Ask your legislators to put 16-year-old voting back in SB8

Victory! Senate Bill 8, the New Mexico Voting Rights Act, has just been passed in the Senate Rules Committee. There’s still work to be done, though, as enfranchisement for 16-year-olds has been stripped from the bill.

Why do 16-year-olds deserve to vote in school board elections? 16-year-olds work and pay taxes (no taxation without representation, right?). Youth are leading social movements in climate action, gun violence prevention, anti-racism, and more. Their daily lives are directly impacted by decisions made on their school boards. Ultimately, 16-year-olds are contributing members of society who are worthy of agency over their own education, and their own lives.

Young New Mexicans are the future of our state, so it’s only fair that they have a say in that future. Plus, voting earlier on in life will build a strong foundation for a lifetime of civic engagement.

For LGBTQ youth, however, 16-year-old enfranchisement on SB8 isn’t just a matter of building a better future. It’s an urgent, immediate issue.

Every day, trans students are hearing their dead names used in classrooms, and trans athletes are being forced off of school sports teams. Every day, LGBTQ youth are watching their very existence be debated in school board meetings across the state. Shouldn’t they have a say in the elected officials sitting on those boards?

Additionally, LGBTQ youth are especially vulnerable to homelessness, and municipal governments make the key decisions about resource distribution to homelessness programs.

Young New Mexicans deserve a say in their education and the elected officials making decisions about their schooling. Ask your legislators to put 16-year-old voting back in SB8!

It's time to Fix the Human Rights Act

We’re proud that New Mexico’s Human Rights Act is one of the strongest in the country, but it’s time for us to make it even stronger.

Senate Bill 152 will clarify and strengthen our existing nondiscrimination law. Not only will it modernize the Human Rights Act’s language surrounding disability, but it will also close an unintentional loophole that has historically allowed state agencies and publicly-funded entities to claim that they’re exempt from the Act. That means that our taxpayer dollars have been used to facilitate discrimination against our friends, family, and neighbors.

The Human Rights Act has always intended to fully protect New Mexicans from discrimination, so we must make that clear and official with this bill.

SB152 is crucial for the safety of our LGBTQ youth, one of the most vulnerable groups of New Mexicans. Queer and trans youth are over-represented in government systems of care, such as foster care and homeless shelters. They experience mistreatment in those systems at disproportionate rates, too. Because many of the providers that support youth are government contractors and grantees, it's essential that these entities are prohibited from discriminating against queer and trans youth seeking help during their time of greatest need.

Here are a few other groups who will also benefit from enhanced protections because of SB152:

• Students, staff, and faculty facing discrimination in public schools and universities

• Citizens accessing the court systems

• LGBTQ families adopting children

• LGBTQ youth, particularly trans or gender non-conforming youth and LGBTQ youth of color, facing disproportionate mistreatment in the juvenile justice system

The passing of SB152 is especially important during the pandemic, as it’s becoming more and more clear that individuals are relying on a multitude of services provided by a myriad of agencies and contractors. This bill will help ensure that all New Mexicans have access to opportunity without discrimination.

At EQNM, we believe every LGBTQ person deserves to live without fear of violence or discrimination, individual or government-sanctioned. Don’t let your taxpayer dollars continue to fund discriminatory practices in New Mexico. Instead, contact your senators and urge them to vote yes on SB152.

Take Action!

As you know, the Legislative Session jumped into high gear, and EQNM will be actively working for liberation throughout the session. Even though (so far) LGBTQ priority legislation didn’t make the list of Priorities, there are still crucial policies we must pursue, and many we must work to stop!

We will have a regular schedule of Phone and Text banking throughout the Session to help our members and supporters engage with lawmakers on the issues impacting our community!

Use these links to sign up now!

