Dear EQNM Members and Supporters
2020 has brought with it shifts and changes, in each of our lives. Some better, some worse. Equality New Mexico, and Equality New Mexico Foundation’s Board of Directors hope that you, your families, and our communities are weathering this tumultuous year, in the best possible ways. Our thoughts are with members of the Queer and Trans communities, with New Mexicans across the state in this time of global pandemic, political uprisings, and economic struggles.
Equality New Mexico is also experiencing transition in this time, as many would expect. From shifting our work to be more digital, helping our communities feel connected in an isolating world, to turning our eyes to the General Election where New Mexicans will elect 112 State Legislators, and Americans will choose a direction for the next four years. As you know Adrian Carver served as the organization's Executive Director for 3 years, a term that ended this July. We thank Adrian for his work and service to our LGBTQ community across New Mexico.
Equality New Mexico is excited to welcome an Interim Executive Director, Marshall Martinez.
Marshall is not new to Equality New Mexico, in fact his first Community Organizing job was at EQNM in 2002-2003 - when we were fighting for Workplace Discrimination protections at the State Legislature. New to Albuquerque, Marshall was born and raised in Alamogordo, New Mexico and was a student at UNM when he started this work. 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, successfully overseeing the growth of that department to be the political force of nature it is now, while also working to help PPRM address abortion stigma through education and reshaping the organization’s image in New Mexico communities. Marshall is no stranger to the work, and is well-suited to pick up the mantle of EQNM and move us into the next decade.
Marshall will excitedly hit the ground running, and will make himself available for conversations with our Queer and Trans communities across the state in the coming weeks. We are excited and grateful to have Marshall’s leadership as we continue though the growth that 2020 has thrust upon us all.
The Boards of Directors want to take this moment to reaffirm our core values, as a diverse and inclusive education and advocacy organization for LGBTQ New Mexicans. We work in solidarity with those most impacted by policy change, especially communities of color, and we look to the leadership of Queer and Trans people of color as we work collaboratively to strengthen the voices of our communities.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Equality New Mexico and Equality New Mexico Foundation