Legislative Session: Week Two

Our second week in Santa Fe was filled with inspiring community actions, progress on bills we’re rooting for, and emerging details about the rest of the legislative agenda. On Thursday evening, we gathered with Planned Parenthood and other friends to honor the brilliant legal efforts of an attorney who worked fiercely to protect access to abortion and gender affirming care in the last legislative session! We also spent many hours in the roundhouse cafeteria breaking bread and strategizing. This work is tough, but we are fortunate to have lots of friends helping us out!

Our second week in Santa Fe was filled with inspiring community actions, progress on bills we’re rooting for, and emerging details about the rest of the legislative agenda. On Thursday evening, we gathered with Planned Parenthood and other friends to honor the brilliant legal efforts of an attorney who worked fiercely to protect access to abortion and gender affirming care in the last legislative session! We also spent many hours in the roundhouse cafeteria breaking bread and strategizing. This work is tough, but we are fortunate to have lots of friends helping us out!

The Paid Family Medical Leave bill (HB6/SB3) was heard on Wednesday, with many speaking up for its benefits. An alternative Paid Family Medical Leave bill (HB 11) was also shut down. The failed legislation was designed to support only mothers who recently gave birth and did not include LGBTQ familes or gender-affirming care. It only guaranteed 6 weeks of leave paid by the state and employee, not the employer. This is a great development for HB6/SB3 as it continues on in the process, and we are grateful for the members of the House Health Committee who saw beyond this ploy. We believe that caring for our families is not only a human right and a matter of dignity, but it is New Mexico values. It is the responsibility of everyone in our communities to 

Library-lovers can cheer for Sen Harold Pop and Representative Kathleen Cates (D-Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties) as the Prohibit Library Book Banning (HB123)is waiting for a message from the Governor so it can be heard. The bill makes libraries that ban books because of ideological material or disapproval of sexual orientation and other identifiers ineligible for state funding.

EQNM Champions Linda Serrato, Christine Chandler, and Kristina Ortez were incredible advocates this week. We’re not surprised to see them on the front lines, since they have previously supported legislation that helps trans people legally change their names, calls for gender affirming care, and expanding the Human Rights Act. 

STAY TUNED

We continue to await details on a variety of gun measures, as well as a panhandling bill. Our LGBTQ community is uniquely impacted by issues of violence, poverty, and homelessness so we will continue to closely monitor these developments to ensure that our safety and health are not compromised.

Keep up with us and keep the faith as we move deeper into the legislative process! We’ll be back with another update next week.

Legislative Session: Week 1

Fighting For LGBTQ Rights in the Crime-Focused 2024 Legislative Session 

The 2024 legislative session began this week with its customary pomp and circumstance.  There was a buzz in the air among people eager to represent their communities and make meaningful investments of our state’s budget surplus to help New Mexicans for generations to come! EQNM, Planned Parenthood, ACLU, and New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Providers all showed up in force! I was invited to sit on the House of Representatives floor with Rep Kristina Ortez, Equality Champion, alongside commissioners from Taos County and other partner organizations. We were all very excited, especially to welcome the first LGBTQ-identifying representative to the Majority Caucus in the House - Representative Cristina Parajon! 

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham began the session with her Tuesday State of the State address, focusing heavily on public safety, gun safety, and climate change measures. There was a lot of tough-on-crime talk in Santa Fe as the governor referenced dozens of bills that range from increased waiting periods to assault weapons bans. While LGBTQ folks are disproportionately impacted by violence, our community also knows that increased policing and jail time does not make us safer. EQNM will be here in the state capital for the duration of the session, working alongside our longtime partners like ACLU, Bold Futures NM, OLE NM, and the Southwest Women’s Law Center to ensure that LGBTQ New Mexicans and our allies will be represented, protected, and prioritized. 

WINS

Paid Family Medical Leave

The Governor has prioritized the Paid Family Medical Leave Act House Bill (HB) 6, Senate Bill (SB) 3

The bill means that New Mexicans will be able to take time away from work to welcome a new child, face a serious health issue, or support a seriously ill family member. This includes gender-affirming healthcare!

Affirmative Consent on Campuses

The Governor has prioritized the Benjamin Higher Education Sexual Violence Prevention & Intervention Act HB151

The bill means that affirmative consent will be used as the standard when investigating misconduct on college campuses. This is critical because we no longer live in a no-means-no world. We have to make college students feel safe in knowing that only #YesMeansYes. 

STAY TUNED

We will continue to update the EQNM community each week of the legislative session here on our news blog. Next week you can expect more detailed breakdowns of what the crime and gun bills will entail and where we stand, as well as the status of other bills. You can also keep up with developments and opportunities to take action daily on our social media channels. 

Let’s pass paid family medical leave and campus sexual assault safety measures while working to make sure that proposed policies to address crime and gun safety don’t just result in more mass incarceration!

Calling Queer and Trans Artists!

Calling Queer and Trans Artists!

Equality New Mexico is planning our first LGBTQ Statewide Summit in over 20 years!  

