EQNM has been on the ground in Santa Fe since the legislative session started, ensuring alongside our partner organizations and elected champions that the progress we’ve achieved in our state is not only protected, but continues to expand.
Our staff members described the vibe of Week Two as “the calm before the storm.” Our team took the opportunity to get ahead of the impending chaos by engaging in strategic planning, relationship-building, participating in UNM Day with Rep. Marianna Anaya, and hosting 54 statewide attendees at our monthly LGBTQ Roundtable meeting (Roundhouse edition!). We anticipate that most of our priority bills will be introduced soon, and once they’re in motion the pace will get frenetic fast.
Rep. Marianna Anaya recognized a group of UNM Alum advocates who work day-in-day-out in the building supporting their communities. Pictured: EQNM, ACLU-NM, & Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.
“The EQNM team is hard at work, “ says Program Manager Nathan Saavedra. “Energy is high, and we are passionately focused on getting as much done as we can to ensure the safety and livelihoods of our New Mexico communities."
Although we feel energized, it was still a hard week. Despite the federal government launching a barrage of executive orders attacking LGBTQ Americans particularly targeting trans individuals, here in New Mexico, we remain steadfast in affirming and protecting the rights we have fought so hard to secure. This past week demonstrated both the resilience of our community and the challenges we continue to face.
Here’s a recap of the highlights:
"Unfortunately, we expected a variety of anti-LGBTQ, and especially anti-trans, legislation to be introduced this session,” Nathan says. “We are prepared and able to fight these bad bills. Our Legislature has a majority of supportive LGBTQ-friendly legislators, which provides us with the mettle we need to push back against what does not help New Mexico, and push forward what reinforces our progress as a state."
Stay Engaged
The best way to engage with EQNM’s work during the legislative session is to stay informed and be ready when we need you. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter/X, and our newly launched Bluesky. For more in-depth analysis, come back here to the EQNM News Blog every Sunday night for takeaways, predictions, and opportunities for action.
Simple actions like signing petitions, using click-to-send email forms, and sharing social media content make a big difference. If you’re willing to go a step further, join our Rapid Response Team to get text message alerts for critical moments when your voice is most needed. Don’t worry—we’ll only send the bat signal when it really counts! Sign up here.
Stay Informed, Stay Active
This legislative session is proving that progress is possible, but it requires all of us to stay engaged and advocate for our community. EQNM will continue to fight for equality at the Roundhouse, but we need you with us. Together, we can protect and expand the rights of LGBTQ New Mexicans.