Monday, 1/24: Legislative Session Phonebank

Wednesday, 1/26: Legislative Session Phonebank

Thursday, 1/27: Legislative Session Textbank

Monday, 1/31 Legislative Session Phonebank

Wednesday, 2/2: Virtual Advocacy Day - NM Voting Rights Act - plans to come

Wednesday, 2/2: Legislative Session Phonebank

Thursday, 2/3: Legislative Session Textbank

Monday, 2/7: Legislative Session Phonebank 

Wednesday, 2/9: Legislative Session Phonebank 

Thursday, 2/10: Legislative Session Textbank 

Monday, 2/14: Legislative Session Phonebank

Wednesday, 2/16: Legislative Session Phonebank

Kicking off the 2022 Legislative Session - the Governor's Priorities

This afternoon LGBTQ champion, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham gave her State of State address to the NM Legislature. You can find it in the archived Webcast video on NMlegis.gov.  Look for the House Floor session on January 18th, and begin watching at about the 1 pm mark.

Of course - I am disappointed that Governor Lujan Grisham began by urging the Legislature not to be constrained by incrementalism while addressing teachers' wages but seemed to throw that idea out the window once she moved onto other issues.

EQNM has been asking for months for a shortlist of key LGBTQ priorities to be placed on the agenda for this Legislative Session, and we still haven’t heard about any of them from her office.  But we can assume that this list released by her office means that she chose not to include our priorities. I’d hoped that a Governor who has been a champion for us for so many years would have prioritized our issues in her first administration, but we will continue to push forward to encourage her to act in her values.

Arguably the most passionate part of her address was when she chose to focus on crime.  There is no doubt that crime should be a priority issue at all times.  But let’s be 100% clear - more cops do not prevent crime!

The Governor called for a raise for State Police Officers (in our values, we will not oppose raising wages for any workers,) $100Million for hiring and retention of State Police Officers, and keeping people in jail longer/until their trial.

These are the beginning of setting a tone for how we might address crime.   The research and evidence have been clear for a long time - the key to preventing and lowering crime rates is investing in communities to lift people out of poverty, increase access to basic needs, and provide for rehabilitation after a crime is committed.  

Queer and Trans people launched our battle call to our modern fight for equality - with an anti-police-brutality riot at the Stonewall Inn in 1969.  And here we are 53 years later, still having not accomplished any significant police reform.   Law Enforcement Officers often over police, profile, and over-incarcerate LGBTQ people because of bais they inherited or were taught.  And we are often the victims of brutality and unnecessary violence at the hands of the police.  We cannot pretend that it will just be okay to hand over $100 million dollars and focus on hiring and retention of Police Officers - without the need to provide more training and better screening of Law Enforcement Officers before they are handed a gun and badge and sent into our communities.  Especially when the multiple attempts last year to hold Law Enforcement accountable by reforming the Law Enforcement Academy, and the Licensing and Review process were vetoed by this Governor.  

We have always had a presumption of innocence until proven guilty, but the proposal from the Governor and some District Attorneys, to allow individuals accused of a crime to be held unless they can prove they will not commit another crime is in direct violation of that value! And how does one prove they won’t commit a crime in the future?  Is there an option to receive a “Minority Report”, as well, or must we rely on the majority view of the Precogs? 

I am hopeful about the opportunity to discuss these and many other ideas, efforts, and policies that truly would help reduce crime in New Mexico.  EQNM is suited up for this fight and we will keep our members and supporters updated as these proposals move along.

Because we give props when they are due, we must celebrate that the Governor’s Office did make the protection of our democracy a priority for this legislature.  I am so excited to gear up in support of the New Mexico Voting Rights Act - being led by our Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver.  We know that our liberation will not be achieved by voting alone, but while we have only this system to work within - we must do everything we can to protect it and ensure its inclusion of all of our communities!

This session is off to a less than ideal start, but I am confident that with the power of our movement behind us, and the invaluable partnerships we have across the state we will make it into a Legislative Session that is transformative for Trans and Queer New Mexicans in all 33 counties!

Update your contact information - or join our movement today - so we can help you engage on these critical issues this Legislative Session!

Giving to our LGBTQ families

We all experience this time of year in different ways.