In 2024 we will gather Queer and Trans folks from across the state to build relationships and strategize about the next phase of our movement in New Mexico!  And we want YOUR help!

To kick off the planning of this Summit, we are asking artists in New Mexico to submit designs for a logo for this summit!  The logo will be printed on all of our materials, used to advertise and recruit for the summit, and be a part of the LGBTQ history of New Mexico!

Art submissions are due no later than midnight on January 22, 2024.  Artists should submit artwork to Summit@eqnm.org as a PDF, JPEG, or PNG file.

Specifications for submission:

• If artwork is painted, drawn, or otherwise created on paper, a digital artist will recreate the artwork for use in materials. (Digital artist will recreate with as little change to the original design as possible)

• Only artwork submitted as a PDF, PNG, or JPEG file will be considered.

• Only artwork submitted before midnight of January 22, 2024, will be considered.

Rules for the contest:

• Artwork must include the words “LGBTQ Statewide Summit” to be considered

• Artwork must be appropriate for all audiences and age groups to be considered.

• Artwork submitted to EQNM for this logo becomes the property of Equality New Mexico. 

• EQNM will have sole control of how, when, and where said artwork is used.

• EQNM will credit the artist for any use of the logo. 

Judging Criteria:

• Connection to the LGBTQ Community

• New Mexico-specific references or “feel.”

• Relationship to the Goals and Purpose of the State Summit

• Reconnecting LGBTQ people from across the state to build relationships

• Cultural sensitivity and consideration in a multi-racial, multi-generational, and multicultural state.

• Ability to translate design to digital and print in multiple sizes for multiple types of materials.

Prizes:

• The winner of the Logo Contest will receive $350.

• The winner of the Logo Contest will receive 1 registration, plus travel and lodging for the conference.

• All artists who enter will be entered into a raffle drawing for other prizes, including (but not limited to):

• Free travel stipend to attend the Summit

• Free lodging stipend for Summit

• EQNM Swag Package

EQNM is hiring!

EQNM Development Associate Job Description

Equality New Mexico, a statewide LGBTQ advocacy and Public Education organization is seeking a part-time Development Associate. Our team is searching for a highly motivated, goal-oriented individual to assist us in meeting our significant fundraising goals for the growth and stability of our dynamic organization.

Job Overview

The ideal candidate will have experience in event planning, donor cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation to achieve continued and increased support of EQNM’s mission and financial support. However, we will consider an individual who has the skill and ability to quickly learn fundraising techniques and methods. There is potential for the position to eventually grow into full-time, as the budget allows.

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Assist the Executive Director and Board of Directors in developing a fundraising plan to include cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation of current and potential donors, volunteers, and other supporters of EQNM.

• Assist in the development and implementation of fundraising events, including house parties and other events accessible to various demographics. 

• Willingness to communicate with donors via phone and email.

• Work collaboratively with the EQNM administrative assistant in scheduling and organizing fundraising committee meetings, donor meetings, and events.

• Work collaboratively with the communications staff in facilitating compelling fundraising communications with supporters of EQNM.

• Schedule donor and constituent meetings between the Board of Directors and/or Executive Director.

• Utilize various research tools for mining potential EQNM donors and supporters.

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

• Assist EQNM staff in preparation of grant applications and reports, i.e., track and calendar deadlines, proofread documents, and other tasks as assigned.

• Support EQNM staff and committees in the planning and execution of major fundraising events.

• Compile fundraising progress reports and assist with budget reports as needed.  

•  Assist with special projects.

Position Requirements

Exceptional verbal and written communications skills; comfortable speaking in public

Have access to reliable internet service

Ability to work remotely and engage in Zoom meetings

Demonstrated ability to multi-task, plan, and organize multiple projects and meet deadlines while maintaining focus

Knowledge of Google Suite programs.

Willingness and ability to travel on occasion

Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

Ability to quickly learn new systems (technology as well as organizational)    

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! 

To Apply, email resume and simple cover letter to Marshall@eqnm.org

We must stop KOSA at the federal level

We must stop KOSA (Kid’s Online Safety Act)

Equality New Mexico, the statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization in New Mexico, opposes the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which has been making its way through Congress in various forms and shapes for a couple of years.

While EQNM does not typically engage in federal policy advocacy, this bill endangers the impact of the hard-fought wins we have secured at the State Level.

 We are fortunate to have an entire Congressional Delegation that’s particularly strong and supportive of LGBTQ issues at the federal level.  This is why we told them all that we see KOSA as particularly dangerous to LGBTQ young people, a fact that has been hidden or outright lied about multiple times by supporters of the act.

LGBTQ people grow up experiencing significant isolation. In fact, queer and trans adults have no shortage of stories about how we felt like we were “the only one” like us for most of our childhoods.  And every LGBTQ person will tell you that if we had known more of each other and had access to accurate information about ourselves and our community at a younger age, we would have grown up with fewer mental health struggles, and many of us would have better physical health outcomes as well.    

While we have seen improvements in the lives of young LGBTQ people, we cannot ignore the new attacks, which are specifically focused on Trans Youth - disguised as protection but, in reality, just working to further isolate and harm Queer and Trans young people by making them believe they are “broken” or don’t know who they are yet. KOSA is one of these new attacks, which will allow states to restrict access to life-saving information for LGBTQ young people.

