2nd Legislative Update

At the beginning of the third week of the #nmleg, there is a lot of movement on our priorities. Thank you to all our legislative sponsors, organizational partners (especially Planned Parenthood, Transgender Resource Center of NM, Strong Families NM, and Young Women United), and all of our members/volunteers/supporters for your work to help the first two weeks of the session to be a success!

What's up with our legislation? Check it out here:

SENATE BILL 20: SEX DESIGNATION ON VITAL RECORDS  <<< click for more information.
Sponsored by: Sen. Candelaria and Rep. D. Armstrong, CoSponsored by Sen. Sedillo Lopez

SB 20 passed Senate Public Affairs Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee and yesterday, PASSED the Senate floor by a vote of 26-13, with bi-partisan report. Next up, the House of Representatives!

SB 20 allows transgender, gender expansive, gender nonconforming, non binary New Mexicans to confirm their gender on their NM birth certificate, without the requirement of surgery. It allows folks to change the gender marker to an "M", an "F", or an "X". 

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SENATE BILL 159: PROHIBIT CERTAIN LEGAL DEFENSES  <<< click for more information. 
Sponsored by: Sen. Candelaria

SB 20 passed the Senate Public Affairs committe yesterday and moves on to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Click the link above to sign our petition and to stay tuned for opportunities to engaged on this bill.

SB 159 would end the practice of allowing defendantes who admit to committing a violent crime against someone who is LGBTQ+ to plead for a lesser sentence, even for cases of murder. Our community continues to be the target of violence – particularly the transgender community – and hate crimes are at a recent high.

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SENATE BILL 227: ADDITIONAL UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE  <<< click for more information. 
Sponsored by: Sen. Stefanics

Awaiting hearing in the Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee. Click the link above to sign our petition and to stay tuned for opportunities to engaged on this bill.

SB 227 would affirm equal protection promises by removing language in the Human Rights Code that gives small businesses (14 or less employees) a license to discriminate against their LGBTQ+ employees. That means you can be fired, disciplined, demoted, or discriminated against--and it's time for that to change.

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SENATE BILL 288: SAFE SCHOOLS FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT  <<< click for more information. 
Sponsored by: Sen. Soules

SB 288 has it's first hearing in the Senate Education Committee TODAY. Click the link above to sign our petition and to stay tuned for opportunities to engaged on this bill.

SB 288 repeals the current bullying prevention law and replaces it with language that would work to make sure that that transgender students are fully included in the policy, contributing to improving learning outcomes, attendance, and graduation rates.

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Newly introduced legislation – read it here:

HOUSE BILL 388: GENDER FREE RESTROOMS  <<< click for more information. 
Sponsored by: Rep. Rubio

Bill was introduced and awaits hearing in the House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee. Read the bill and to stay tuned for opportunities to engaged on this bill.

Gender-neutral restrooms offer a safe, private facility for people with disabilities, families, and the transgender/LGBQ communities to do their business. HB 388 simply requires that single-stall and/or single-occupancy bathrooms have gender-neutral signage.

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SENATE BILL 430: EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT DEMOGRAPHIC INFO COLLECTION  <<< click for more information. 
Sponsored by: Sen. Candelaria

Bill was introduced and is awaiting hearing in the Senate Public Affairs Committee. Read the bill and and to stay tuned for opportunities to engaged on this bill.

This is the "database to make our case" for ending improving outcomes and decreasing disparities in the delivery of  services and benefits by state government. Requires certain state-level departments to collect sexual orientation and gender identity data, as guided by the Department of Health, when collecting other voluntary demographic data, and for any of that data to remain unable to be personally identifiable.

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NEW MEXICO REACHES HIGHEST CATEGORY IN STATE EQUALITY INDEX:

The work of achieving full liberation for LGBTQ New Mexicans continues

SANTA FE, N.M.: This year, because of the diligent work of Equality New Mexico (EQNM), our state has joined the highest category in the State Equality Index (SEI). The SEI is a comprehensive report detailing statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ+ people and their families, and assessing how well states are protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination.