I’ve been listening to Christmas music for over a week, and just a few days ago I put up my Christmas tree and all the decorations (I love Christmas decorations and music!)

Although we don’t have snow all over town yet - we all know NM winters come somewhat late, and when they come they come furiously.  An especially difficult time for our unhoused and low-income neighbors.

And far too often families in New Mexico, especially those with children at home, lose out on the meals provided at school because of the winter holiday break.   

Sadly, we also have all heard the stories of various charity organizations that have discriminatory - anti-LGBTQ practices sucking up all the resources this time of year.

We don’t want to leave our queer and trans families literally out in the cold, because folks don’t know who or how to give to the charitable organizations that include us.

So we put together a shortlist of LGBTQ-specific organizations to whom you can donate (in the ABQ area) to help with clothing, blankets, and food for our LGBTQ relatives.

If you aren’t in the ABQ area - and you know of LGBTQ inclusive organizations, let us by email we’ll include them the next time around!

So here are a list of organizations and the type of donations they need this time of year:

Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico:

Food: Bottled water (please!), Shelf-stable snacks (chips, granola bars, nuts, etc.), Shelf-stable protein (Vienna sausage, pouched meats/tuna, etc.), Cup of noodle soups.

Clothing: Long-sleeved tops, Leggings or sweat pants, Jeans, Underwear: sizes small-large only, any style or “gender”, Sweatshirts or hoodies, Outerwear including jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, etc.

Folks can drop off donations at TGRCNM - 5600 Domingo Rd NE - on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 1:00-6:00 until Dec. 17 or after Jan 3. 

Imperial Sovereign Court of NM: 

Canned or Boxed: Corn, Green beans, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Gravy

Drop-off at Swank Salon 1400 Carlisle NE before December 14

ABQ Mutual Aide:

Collecting Coats and Winter clothing for all ages and genders

Drop off at Albuquerque Social Club 4021 Central Ave NE (entrance faces Copper Street) Tuesday - Sunday after 6 pm 

If you have the capacity to support any of these local LGBTQ-specific organizations, we encourage you to do so!

We MUST elect these Champions December 7

On November 2, 2021, the City of Albuquerque saw a shift in the balance of power at the City Council level.  Conservative Activists who have records of being anti-LGBTQ, Anti-Immigrant, and Anti-Reproductive Healthcare took seats that had belonged to moderate or progressive Councilors in the past.

Now we MUST win both of these seats in the run-Off on December 7 - if we have any hope of protecting the work we have done to protect LGBTQ workers, address homelessness, and hold law enforcement accountable for their actions.

We need you to help!  Use these links to sign-up to phone bank or text bank (from anywhere) with EQNM - if our communities don’t know there is an election happening, we have no hope of winning it!

Phone Banks are happening Mondays and Wednesdays with a couple of Fridays and Saturdays and Text Banks are happening Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Monday, November 15th Phone Bank

Tuesday November 16th Text Bank

Wednesday, November 17th Phone Bank

Thursday, November 18th, Text Bank

Monday November 22nd Phone Bank

Tuesday November 23rd Text Bank

Wednesday November 24th Phone Bank

Monday November 29th Phone Bank

Tuesday November 30th Text Bank

Wednesday December 1st Phone Bank

Thursday December 2nd Text Bank

Friday December 3rd Phone Bank

Saturday December 4th Phone Bank

Monday December 6th Phone Bank

Tuesday December 7th Text Bank

EQNM Endorsement Process

Fighters for LGBTQ Liberation, the time is upon us again - Elections are coming up!

Folks across the state will be voting this November, for Mayors, City Councilors, and School Board Members.   And Equality New Mexico will be doing our part to help elect people who will fight for LGBTQ Liberation!

Before we jump in and begin to endorse candidates for these offices - we wanted to just remind our members and friends what this process looks like and what our values are in this fight.