KOSA, while claiming to protect young people from the dangers of the internet (yes, the internet can be dangerous for young people), is much more harmful.  

Last year, KOSA - was opposed by a large coalition of national and state organizations.  And in that process - Senators Blumenthal and Blackburn met with some groups in opposition but did not change the bill substantially enough to make it less dangerous for us.

At the end of the day, this bill allows state Attorneys’ General to sue individuals and entities for violation of its clauses - written vaguely in theory to protect children; in reality, this is just a means for overly zealous anti-LGBTQ extremists to attack those of us who work to empower and engage LGBTQ youth in finding their authentic selves and finding a way to live that life safely and healthily.

One only needs to look at what sponsors and supporters have said about this bill to see the true dangers: 

• KOSA’s co-author, Senator Marsha Blackburn, was recorded lauding KOSA as a solution shortly after stating that “protecting minor children from the transgender in this culture” should be a policy priority.

• The Heritage Foundation has cited KOSA as a means to target content about being transgender and explained their support for the bill, stating, “Keeping trans content away from children is protecting kids.” 

• States like Texas and Idaho are considering — or have enacted — proposals to restrict information about abortion access, often in the name of “protect[ing] our children.”  Much of the rhetoric around book banning has already laid the groundwork for proposals like KOSA to be weaponized to censor resources on race, history, sexual orientation, gender, and mental health and well-being.

• States are banning accurate education about our history of slavery and racial discrimination from the classroom because it causes students to “feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or another form of psychological distress.” 

• Although many of the harms addressed by the bill are purportedly tied to “evidence-informed medical information,” lawmakers and attorneys general often point to medical “studies” to justify targeting transgender people and reproductive rights.

We at Equality New Mexico have asked our entire delegation to oppose KOSA - and to make public support to slow this bill's progress nationally.   

The Fight for the Future has put together a list of policies that would protect young people, and we ask you to consider looking at those policy proposals when your office is talking about these issues.

Talk to your friends and family about the harms of KOSA and urge them to show opposition themselves. 

Elections show you who your friends are.  They often tell us who our opposition is, as well.   But occasionally, in a robust democracy, allied organizations and partners in a community with shared values - support different candidates for different reasons.   Our position at EQNM has been to support the candidates we think will best protect our LGBTQ community while keeping in mind that the fight for LGBTQ liberation is a fight for autonomy, control over our own bodies, our own lives, and our own destinies, free from the restrictions or oppressions of others.

The fight for LGBTQ Liberation is about protecting Queer and Trans people first and foremost.  Then, we move to a world where we view all policies as intersectional, are aware of the layers of impact they all have, and work together in solidarity with partner organizations and leaders to move beyond protection to proactive anti-oppression.

EQNM did not initially endorse in the Albuquerque School Board elections. There were a number of reasons for this, namely the capacity of a small staff to run a robust and thorough endorsement process in multiple areas across the state.   We turned to our partner organizations who were endorsing in Albuquerque and shared the Voter Guide from our friends at ProgressNow NM to help Albuquerque folks make informed decisions - while turning our attention to other areas of the state.

But some folks are mischaracterizing the election in District 1 of Albuquerque - and spreading inaccurate information about one of the candidates.

Janelle Astorga completed a joint questionnaire for EQNM and many other organizations. And though EQNM didn’t endorse this race - we were beyond excited to see her goals to champion the safety, inclusion, and affirmation of LGBTQ students in APS.   We especially trust our partner organizations who did a deeper dive with Janelle and trust her to be the voice for our communities at the School board level.

We are not particularly fond of the Albuquerque Journal; the editorial board is notoriously opposed to the values we hold close to and work from as we blaze our trail to liberation.   The Journal is notoriously anti-abortion access, anti-bodily autonomy, aligned with profit and business rather than community, anti-union and anti-economic justice.  But to equate the Journal’s vastly more conservative stance on these issues and their endorsement of Janelle Astorga - with her being anti-LGBTQ is inaccurate, unfair, and dangerous.

What we know at EQNM is there is a Real Fight at the School Board level in all 89 school districts, including here in Albuquerque.   But when there are two viciously anti-LGBTQ candidates being supported by - and frankly helping to lead - the ‘Moms for Liberty’ movement to harm Queer and Trans youth, we should be really honest and clear about who is on our side and who isn’t.   Most of our partner organizations with whom we work closely have endorsed Janelle Astorga, and some have endorsed Robert Trujillo - but neither of these candidates are anti-LGBTQ. We shouldn’t hint, or vaguely suggest that either one is.  

The Queer and Trans Communities in our state have real opposition, real enemies; and we have real champions, and there are folks who will be friendly solid votes but neither champions nor enemies.   Let’s be clear: we want a Board full of Champions. We’ll accept a handful of friendly, solid supporters, but we HAVE to focus on stopping those who are our opposition - our real enemies working to tharm us. 