EQNM is celebrating 25 years of winning equality for New Mexico and being placed in the Working Toward Innovative Equality category of this report is an acknowledgement of our work. The SEI outlines the protections we have won, including a comprehensive non-discrimination law, safe schools laws, and healthcare access for transgender people. EQNM proudly continues to take a wide view of our mission, and uses a surgical approach to focusing on the implementation of laws and advancing innovative legislation that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations.

“The State Equality Index confirms what New Mexicans already know. Because of the passionate work led by generations of community members, this year the SEI categorizes our state as ‘Working Toward Innovative Equality’,” says Adrian N. Carver, Executive Director of Equality New Mexico. “We are proud to join the ranks of states who are leading the next phase of the LGBTQ+ movement, centering our work from our state’s cultural values of equity, inclusion, and liberation.”

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NM LGBTQ+ leaders' statement on US Supreme Court ruling allowing the Trans Troop Ban to go into effect

Contact: Adrian N. Carver
adrian@eqnm.org
(505)224-2766 x.700

SUPREME COURT ALLOWS TRANS TROOP BAN INTO EFFECT, WAITS FOR RULING OF 9TH CIRCUIT 
Congresswoman Debra Haaland, Equality New Mexico, Bataan Chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights, Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico React

In a surprise ruling this morning, transgender people in the military were delivered what is hopefully a temporary injustice by the United States Supreme Court. Justices stayed injunctions on President Trump's discriminatory ban on transgender people serving in the military. While this ruling allows the ban to go into effect, the Court did not rule on the merits or the legality of the ban, opting to wait for the ruling of the 9th Circuit Court.

"This ruling, which lifts the injunctions on the ban – even temporarily – is a slap in the face of ALL the brave people currently serving or want to serve our country," says Adrian N. Carver, Executive Director of Equality New Mexico. "Anyone who meets military standards should be able to serve. Transgender service members seek only to be evaluated on the same standards as anyone else."

This unfortunate ruling means that transgender service members will cruelly face discharges and transgender recruits will be denied enlistment opportunities while these cases proceed and until the Court has another opportunity to consider the case on the merits. 

"Our country has had Transgender Service Members serving in silence from our very first days in the Revolutionary War.  As with our LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) Sisters and Brothers we have often served above and beyond the call of duty.  It is time for our country to join 19 other nations that embrace Transgender Service Members as part of their every day rank and file.” says Penn Baker, President of the Bataan Chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER).

Excluding qualified service members solely because they are transgender is discrimination, and it is contrary to military values. The military’s own research shows Trump’s ban would weaken our military. It means losing qualified, trained service members and depriving the military of qualified recruits at a time when enlistment numbers are already too low.

Adrien Lawyer, Co-Director of the Transgender Resource Center of NM says, “We recognize that this action is not just an attack on the 15,000 active transgender military members, but an attack on transgender people across the country. When the livelihoods of these troops are threatened, we see a threat to the employment rights of transgender people across all sectors. When the talents and skills of these brave and valuable employees are defamed, we see a question about the worth and importance of transgender people throughout our nation.”

Trump’s cruel ban is based on discrimination, not facts. Multiple courts have recognized this, and it will ultimately be blocked for good. Transgender people have been serving with honor, many on the front lines. Transgender recruits have demonstrated their fitness to serve. They deserve our respect and gratitude, not this cruel ban.

Congresswoman Deb Haaland also weighed in by saying, “Transgender people have proudly and openly served our country for the past several years.  Yet, equality is continuously under attack by this administration. Today’s Supreme Court decision to uphold this irrational ban, is devastating for the transgender service members and enables blatant discrimination against transgender service members.  

“Preventing people from devoting their lives to their country simply due to their gender identity is a cruel affront on American values. I am incredibly disappointed by the Supreme Court’s refusal to uphold the rights of the transgender community. This irrational ban distracts from service, does nothing to promote military readiness, and directly opposes the American belief in coming together to support our country regardless of background.”

