.gay Community Spotlight on Equality New Mexico
Our .gay Community Spotlight this week is on Equality New Mexico - an organization that works hard to fight discrimination by organizing LGBTQ+ communities across their state.
Join us as we explore their mission - making life healthier, safer, and more accessible for Queer & Trans New Mexicans.
Dive into our chat below.
How would you describe your organization’s mission?
Our mission is to achieve LGBTQ Liberation by working in an intersectional framework to achieve policy, systems, and culture change.
Tell us about how that mission is brought to life through your work?
We work to organize our communities of LGBTQ people across New Mexico; for leadership development, political education, activism, electoral wins, and ultimately policy changes in legislative and executive bodies toward making life easier, more healthy, and safer for Queer and Trans New Mexicans.
What would happen if your organization suddenly did not exist?
LGBTQ New Mexicans would keep fighting for liberation, as we always have, but would struggle without a unified voice and agenda.
What can people do to get involved and help make sure that never happens?
EQNM is a membership organization; the easiest way to help is to sign up to be a member on our website, read our emails and social media posts, and take the actions we call for. This is usually simply clicking a link and filling out a form to email legislators or key decision-makers, as well as sharing this information and calls to action with peers, friends, and family.
Why does LGBTQ+ visibility matter to you?
Visibility matters because identity is power. and when we are seen fully in our whole identities, we strip others of the ability to take our power from us.
In your own words, what does “LGBTQ+ safety and support” mean specifically?
This means the ability to live fully authentic lives without physical, psychological, or societal pressure to be un-whole or someone other than who we truly are.
Who are some of your LGBTQ+ heroes?
Todd McElroy, Robert Adams, and Bunnie Cruse, are all local New Mexicans.
If you could give LGBTQ+ youth one message, what would it be?
Trust me, we are winning, not quickly enough, not certainly enough, but we truly are winning, and the dangers you face today are because our opponents know that.
Tell us about a time when you felt like the work you do at your organization really mattered or made a difference for the communities you serve?
Every day. Every day I get phone calls from folks who have faced discrimination in workplaces or housing, and I'm able to tell them it's against the law and help them find someone to file the claim. I get to teach lawyers, doctors, and courtroom staff how to respect and care for LGBTQ youth, and because our organization exists and does the work we do publicly, those Queer and Trans youth get to access systems in a safer manner.
Anything else you would like to share with the .gay audience?
The movement is for us all, and there is a place within it for each one of us! Find yours today!
Learn more about their work HERE.