School Board elections are critical

Today is exactly two weeks from Election Day in many New Mexico towns and cities.  And while Local Elections get very little attention most of the time, the eyes of the LGBTQ Community should be intently focused on this election.

Over the past few years, we have seen more anti-LGBTQ bills than ever before introduced (and often passed) in states across the country.   Thanks to activists, partner organizations, and champion legislators, we have been very successful in New Mexico, not only in holding off those bills at the State Level but in moving forward protective policies to protect Queer and Trans New Mexicans, especially youth.  

But the fight isn’t over, and in fact, it‘s more dangerous than ever for LGBTQ young people.   

MAGA-aligned groups like Moms for Liberty are bullies who want to make decisions for all parents by banning access to information and healthcare information they disagree with. It's unfair to the majority of parents for a small group of extremists to decide what students can learn about what books they can read, all while working to silence voices they disagree with. New Mexico parents deserve the freedom to raise their own children in safe, inclusive schools that ensure their students are ready to graduate and take their next steps. MAGA groups like Moms for Liberty shouldn't be allowed to make those decisions for everyone.

But if New Mexicans don’t turn out in elections across the state, these extremists will be successful in taking over school boards across the state, which will be the beginning of an entire generation of young people (and our communities) harmed by these extreme policies.

Look, we aren’t saying we don’t want parents involved in the education of their communities’ children.  We are saying that a small handful of very loud parents, led by a group of extremists that are listed as a hate group, shouldn’t be allowed to decide for the majority of parents, teachers, and community members what information young people have access to.  

So EQNM this year, once again, endorsed candidates for School Board (and City Council) in various areas of the state. And while we didn’t have the time and staff capacity to endorse everywhere, we point our followers and friends to the work of our partner organizations.  

We worked together with Organizations like OLE NM and Working Families Party to engage with candidates across the State and ensure that we were all able to work together in the interest of protecting LGBTQ young people, as well as the other values we hold close: access to reproductive healthcare, economic justice and fair pay for teachers and education staff! 

For information at a glance, you can check out the ProgressNow NM Voter Guide - which compiles information about all of the candidates across the state that they could find and lists the endorsements they have received as well.  

Share these resources with your friends and family, take this information with you to the polls, and don’t forget to cast your vote- our LGBTQ youth are counting on you! 

EQNM is hiring a Communications Associate

Equality New Mexico seeking Communications Associate: Equality New Mexico, a statewide LGBTQ advocacy and public education organization, is searching for an excited and eager entry/mid-level Communications Associate who wants to be active in the LGBTQ movement in New Mexico.

The position is part-time (20-30 hrs/wk $17/hr), with the intent of expanding to full-time in the future.   

Key Responsibilities:

• Content Creation & Social Media Management

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

• Bi-weekly emails and blog posts, as well as multiple social media posts per week.

• Other members of the team support these needs, as well.

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

• EQNM is working to build a statewide movement that is engaged via email and social media on the electoral, policy, and systemic change we work toward.

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

• This position requires creativity, understanding (or a desire to learn) intersecting issues, and the best ways to explain and engage our membership on them. 

• Create and execute social media strategy to engage EQNM audience 

• The creation of a strategy and calendar are the responsibility of the Communications associate, individual posts, content, and placement are distributed among the team.

• 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

• 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 with a 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 emailing Marshall@eqnm.org with a resume and a writing sample of 500 - 1000 words. (On any topic applicant thinks is relevant)

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.

2023 Legislative Report

2022 Legislative Report

Equality New Mexico 2023 Legislative Session Funder Debrief

As you probably know from my “Out of office” email responses, our social media, or the news, New Mexico just ended our 60-day legislative session on Saturday, March 18. And it was the most successful session for LGBTQ (and intersectional) issues in recent history.

I am extremely proud of the work Equality New Mexico did alongside our partner organizations, with the support of a dozen Legislative Champions.

This legislative session saw fewer bills introduced than previous years, but since our legislature can only do any business in the 60-day period (constitutionally), it still meant a LOT of work to kill the bad bills and move the good ones over the finish line!

Equality New Mexico went in with a handful of top-priority bills, but we were tracking, supporting, and working actively (both publicly and behind the scenes) to influence the outcome of a few dozen of them. 

Our top-priority bills that passed are historical and set the stage for New Mexico to be the safest state in the nation for LGBTQ people!

We removed the requirement for a newspaper ad when folks legally change their names; we prohibited local governments and public institutions from restricting or interfering with access to abortion or gender affirming healthcare; we prohibited local governments, healthcare providers, or anyone else involved from participating (or being compelled to participate) in the prosecution or civil lawsuits from other states against providers or patients seeking abortion or gender affirming healthcare. We established new definitions of Gender, Gender Identity, Sex, and Sexual Orientation in our non-discrimination law, “The Human Rights Act,” and we closed a loophole that previously prevented the non-discrimination law from applying to taxpayer-funded entities such as local governments, state agencies, or even school districts.  We passed broad, sweeping democracy reforms with the NM Voting Rights Act, which enshrined Native American voting protections in state law, created a permanent vote-by-mail list, re-enfranchised formerly incarcerated individuals, and created an automatic back-end voter registration system so that soon all eligible New Mexicans will be registered to vote whenever they interact with any state agency, like getting a driver’s license or applying for Medicaid.