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Four bills introduced that would deepen protections for LGBTQ+ New Mexicans

Our first FOUR bills have been introduced by our legislative champions:

SENATE BILL 20: SEX DESIGNATION ON VITAL RECORDS  <<<click for more information.
Sponsored by: Sen. Candelaria and Rep. D. Armstrong
SB 20 allows transgender, gender expansive, gender nonconforming, non binary New Mexicans to confirm their gender on their NM birth certificate, without the requirement of surgery. It allows folks to change the gender marker to an "M", an "F", or an "X". 

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SENATE BILL 159: PROHIBIT CERTAIN LEGAL DEFENSES  <<<click for more information. 
Sponsored by: Sen. Candelaria
SB 159 would end the practice of allowing defendantes who admit to committing a violent crime against someone who is LGBTQ+ to plead for a lesser sentence, even for cases of murder. Our community continues to be the target of violence – particularly the transgender community – and hate crimes are at a recent high.

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SENATE BILL 227: ADDITIONAL UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE  <<<click for more information. 
Sponsored by: Sen. Stefanics
SB 227 would affirm equal protection promises by removing language in the Human Rights Code that gives small businesses (14 or less employees) a license to discriminate against their LGBTQ+ employees. That means you can be fired, disciplined, demoted, or discriminated against--and it's time for that to change.

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SENATE BILL 288: SAFE SCHOOLS FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT  <<<click for more information. 
Sponsored by: Sen. Soules
SB 288 repeals the current bullying prevention law and replaces it with language that would work to make sure that that transgender students are fully included in the policy, contributing to improving learning outcomes, attendance, and graduation rates.

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EQNM'S Full List of Equality Champion Endorsements

EQNM'S Full List of Equality Champion Endorsements

Equality New Mexico, the largest and oldest LGBTQ+ political advocacy organization in the state, has endorsed 24 equality champions for the New Mexico House of Representatives and six equality champions for state and federal office.

These candidates are leaders from across the state that have proven themselves to be allies of the LGBTQ+ community. From educators to business owners, healthcare experts to social justice champions – this diverse set of candidates will fight so that every New Mexican, including LGBTQ+ community members, are well represented in Santa Fe and Washington, D.C.

Full list after the jump.

Federal

U.S. Senator

Martin Heinrich

U.S. House of Representatives – District 1

Deb Haaland

U.S. House of Representatives – District 2

Xochitl Torres Small

U.S. House of Representatives – District 3

Ben Ray Luján 

Statewide Offices

Governor 

Michelle Lujan Grisham

Lt. Governor 

Howie Morales

Secretary of State

Maggie Toulouse Oliver

State Auditor

Brian Colón

Commissioner of Public Lands

Stephanie Garcia Richard

State House Races

Javier Martínez (HD 11)

Patricia Roybal Caballero (13)

Dayan Hochman (HD 15)

Debbie Armstrong (HD 17)

Gail Chasey (HD 19)

Abbas Akhil (HD 20)

Jessica Velasquez (HD 22)

Daymon Ely (HD 23)

Elizabeth Thomson (HD 24)

Christine Trujillo (HD 25)

Melanie Stansbury (HD 28)

Joy Garratt (HD 29)

Natalie Figueroa (HD 30)

Raymundo Lara (HD 34)

Joanne Ferrary (HD 37)

Christine Chandler (HD 43)

Andrea Romero (HD 46)

Linda Trujillo (HD 48)

Matthew McQueen (HD 50)

Willie Madrid (HD 53)

Billie Helean (HD 57)

Alexis Jimenez (HD 60)

Mark McDonald (HD 67)

Karen Bash (HD 68)

Apply now: Communications Associate

COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

RESPONSIBLE TO: Executive Director

TERM: October 1-December 31

STATUS: Full-time contract w/potential to hire

COMPENSATION: based on experience

SUMMARY

Equality New Mexico and the Equality New Mexico Foundation (EQNM/F) are statewide nonprofit LGBTQ+ advocacy, education, and outreach organizations that envision a world where New Mexicans have access to opportunity because oppression is obsolete. We are seeking a full-time, contracted Communications Associate. There is a potential to hire following the contract term.