Process:

EQNM Has formed an Endorsement Committee, with the best representation we can get from across the state in our various communities.  We seek to bring the voices of rural NM as well as Albuquerque and Santa Fe. We work to bring Queer, Trans, Nonbinary, Black and Indigenous, and People of Color into this conversation because our community is multi-racial, multi-generational, and multi-issue!

Candidates are asked first to submit a questionnaire, developed by this committee, to respond to a number of questions about our values.   Once the questionnaire is submitted, the committee reviews it and then invites some (if not all) candidates to engage in an interview.  The interview with the entire Endorsement Committee is an opportunity to clarify and elaborate on the answers in the questionnaires.

The Endorsement Committee then deliberates and decides on recommendations for endorsement. Once they have recommended candidates for endorsement, the Board of Equality New Mexico will vote officially whether or not to endorse the candidate(s).

Our Values:

While EQNM feels strongly that representation from our community for our community is critical - we know that more LGBTQ voices in public offices are necessary to further our liberation - we can’t ignore that not all voices from our community will represent our liberation well.  So we ask candidates about a number of issues that impact LGBTQ New Mexicans. 

Queer and Trans people live in every community, are part of every family, and work in every job in the state.  So our community is impacted by issues from healthcare, to economic stability, from education to policing and criminal “justice” policies.

We work toward Reproductive, Economic, and broad Social Justice policies.  We think about policies regarding policing and incarceration, healthcare access, education, immigration, and nondiscrimination.

As our endorsement committee begins to do this work, we wanted to make sure our members know about this process, and how and why we make these decisions.  We will continue to strive to be transparent and accountable to our community.    

EQNM is hiring!

The team at Equality New Mexico is growing and expanding. Please consider applying and sharing this announcement.

Equality New Mexico seeking an entry-level Communications Associate to focus on content production and placement.

Equality New Mexico, a statewide LGBTQ advocacy and public education organization, is expanding our team. We are searching for an excited and eager entry-level Communications Associate that wants to be active in the LGBTQ movement in New Mexico.

The position is part-time with the possibility of expanding to full-time in the future.   

Key Responsibilities:

• Content Creation

  • Draft and format key content for emails, social media, op-eds, and other communications methods.

  • The position will be a key part of a team charged with redefining the style and “voice” of the organization in all communications.

  • The position will work with leadership to develop a communications calendar and then create content to implement Style and Brand guidance.

• Social Media Management

  • Create and execute social media strategy to engage EQNM audience 

  • Monitor and uplift the digital presence of partner organizations on intersecting issues.

  • Work with Graphic Designer and Community Organizer to create media assets that engage and empower the EQNM audience

  • Monitor social media posts for comments/engagement and implement EQNM policies.

• Be a team player

  • Engage with the EQNM team (staff, Boards, and key community leaders) to continuously shape and implement projects, values, and tactics that work for our movement.

  • Give and receive feedback from mentors, leaders, and staff about engagement, messaging, projects, and EQNM’s role in the broader world.

• Qualifications

  • Open-minded and eager to learn

  • Passion for LGBTQ issues at the intersection of race, gender, and class

  • Interest in systemic change and upending oppressive systems

  • Willing to travel occasionally

Interested Applicants can apply by email Marshall@eqnm.org with a resume, and a writing sample of less than 500 words. Please also include a few sentences on why statewide advocacy work on LGBTQ issues appeals to you, and what motivates you to create a better New Mexico.

Equality New Mexico is a systemic change organization that works to identify and uproot systemic causes of oppression of LGBTQ New Mexicans. We organize, develop leaders, provide political education and engagement to queer and trans New Mexicans to help them shift the use of power in New Mexico so that the systems we live and interact with help us thrive. 

EQNM  is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, age, familial status, military status, religion, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. We welcome and encourage applications from people of color, indigenous people, and transgender people.