New Mexico = Most protected state for LGBTQ people.

We helped our partners enact meaningful police reform by mandating a duty to intervene during excessive force situations and creating a database to track officers who have excessive use of force complaints and investigations, making it harder for them to hide by merely moving to another department and continuing bad behavior.

LGBTQ people = over policed, over prosecuted, over incarcerated.

Thanks to the large coalition of amazing partners, we were able to monitor and defeat all attempts to attack LGBTQ people, abortion access, voting access, and “tough on crime” policies.  

Thank you to our amazing partner organizations for prioritizing the lives of LGBTQ New Mexicans.

There is much work to be done moving forward, but the EQNM team will be taking a bit of a break to rest and recover, scattering vacations across April and May. We will be gearing up for our big c4 fundraiser in June, the 3rd annual Resilience Event part of our 30-year anniversary celebrations. And, of course, PRIDE season is right around the corner, so there is a lot to plan for that.

3rd Annual Resilience Event. Saturday June 3rd, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Albuquerque Social Club

Thank you for your support of us and our work, and especially for ensuring we have the team we need to accomplish such big victories.

There’s one week left in session—here’s how you can help push our bills over the finish line!

As most of you know, New Mexico’s 2023 Legislative Session is in full swing. EQNM has been hard at work in Santa Fe, fighting towards LGBTQ liberation. We’re grateful for everyone who has lobbied with us in the Roundhouse, interacted with our posts on social media, and sent emails to their legislators—we couldn’t do this work without you!

Here are links to check the status of our priority bills, as well as links to send emails about them to legislators:

HB 4, The NM Voting Rights Act

Check status | Contact your legislators

HB 207, The Human Rights Act Modernization

Check status | Contact your legislators

HB 43, Affirmative Consent Education in Schools

Check status | Contact your legislators

HB 7, Reproductive and Gender Affirming Healthcare Freedom Act

Check status | Contact your legislators

HB 31, Name Change Publication Repeal

Check status | Contact your legislators

Another great way to stay updated on our bills is to follow us on social media! We’re @equalitynm on Twitter and Instagram, @equalitynewmexico on TikTok, and @Equality New Mexico on Facebook.

There’s just a week left in the session, but we’re not slowing down. The work’s not over because it’s critical that we pass this legislation. Help push our bills over the finish line by using the links above to urge legislators to support pro-LGBTQ legislation!

Here's what we're up to: our 2023 Legislative Agenda!

World AIDS Day, Liberation, and Increased Attacks on LGBTQ People.

World AIDS Day, Liberation, and Increased Attacks on LGBTQ People.

Today is World AIDS Day, a day we set aside every year to honor those whose lives were taken by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and hopefully recommit ourselves to the work of ending this disease.   

So why would I sit down to write about World AIDS Day, Liberation, and the increased and ongoing attacks against LGBTQ people all at once?  Well, because the three are not inseparable.  From the Denver Principles and “Stop Killing Us” demands of the mid-80s to the current movement for better access to PrEP and PEP, Treatment as Prevention, and still fighting for honest, authentic Sexuality Education - HIV/AIDS activism has always been about liberation. 

Activists fighting for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention have always been fighting for bodily autonomy.  And Bodily Autonomy is Liberation.

 I’m not talking about the basic “it’s my body, my choice” framework of the past.  I am talking about Bodily Autonomy as the ability, without political or policy restrictions, without shame or stigma, without cultural or societal expectations - to make all of the decisions about what we do with our bodies, how we experience them, how we live in them, and the genuinely accessible ability to care for and heal them when needed.  This is our liberation, the liberation we are fighting for every day.

It is abundantly clear to me that we at EQNM, and we as Queer and Trans people owe so many of our victories to the work of these liberation fighters from the early AIDS epidemic. Demands for universal health care and the original call for marriage equality top the list. Still, it is a long list of successes in culture, policy shifts, and unfinished business. 

I recently told a journalist on the record that I believe we are living in the most dangerous time for LGBTQ people since the beginning of the “modern LGBTQ Rights Movement.”  At the onset of the epidemic, “GRIDS,” “Gay Cancer,” etc., were used to stoke the flames of hatred, fear, and violence against LGBTQ people.  Violence against gay men especially was justified by the perpetrators, with the idea that they were “saving” their communities from the disease “We” were spreading.  With hateful, bigoted, right-wing Pastors, Elected Officials, and even Pop Culture “Icons” blaming Gay people for this disease, we cannot be surprised by the increase in violence against LGBTQ people in the 80s.  Just as we cannot claim shock or surprise when armed people enter Queer spaces during a drag show and murder our siblings in cold blood after hearing countless claims that we are abusing and grooming children - simply by giving them an opportunity to see fabulousness, fun, and joy in a setting where gender rules are bent or broken. 

And so again, in this nation, we see the hateful rhetoric and attacks on us, bearing themselves out in physical manifestations of violence.  I believe strongly in the Free Speech concept, and we know, especially as LGBTQ people, that words lead to actions, and those actions are often dangerous and misguided.  