The contractor will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing our strategic online mobilization program to engage organizational supporters in the political and policy making arenas. We are looking for a creative, ambitious, self-motivated individual with excellent oral and written communications skills in English (Spanish encouraged, but not required) who thrives working independently and in a team environment. We are seeking someone who is curious to learn how people and organizations build political power and create change and to implement those strategies and tactics in our work.

Primary Responsibilities and Competencies:

• Develop strategic mobilization program plans, initiatives, and goals;

• Adapt plans for execution on social and digital channels;

• Lead implementation of our strategic mobilization program by:

  • planning and creating effective action alerts to members and supporters, including setting up email blasts in organizational database, aimed at motivating our supporters to take action in the political and policy arenas on environmental issues. This work will include data management practices;

  • developing messaging for electoral, GOTV, accountability, fundraising, and legislative session;

  • setting goals, measures for success, benchmarks, strategies and tactics and frequent updates;

• Write and produce consistent communication material for the media, the public, and organizational supporters, including videos, blog posts and email blasts;

• Ability to absorb complex policy issue information and communicate about it to a broader audience;

• Update and maintain EQNM’s social media presence;

• Track media coverage;

• Balance multiple projects and deadlines and ability to shift work focus to prioritize time-sensitive assignments;

• Ensure compliance to federal, state, municipal, and organizational policies and procedures;

• Work collaboratively with other EQNM staff;

• Serve as a representative of EQNM at coalition meetings, synthesizing messaging from partners and lifting up messaging of partners with an EQNM/LGBTQ+ frame;

• Encourage inclusivity in all parts of EQNM and support a positive working environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience in communications field, preferably in a political or social justice setting. Political campaign or advocacy experience a plus;

• Deep understanding of New Mexico communities, especially issues faced by LGBTQ+ community members, and advocacy issues related to these topics desired;

• Experience leading social media strategy; developing original content and increasing engagement;

• Organized and self-motivated as a proactive member of a collaborative team, detail-oriented, ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with high quality work;

• Firm grasp of available tools and platforms in social media and online communications, familiarity with email strategies used to recruit volunteers, activists and fundraise;

• Familiarity with creating, managing and updating website content;

• A strong leader with demonstrated abilities to assess needs and evaluate implementation of programs; a Team player with strong interpersonal skills;

• Excellent verbal communication skills; utilize ethical communication practices, strong writing and editing skills a must;

• Perform duties with a high level of integrity, attention to detail and excellence, a strategic and critical thinker with proven decision making skills;

• Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously;

• Ability to work flexible hours with occasional weekends and evenings;

• Working knowledge of technology necessary to perform job function including the VAN;

• Must be able to function effectively in an ever-changing environment; 

• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license;

• Bilingual, English/Spanish a plus;

• Both in-state and out-of-state travel, while very rare, may be required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

ONLINE AND DIGITAL MEDIA

• Lead and implement social media strategy to increase online and social network engagement to heighten awareness of EQNM’s advocacy work and outreach programs;

• Develop and present recommendations for email programs (this could include web-site content, electronic newsletters, electronic member communications and promotional materials);

• Produce/disseminate original content to promote EQNM’s electoral, advocacy, and outreach work;

• Conduct and/or interpret social media monitoring for keywords, stories, trends, etc. for impact on mission and image of EQNM 

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Assist in writing, editing, design, and production of agency-wide collateral to ensure the quality, accuracy, and consistency of message in order to further the mission and image of EQNM;  

• Assist the Executive Director in answering media calls, drafting press releases, media statements, media advisories, letters-to-the-editor and opinion articles; organize press conferences and briefings (and write all related materials: press kits, fact sheets, taking points, etc.);

• Keep abreast of current events and assess events, actions, decisions and other press stories for possible impact on EQNM;

• Direct or manage special projects pertinent to the EQNM brand image to assure agency standards are met;

• Assist in training spokespeople and brand ambassadors on behalf of the agency and other community partners;

• Assist in story collection and storytelling.