Executive Director Announcement

Marshall Martinez was appointed as Interim Executive Director of Equality New Mexico (EQNM) and the EQNM Foundation in September of 2020. The previous Executive Director had been placed on administrative leave and then resigned his position, and there was an urgent need to find a replacement for him. Martinez, who had been involved with EQNM and the EQNM Foundation since 2002, was a member of a working committee whose goal was to rebuild and grow the organizations. He volunteered to serve as Interim Executive Director for a six month period to stabilize the organization. This helped the all-volunteer board mitigate the struggle of trying to engage in a search during this tumultuous time. The six month period is nearing its end and the boards have just completed an evaluation of his job performance.

EQNM and the EQNM Foundation conducted a community survey to obtain community input for our evaluation of Martinez’ performance. The responses from the community indicated the community was very pleased in the organizations’ new direction and approaches, as well as with the work and efforts of Marshall Martinez as interim Executive Director.

The EQNM and EQNM Foundation boards of directors are also very pleased with Martinez’ efforts over the past five/six months. Here are some results from a community survey that 66 people responded to earlier this year:

• How would you rate your overall impressions of EQNM leadership right now? More than 70% of respondents rated their impressions as a 9 or 10 on a scale of 10.

• Among the 52 respondents who had interacted with the Interim Executive Director, 73% rated their interactions with him as a 10 out of 10.

• When asked how they would rate the current direction of EQNM Legislative Advocacy work, more than 75% rated it as a 9 or a 10.

• More than 65% of respondents recommended EQNM to friends/family who are interested in LGBTQ issues.

• Finally, more than 74% of respondents supported removing the "Interim" from Marshall’s title, making him the official Executive Director of Equality New Mexico.

 As a result of the board’s and the community’s positive assessment of Martinez’ performance since his appointment, the board has offered Marshall Martinez the Executive Director position at EQNM and EQNMF on a permanent basis.

Martinez’ first Community Organizing job was at EQNM in 2002-2003 - when it was fighting for Workplace Discrimination protections at the State Legislature. In the years since Marshall has continued his activism and advocacy work, having supported many candidates and elected officials in their bids for public office on political campaigns.  Marshall was the Director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico for 5 years.  Marshall is no stranger to the work and has proven to be well-suited to pick up the decades long mantle of EQNM and move us into the next decade.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors - Equality New Mexico and Equality New Mexico Foundation

We had to say something about this.

We have less than 20 hours to go in this legislative session - and there is so much left to do.

If you haven’t followed a New Mexico legislative session, a lot can get done in the last 24 hours, and we'll send out a full report over the weekend. 

Some great policies have been developed and moved through the processes, and it's even better that some great ones will still get over the finish line. I can’t wait to share with you all that list of bold policies when it’s over.

But right now, we just have to say a few things about this session:

This legislative session is not the first to be full of rampant sexism, racism, and homophobia, but this time it was much more public - this time it happened under a spotlight.

No doubt it came to an awful boiling point last evening on the Senate floor during debate about Paid Sick Leave.  But it was just that, a boiling point, not an isolated incident.

This is the most diverse legislature we’ve ever seen in New Mexico. The House is majority women, we have our first African American Senator, six openly gay and lesbian legislators across both chambers, and we've made huge strides toward a more representative legislature.

But we all know, when the balance of power begins to shift, those who have always held it start to grasp on to the past even harder - often in the worst ways.

In this session, we have seen committee members ask a Cabinet Secretary nominee if her race would prevent her from doing a good job. We have seen a committee member call the cops on a black woman who was supporting a bill - because she didn’t like the things she said. We saw the same representative accuse our own EQNM staff of “blasting and disrespecting law enforcement” after sharing his own very real, very specific story of a harmful incident with a police officer. 

Women, queer, and BIPOC legislators have been denied time to present their bills in committee.  Those who were allowed have been belittled, demeaned, and disrespected in some of the most abusive ways.  

Though usually more subtle, last night’s abuse of the President ProTemp Mimi Stewart on the Senate Floor was in fact that boiling point.  

The response, the policies we have all worked so hard on, and the next steps are still being developed.  But right now, we have to be clear - we are grateful for all of those legislators standing strong - exhausted though they may be - on behalf of our communities.

 Sign up here to stay updated as this all unfolds.