So what, then, are we indeed called to do on this World AIDS Day?  How do we celebrate the victories, honor the victims and survivors, find the resilience to keep fighting for our liberation, and manage to eat, breathe, drink, and sleep?  

With the heaviness of this World AIDS Day sitting on my heart and mind, I find myself converting anger and frustration into productive energy to move forward in this fight for liberation. I find myself breathing and eating in the spaces of grieving - because, like so many New Mexicans, what is grief if not shared over a meal with family and friends?   And I make sense of the confusion by celebrating the victories with salt grains of the not-yet-won.  I refuse to say lost. Nothing is truly lost just yet; there is time, there is work, and there is hope. 

We have made great strides in achieving healthcare, treatment, and prevention mechanisms that limit the number of us dying of HIV/AIDS in 2022.  We live in a state and nation that (currently, anyway) does not criminalize our sexual relationships and is on track to ensure the loving, long-term committed relationships we are in are continuously recognized moving forward.   We must constantly remind our communities, siblings, neighbors, and friends that we are not harming children, we do not have a “radical gay-genda,” and that abortion care and gender-affirming medical care are healthcare and healthcare is a human right-not a crime. 

Our fight is one for liberation - Bodily Autonomy in the truest sense.  We owe it to those who died of AIDS and those living with the disease today to keep fighting for liberation for us all.  So today, take a moment to grieve and remember, spend some time celebrating and rejoicing, and center yourself - for the work of the afternoon.  

Equality New Mexico is Hiring a Community Organizer

Employment type: Part-Time (20hrs/wk)

Salary Range: $17/Hr

POSITION: Community Organizer

RESPONSIBLE TO: Executive Director 

SUMMARY: Part-time Community Organizer focused on building community, movement, and political power in the NM LGBTQ community statewide through relationship building and mobilization. 

Job Explanation: Equality New Mexico is a statewide LGBTQ political advocacy, public education, and movement-building organization. We have been working to achieve LGBTQ liberation in New Mexico for 29 years, and are setting the stage for our second 30 years.  We are working to rebuild a community-driven movement to shift policy and systems in New Mexico, by including and centering the voices of Queer and Trans New Mexicans.   Our Community Organizer will be critical in this process, meeting, recruiting, training, and mobilizing members to support and lead the work of EQNM at the State, Local, and School Board levels.  

This position is responsible for:

• Communicating with our members regularly via email, phone, text, and in person.  

• Recruiting activists and volunteers to take actions on behalf of EQNM, including phone banking, door-to-door canvassing, text banking, and attending in-person events for political action.  

• Maintaining our membership database (with support from volunteers and other staff.)  

• One-on-one meetings with potential volunteers and leaders, recruiting for volunteer activities, and turnout to events.  

• The Organizer may travel around the state occasionally, but it will not be a significant portion of the job.   

Required Skills, Competencies & Experience:  

• Ability to develop public relationships with new people not yet engaged in organizing or movement work 

• Move people into public life in order to impact policy decisions (training will be provided)

• No previous organizing experience is needed just have a desire to learn and be open to growth and development

• Ability to connect the dots between people, organizations, and struggles for justice through strong communication skills (both written and verbal)

• Values rigor and a desire to not just get things done, but get things done well. 

Who should apply?

You should be eager to participate in the larger movement for Queer and Trans liberation in New Mexico.  You should be excited to learn new skills, eager to perfect the ones you have developed, open to feedback, and proactively seek new tips, tricks, and best practices.   You like meeting new people, enjoy getting to know them, and feel compelled to involve the people around you in the movement for action and change in our communities.  You are proficient in the use of technology and social media, but you understand that activism and political power isn’t built entirely online.  You find yourself hearing peers and friends talking about what's going on around us, and thinking about the ways they could be changed.   You don’t seek to be the face of every solution, but you are always looking for ways to help others become the solution.  The ideal candidate will meet most of these requirements. However, if you are committed to protecting LGBTQ New Mexicans and care about elections, and want to learn how to be an organizer, please apply!

We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. All interested individuals, especially people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, or intersex are encouraged to apply.

Equality New Mexico Seeks Administrative Assistant

WE ARE HIRING: EQNM SEEKS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

POSITION: Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director

RESPONSIBLE TO: Executive Director 

To Apply: Email Resume to Marshall@eqnm.org *and* Info@eqnm.org 

SUMMARY: Assists the Executive Director and Board of Directors in managing the business of the agency. This position is responsible for all support functions, specifically assisting the Executive Director with travel arrangements, administrative work, and special projects. This is a remote position and will require a stable reliable internet connection, regular access to a phone, and a functioning computer(laptop or desktop) If you don’t have these things but are interested please apply anyway! The position is Hourly, Part-Time.  (roughly 20 hours per week, $17/HR)

QUALIFICATIONS: You are a tech-savvy, discrete, trustworthy, and highly organized person with a proven track record of tracking and staying on top of tasks. You have 1 year of experience managing logistical and administrative projects through completion. Multitasking is second nature to you, and you can work under pressure, juggle competing priorities, and meet deadlines without sacrificing quality. You have a demonstrated ability to adapt to change, learn new things, and are open to feedback. You are detail-oriented with the ability to notice and fix errors that others might overlook. You are comfortable interacting with people in high-level positions daily and can attend meetings outside business hours. You have excellent verbal and written communication skills and abilities. You are someone who can see 5 steps ahead of what might be needed and plans ahead. You are a person who is comfortable using social media platforms, google drive/documents/sheets, managing and staying in control of multiple email accounts, and the ability to learn new software systems with training.