OTHER

• Travel as needed to represent EQNM at meetings, conferences, professional gatherings, etc.:

• Serve on committees and coalitions as requested

• Other duties as assigned

Transgender, gender expansive, gender non-conforming, and/or people of color are encouraged to apply.

Equality New Mexico and the Equality New Mexico Foundation are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, height, weight, disability status, veteran status, military obligations, marital status, political party affiliation, or on any other basis that would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION

TO apply: please send a resume and cover letter to Adrian N. Carver, Executive Director, at apply@eqnm.org. Please include the subject “Resume: EQNM Communications Associate”.

We're growing!

Later this month Equality New Mexico is bringing on TWO NEW TEAM MEMBERS!!!  We need your help to meet our final goal to make it happen!

CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE!!!

With our team growing, we're going to have even more impact on the LGBTQ+ community in New Mexico, including:

• Making our schools safe for ALL students
• Launching our Queer Youth Advisory Council
• Coordinating our Rural Communities Social Influencer media literacy program
• Community organizing and volunteer recruitment

CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE!!!

Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission isn’t about cakes or weddings.

Here’s the truth about today’s Supreme Court decision: It doesn’t actually change anything.

• For generations, conservatives have been working to erode the rights and liberties of our communities, including LGBQ, transgender, gender expansive, women, POC, and religious minority communities.
• Everyday trans and queer people, especially people of color, navigate a world where they experience intense discrimination;
• A business in Colorado got away with blatant discrimination;
• The complicated nature of the decision threatens to embolden the vocal minority that seeks to use religion as a tool for discrimination;
• Ginsburg and Sotomayor’s dissents say that the Court should have upheld the Colorado commission’s finding that the bakery violated anti-discrimination law, because it was the correct decision—even though the process was problematic;
• The effect of this decision is that non-discrimination laws across the country remain in effect.

Being turned away from a public place because of who you are is discrimination. As a nation, we decided long ago that when a business opens its doors to the public, it should be open to all. The embarrassment, shame, and fear that comes from being told, “Your kind doesn’t belong here.” We thought those days were behind us.

In 2013’s Elane Photography v. Wilcock decision, New Mexico’s Supreme Court decided that there is no right to violate the New Mexico Human Rights Act. We’ve already decided that there is no license to discriminate in New Mexico—we already closed that chapter of our history. We thought that we had enshrined laws that would keep people from being unfairly fired, evicted, or refused service simply because of who they are. The promise of equal treatment under the law should be a reality for everyone.

The Supreme Court reversed the decision based on concerns that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission had not acted impartially when considering the bakery’s religion‐based defense. While it is disappointing that the Court let the bakery’s discrimination here go unchecked, it did so only because of concerns unique to this case. Most importantly, the Court did not give businesses the broad right to discriminate that the bakery and the Trump administration sought here. Our nation decided more than 50 years ago that when a business decides to open its doors to the public, that business should be open to all. The Supreme Court today protected that core principle, expressly recognizing that states can seek to prevent the harms of discrimination in the marketplace, including against LGBT people.

Help us keep the fight up here in New Mexico. Become a member or make a one time donation now! https://secure.everyaction.com/A9tqjjsJbE-VMY7b5e-NEw2

Equality New Mexico Endorses Michelle Lujan Grisham for Governor and Howie Morales for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico

Albuquerque, N.M. - Equality New Mexico (EQNM), the largest and oldest LGBTQ+ political advocacy organization in the state, has endorsed Michelle Lujan Grisham for Governor and Howie Morales for Lieutenant Governor. 

Lujan Grisham has been a tireless, decades-long advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in New Mexico and across the country. From her time as a cabinet secretary to her time in Congress, Michelle has consistently leveraged her offices to fight for LGBTQ+ New Mexicans. Notably, in 2013 and 2014 she served as co-chair of the New Mexico Unites for Marriage campaign, which brought marriage equality to the state. Most recently, when the Trump Administration created the Religious and Conscience Freedom Division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rep. Lujan Grisham stood up for LGBTQ+ Americans and worked with EQNM to quickly to create legislation to dissolve the discriminatory division. 

