a policy environment that obstructs equality under the law and quality of life. The events are to draw awareness to the issues and solutions.
Santa Fe, NM—Today, Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) announced the incorporation into existing policy of an administrative regulation addressing the safety and well being of transgender students. Formally introduced in October 2015 through the efforts of the Santa Fe Chapter of the All Families Matter Coalition and New Mexico Safe Schools Initiative partners, the regulation ensures students are addressed by the name and pronoun corresponding to their gender identity, and requires access to gender-segregated activities and areas in accordance with students’ gender identity. The regulation is supported by changes made to the SFPS Nondiscrimination Policy last year, in which ‘gender identity’ and ‘gender expression’ were added as protected classes.
“After a year of development and negotiation on this directive, supported by over a decade of community-led advocacy, we couldn’t be more excited to see APS advance protections for transgender students—one of the most marginalized student populations in our schools,” said EQNM Executive Director Amber Royster. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of APS Title IX Director Janalee Barnard and the work of the APS Office of Equity LGBT Advisory Committee for ensuring that all students are safe and respected, and have every opportunity for success.”
"I’ve been a priest for 28 years,” said Fr. Rusty Smith, Executive Director of St. Martin's Hospitality Center. "Faith is at the center of my life, and freedom of religion is deeply important to me. But, this legislation would allow businesses to refuse to serve those who don’t share their beliefs. That just doesn’t sit right with me. Religion shouldn’t be used to hurt people, to impose one’s beliefs on others, or to discriminate.”
Albuquerque, NM – December 4, 2015 –The New Mexico Public Education Commission (PEC) recently unanimously passed a resolution in support of the New Mexico Safe Schools Initiative, an ongoing collaboration between Equality New Mexico (EQNM), Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico (TGRCNM), the New Mexico Gay Straight Alliance Network (NMGSAN), Prevention at Play, Southwest Women’s Law Center (SWLC), and the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) of Albuquerque. The resolution also supports the Safe Schools for All Students Act, legislation introduced by Sen. Bill Soules (D-Las Cruces) in 2015 legislative session.
Equality New Mexico worked alongside over 100 civil and human rights organizations, including Immigration Equality, CIVIC, National Center for Transgender Equality, and United We Dream to run a campaign to stop the transfer that garnered national attention from the media and members of Congress.
We are a privileged organization. As such, we take responsibility for ensuring that the privilege we are able to access is distributed to those most affected in our community. Recently, our Board of Directors decided to define the primary "community" we serve as those most affected by injustice and violence, and we are proud and resolute in our commitment to put our resources where they are most needed.
Not only was my career on the line, but my personal life was put on hold as well. As a result of DADT, I feared dating and having a relationship, and I could not even entertain the notion of getting married, if I was ever lucky enough to meet someone special.
Albuquerque, NM—Equality New Mexico (EQNM), Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico (TGRCNM), ACLU of New Mexico (ACLU-NM), Southwest Women’s Law Center (SWLC), and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) applaud the introduction of the federal Equality Act, legislation introduced today in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives that protects against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Rep. Pearce is a co-sponsor of the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), an inaccurately and misleadingly named piece of legislation introduced in U.S. Congress this month that would open the door to unprecedented taxpayer-funded discrimination against LGBT people, single mothers, and unmarried couples.
Santa Fe, NM – June 26, 2015 – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a historic decision in favor of marriage equality, making it so that same-sex couples will soon have the freedom to marry and will enjoy equal respect for their marriages across America.
I am one of many marginalized voices in the LGBTQ community, and all of my intersected identities have informed and shaped how I navigate my Queer identity. My Queer identity isn’t a single checkbox, and I don’t live a single-issue life. This evening when I entered this room, I didn’t leave my Chican@ identity at the door – I walked in with my whole self and all of my intersected identities.
Andrea Quijada, Executive Director, Media Literacy Project:
"My questions are: 1) What exists within American culture that makes her think this is okay? (Because she did not get there alone); and, 2) Before I see/hear/read white folks point fingers at her, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself, "Where do I fit on the spectrum of this behavior of black co-optation AND why do I do it? How do my actions perpetuate racism when I do this?” (And, I’m not just talking to Iggy Azalea here, see Question 1)."
Domo Minaj (Dominic Lopez in the news) was fired from the Westside Albuquerque Smith's Grocery Store for wearing fake nails. In less than a working day, the local chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union stepped up to defend Domo, and was able to get Domo's job back. Details on this as reported via social media below.
Full story on KRQE News here: http://krqe.com/2015/06/07/man-says-he-was-fired-for-wearing-fake-nails/
Albuquerque, NM – June 4, 2015 – This week, Freedom to Marry launched a bilingual ad campaign that will run in parts of Texas and Southern New Mexico. The ads highlight the fact that “we don’t turn our backs on family,” and that each LGTB individual is someone’s mother, daughter, sister, father, son, brother, friend, or family member.
Being a Queer Chicana growing up in Doña County, where marriage licenses were first issued to same sex couples in the state, I have seen how most of society—especially the Latino community—has continued to evolve when talking about marriage equality and LGBTQ rights. With the latest GALLUP poll showing that 72% of Latinos in the United States support marriage equality (third highest of any demographic in the U.S), I know that it is not any different here in Southern New Mexico.
Albuquerque, NM – June 1, 2015 – June is Pride Month, meaning there will be celebrations for the LGBTQ community across the state of New Mexico. Equality New Mexico will be in attendance at each celebration, and will have booths at which they offer education and outreach.