The ideal candidate will meet most of these requirements. However, if you are committed to LGBTQ Liberation and care about details, systems, and being the support person who gets the work done, please apply! 

We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. All interested individuals, especially people of color, women, persons with disabilities and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary or intersex are encouraged to apply.

Key Approaches to the Work: 

Organized and detail-oriented: Your default mode is exceptionally organized. You create and maintain strong systems that create clarity and efficiency. You can find information quickly and meet needs proactively and intuitively. You have an eye for detail and a high bar for accuracy. Despite sometimes frequent interruptions in your day, you can regain focus and maintain accuracy, reprioritize when necessary, and deliver exceptional service.

Effective Communicator: A key part of your job is to make things that oftentimes feel complicated for others seem clear and manageable. You are an excellent communicator, who can explain complex information in clear and understandable terms. You have the skills to communicate via writing or verbally (through various modes), including giving presentations to large groups. You maintain high standards of confidentiality and practice ethical communication. You feel comfortable asking for clear direction on what is confidential and what is “need-to-know” information that's been given to you.  

Proactive problem-solver: You are a self-starter who doesn’t need to be told to take action on responsibilities that you hold. You see ways that systems can be improved, and you suggest them without being asked. You can be given a project and run with it. When opportunities exist, you identify them and propose solutions. You’re known for being action-oriented and making everything they touch better.

Inclusion and Equity Champion: You deeply value inclusion and actively contribute to a more equitable and inclusive organization. You are reflective and understand how your perspective is shaped and influenced by your identity. You accept responsibility for your own behavior and action in upholding an equitable and inclusive workplace.

Event Recap!

We wanted to give a huge thank you to everyone who showed out for our CHER the Movement event! Thanks to you, our event was totally sold out—so not only did we have a full house of fun and community, but we also more than doubled our fundraising goal! The drag performances were amazing, the auction items were hot, and the sense of love and community was absolutely palpable.

Elected officials who attended included Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, Probate Judge Cristy Carbόn-Gaul, Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, Congresswoman Stansbury, and a whole host of state representatives, including Representatives Egolf, Herndon, Dixon, and Thomson, and Senators Hamblen, Jaramillo, Pope, and Stefanics. What a list! We are so grateful that so many New Mexico officials came to support and interact with the state’s LGBTQ community.

Thank you once again to those of you who came out to have fun with us while also serving your community. It was a fantastic time, and the funds we raised make us better equipped for the fight for queer and trans liberation. This is our movement!

Our values are important.

Democratic state Representative Roger Montoya was recently denied endorsement from Planned Parenthood because he now supports forced parental notification of abortion. In the year that the Supreme Court is planning to overturn Roe v. Wade, attacking Planned Parenthood—an organization that has been dedicated to providing safe, accessible, life-saving abortion care to our state—undermines the values that we, as New Mexicans, hold true. When Rep. Montoya refused to even apply for an endorsement from Equality New Mexico, he made clear that this is also an attack on organizations like ours, which work to uplift and fight for these truly New Mexican values. A Majority of New Mexicans agree each of us can hold our own moral views on abortion and still trust pregnant people to make this decision for themselves. 

There is no denying the direct connection between this policy, undermining bodily autonomy,  and the work that EQNM is doing to protect trans youth from the increasing attacks that we have seen across the country.  Everyone deserves to be in control of their own bodies, and this right extends to young pregnant people, too.  If an elected policymaker doesn’t support bodily autonomy for young pregnant people, we can assume they also don’t support it for young LGBTQ people. 

Rep. Montoya is an openly gay man who was endorsed by Equality New Mexico in 2020, and we cannot deny the historic moment his first election created for our communities. But now, he’s endangering the movement for LGBTQ liberation. At EQNM, we know that representation matters—but it is not enough. We need leaders who align with our values and will fight for us, not against us. No matter their identity or political alignment, we need leaders who won’t work against the hardworking advocacy organizations who are fighting to uphold our core beliefs as New Mexicans. And we certainly don’t need representatives who attack us for fighting for our communities.

As the fights for body autonomy play out in the future, we hope that people like Representative Montoya understand the necessity for coalition work. None of us can fight for liberation alone, because liberation does not belong to just one community. It’s times like these that it is crucial to remember, it’s all of us or none of us.

Mixed News - but we have to say it all

This blog post was supposed to announce the launching of our individual tickets for the big event on June 4. (We're still doing that below, don't skip it.) But with the news that broke last night, I had to make some adjustments.