“LGBTQ+ New Mexicans will be best served by electing Michelle Lujan Grisham as our governor. She consistently demonstrates that she is one the strongest allies to our community. I know that Michelle will do everything she can to protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination and will ensure that all policies are inclusive,” says Adrian N. Carver, Executive Director of Equality New Mexico. “She truly understands and values the contributions our community make to the state.” 

Of Howie Morales’ endorsement, Carver said, “We need a Lieutenant Governor who is going to use the position to listen to the diverse voices from the LGBTQ+ community and empower them to continue speaking out and participating in our government. Howie Morales is that candidate. He will be the lieutenant governor to help promote collaboration, visibility, and better understanding of our community.”

Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement: “Equality New Mexico is dedicated to making New Mexico an inclusive place for all individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. EQNM is a strong voice for LGBTQ+ New Mexicans and helps ensure all New Mexicans and their families are treated fairly and have every opportunity for success. I am honored to have worked with them throughout the years and appreciate their recognition of my long history of supporting equality for all in New Mexico. It is an honor to be endorsed by EQNM, and I look forward to continuing working with them as governor to pass health and safety laws that are inclusive of our LGBTQ+ community.”

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Equality New Mexico Announces Endorsements of Maggie Toulouse Oliver for Secretary of State and Stephanie Garcia Richard for Commissioner of Public Lands

ALBUQUERQUE, NM: Proudly, Equality New Mexico has endorsed Maggie Toulouse Oliver for Secretary of State and Stephanie Garcia Richard for Commissioner of Public Lands.

Toulouse Oliver has been instrumental in securing rights for the LGBTQ+ community. Knowing the road to marriage equality in New Mexico led through the courts, she invited the lawsuit filed by Kim Kiel and Rose Griego, et. al. that culminated in the Supreme Court’s 2013 “Griego v. Oliver”, ruling that marriage equality should be the law of the land in our state. 

“Maggie has proven herself to be one of the biggest allies of LGBTQ+ New Mexicans, time after time.” says Adrian N. Carver, Executive Director of Equality New Mexico (EQNM). “Because of Maggie, regardless of what happens at the federal level, LGBTQ+ New Mexicans will have the right to marry the person they love. She’s consistently leveraged her offices to secure tangible wins for our community and as EQNM continues to fight for voting rights for all New Mexicans, we need Maggie Toulouse Oliver to continue to be our Secretary of State.”

In a questionnaire turned into EQNM, Toulouse Oliver states, “I am running for Secretary of State because I believe that the more people participate in democracy, the more representative their government—and the policies it creates—are of all communities. As Secretary of State, I have worked to make it easier for everyone to register to vote, for people with disabilities to cast a ballot and for working people to be able to vote at times and places that make sense for their schedule. When everyone votes, everyone’s voices are heard. That’s how we affect real change. “

Representative Stephanie Garcia Richard, running to be the next Commissioner of Public Lands, an office traditionally held by men, also received the endorsement of EQNM.

Of Representative Garcia Richard’s nomination, Carver says, “In a state with incredible disparities in education, health, and economic opportunity the State Land Office has gone underutilized in efforts to achieve justice in those areas. EQNM’s endorsement of Stephanie is a signal that we need a new type of leader as Land Commissioner. LGBTQ+ New Mexicans need someone who can leverage the mandate of the Office to focus on the wellbeing of all our community members.”

Representative Garcia Richard’s questionnaire states, “For over 100 years, and even before that, our land has been rich in shared natural resources and we have not realized the full benefit of those resources.  We have sold off our interests to short term profit gain, making due with the piddling we get from those sales, protecting powerful interests, lobbyists and industries at the expense of our people and their welfare.  Now, we face an increasingly grim climate reality, health concerns, water scarcity, and a population that faces obstacles to healthcare access, quality education, economic opportunity; a population that faces generational poverty, addiction and cyclical violence and sees no one willing to stick up for them.  I’m running to change all that.

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