Last night, Politico broke the story that a Supreme Court decision had been leaked before it was finalized. The headline says it all: The Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. It is important to note this is NOT a final decision, and for now, abortion is still legal in all 50 states (to some extent, anyway.)

Many of us were preparing for this for months, years even.  But If I'm being honest, even though I've worked in the abortion rights movement for years, I hadn't fully processed this could be real.  Now here I sit, trying to understand it.  

If this decision to fully overturn Roe is adopted, 26 states are likely to make abortion illegal.  This is not hyperbole, and it is not a drill. And as with the realities of Pre-Roe, the burden will fall hardest on Black and Brown people who are able to get pregnant. We have evidence to prove this: after the Hyde Amendment (prohibiting Medicaid funding for abortion) went into effect, a Latina woman in Texas was the first documented case of "underground" abortions causing death. Because Black and Brown people are already facing the most impact from multiple systems, they will undoubtedly be the first to be prosecuted in these states for even having a miscarriage. That is just one of the many realities we are about to enter, and we have to be clear about the stakes.  

And let's be clear, the opponents of abortion access will not stop with Roe. They don't like us as queer and trans people existing with pride. At risk next are the anti-sodomy laws that SCOTUS overturned, and then dismantling marriage equality—all decisions the Court made under the precedent set by Roe. We have a lot to lose.

I am an organizer by training and trade, and so normally this is where I would present a plan of action. A list of steps we must take, the things we have to do to fight back—and we will. But for today, I am asking our supporters, our members, and our friends to just allow space for processing. Let us feel the heaviness of this moment, and let us take care of ourselves. This election will be critical for bodily autonomy. And we will write soon to talk about what we have to do. But for now, we are allowed to yell and scream, cry and sleep, and care for ourselves through the immense weight of this decision. Tomorrow there will be work to do. Today, the work is caring for ourselves so we can fight tomorrow.

CHER the Movement

Tickets are on sale now!

While the news is heavy, we MUST find time for joy, and let's be real—we still have to keep funding our movement work!

Today you can buy your individual tickets for our big event!  The main event is June 4, 12-3pm.

Tickets get you into the event to catch the show, bid on silent auction items, and have great cocktails of course!

The Ticket+ gets you into the main event, plus some EQNM CHER the Movement SWAG.

VIP Tickets get you into the VIP Brunch at 11am, plus all the rest (and you get your own line at the bar to ensure speedier service during the show!).

We have limited tickets, so get yours today! 

Intersectionality Series Part Two: New Mexico Working Families Party

May 1st is International Workers’ Day! To celebrate, we wanted to highlight Michaela Gallegos from the New Mexico Working Families Party (NMWFP). This is the second installment of EQNM’s Intersectionality Series; you can read more about why we’re doing this series and see our first installment with ProgressNow New Mexico here.

NMWFP is building a multiracial, feminist, multigenerational political home for the working class that fights for the world we deserve to live in. They work to create collective power for our communities and those who have historically been left out of the political process—and LGBTQ New Mexicans are no stranger to that.

NMWFP values people over corporations and works to elect progressive champions that change people’s lives and make government work for everyday people. Like EQNM, NMWFP is working to break down the structural barriers that limit New Mexicans’ self-determination and ability to thrive—our government should work for the people, not against us.

When asked what changes NMWFP would like to see, Michaela said, “We want a nation where everyone thrives and a better future for all. This includes quality jobs; access to healthcare, reproductive healthcare, and mental healthcare; immigration reform; criminal justice reform; healthy food; clean water and air; living wages; housing; paid sick leave; quality and affordable education from birth onwards; and a say in how our government works. We want to protect and expand voting rights. We want equity and equality.” These goals would improve live for all New Mexicans, including those of us who are queer and trans.

NMWFP’s current top policy priorities include democracy reform, electing working families champions from the communities they seek to represent, implementing the statewide paid sick leave law, climate justice legislation and advocacy, and passing the early childhood education ballot initiative.

When asked about her and NMWFP’s activism, Michaela said, “Our work is intersectional. We believe that no matter where we come from, who we love, or what our color, most of us want the same things. Everyone deserves to thrive, and we work on core issues that impact our daily lives, like living wages, access to healthcare, and safe communities through criminal justice reform.”

Here at EQNM, we’re firm believers that every LGBTQ person deserves a living wage and equal opportunity for advancement in the Land of Enchantment. Michaela agrees: “As a parent of a queer child, I am deeply invested in protecting and expanding my child’s rights and opportunities.” She also mentions how NMWFP works in coalition with LGBTQ organizations like us, and that “members of WFP’s national committee, senior leadership team, and staff are queer and/or nonbinary, and their lived experiences inform WFP’s policy work at the local, state, and national levels.”

When asked her favorite thing about New Mexico, Michaela said, “I love the sense of community in New Mexico and how everyone can be ‘family’. I missed that sense of belonging when I lived in another state.” And it’s clear that NMWFP is working to improve life for those communities. To learn more about Michaela, watch our interview with her here!

Want to get involved with NMWFP? Text NMWFP to 30403, or sign the WFP People’s Charter here!