FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Equality New Mexico Announces Endorsements of Deb Haaland, Xochitl Torres Small; Incumbents Heinrich, Lujan

ALBUQUERQUE, NM: In a first round of political endorsements for the 2018 election, Equality New Mexico, the largest LGBTQ political advocacy organization in the state, announced its support of Congressional candidates Deb Haaland (NM-1) and Xochitl Torres Small (NM-2), ), along with incumbent U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and Congressman and DCCC Chair Ben Ray Lujan. (NM-3).

Haaland is running for the open Albuquerque area Congressional seat being vacated by Gubernatorial candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham, and if elected, would be the first Native American woman to serve in Congress. 

Of Haaland's endorsement, Executive Director Adrian N. Carver said, "Deb Haaland has exhibited the ability to run a winning campaign in the primary and into the general election. In a crowded field, she maintained a clear advantage in our community survey because she has long advocated for the self-determination of LGBTQ+ New Mexicans. Aside from directly aligning on our issues, Deb has demonstrated an ability to raise the money necessary to win and out-organized her opponents to win the Democratic Party's State Convention. Not only can she win this race, but Native American women deserve representation and a seat at the table in Washington. We look forward to Deb breaking that ceiling and leaving the ladder down for future generations of Native women."  

Torres Small is running for the sprawling open Congressional District 3 seat in the Southern part of New Mexico. 

Carver said, "The vacancy created by Steve Pearce's run for Governor creates a unique opportunity in Congressional District 2. We must assure all New Mexicans are represented in Congress by people who support their families and want to see them thrive. I'm confident that 2018 is a year that Xochitl will replace Steve Pearce’s hateful rhetoric and deliver the representation LGBTQ New Mexicans in District 2 deserve.”

"While we have two open congressional seats, ready for new voices, we count Sen Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan as steadfast allies and among the strongest advocates for LGBTQ+ New Mexicans.”, says Carver, “Equality New Mexico has endorsed them both before and we’re proud to endorse both incumbents again.”

The endorsed candidates in contested primaries released the following statements: 

Xochitl Torres Small: "Equality New Mexico has been an amazing advocate for the LGBTQ community in New Mexico," said Torres Small. "Having partnered with EQNM while working at the UNM School of Law Clinic, I saw firsthand their commitment to ensuring that all New Mexican's civil liberties and rights were protected.  I am honored to have their endorsement, and look forward to continuing to work with them through the campaign and beyond."

Deb Haaland: "This endorsement is very personal for me, I've worked with EQNM for a very long time, and I’ll continue to work extremely hard to win this primary so I can champion equal rights for all and protection from all discrimination. In this Trump era, when too many people face increasingly hateful violence, we can't turn our backs for even a moment -- because if we do, Trump will continue to strip away the rights of our LGBTQ family. In Congress, I’ll stand up to Trump and his exclusion of transgender members in our military and I'll fight to make sure Title 9 protects everyone. It’s time that Congress works to truly address the oppression of our marginalized communities.”

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REPORT: NEW MEXICO MAKES PROGRESS IN LGBTQ+ EQUALITY IN 2017

State Equality Index Scorecard Gives Optimistic Snapshot of Equality for LGBTQ New Mexicans:

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, January 8 - Today’s release of the Human Rights Campaign’s State Equality Index (SEI) report indicates New Mexico’s continued progress toward equality and self-determination for the LGBTQ+ community through 2017. Nationally, these scorecards look at statewide measures, both positive and negative, that affect LGBQT+ equality in 6 areas: parenting, relationship recognition and religious refusal, non-discrimination, hate crimes, youth, and health & safety.  

“The State Equality Index is an important reminder of the hard-fought wins we've had,” says Adrian Carver, Executive Director of Equality New Mexico (EQNM), New Mexico’s statewide LGBTQ advocacy and civil rights organization. “Regardless of what this federal administration or Congress tries to do, in New Mexico we have strong state-level protections for the rights and liberties for our community and our families.”

Changes from the 2016 SEI:

New Mexico’s score improved after Senate Bill 121, or “The Protect NM Kids Act,” sponsored by Senator Jacob Candelaria (D-Bernalillo) and Representative G. Andres Romero (D-Bernalillo), was signed into law by Governor Susana Martinez last April. The law prohibits the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy by licensed mental health providers with minors under the age 18, increasing the well-being and safety of all LGBTQ+ New Mexicans.

Looking Ahead in 2018:

Areas where New Mexico lacked significantly were laws and policies protecting LGBTQ+ youth, as well as LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety laws and policies. EQNM is continuing its efforts to address these statewide gaps.  

“Equality New Mexico will, in the coming legislative sessions, fight for the inclusion of our communities in ALL policies. We'll step up the fight to ensure that New Mexico protects our students and families, that state workers are included in non-discrimination policies, that trans & gender non-conforming New Mexicans have full access to healthcare, and beyond", says Carver.

“In the upcoming legislative budget session, Equality New Mexico will be working to see the values of a ‘queer state budget’ reflected for the next fiscal year. A queer state budget means smart investments in education, the economy, health and wellness, civic engagement, and justice.” 

In Honor of Lou: An Event to Benefit Equality New Mexico

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

West Coast composer Lou Harrison’s 100th birthday party has been a yearlong, global affair. The Harrison House in Joshua Tree, California live streamed a 24-hour celebration, Bill Alves and Brett Campbell published a sweeping new biography, and renowned musicians have played tribute concerts from New York City to San Francisco. Harrison passed away in 2003 at age 85, but his influence as a composer, instrument builder, environmentalist, pacifist and gay rights activist is as resonant as ever. 

This autumn, the party rolls into Santa Fe at an event presented by Albuquerque percussion ensemble Gamelan Encantada and LGBTQ advocacy nonprofit Equality NM. In Honor of Lou features a concert of Harrison’s works for gamelan instruments, along with a screening of the biographical film Lou Harrison: Cherish, Conserve, Consider, Create. The event is Saturday, December 2 from 4 to 6 pm at form & concept, with a $15 to $25 suggested donation. All proceeds from the event will benefit Equality NM.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Equality @ the Balloon Fiesta: Tickets on Sale

Please plan to join us for Equality New Mexico’s annual fundraiser, featuring the awe-inspiring Balloon Glow & Fireworks Show, music, cocktails & generous hors d'oeuvres—all from the best view in town!

Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Doors Open 5:30 • 6:00 PM Balloon Glow • 8:00 PM Fireworks Show
Free Parking!

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

An open letter to our Members and supporters

Dear EQNM Members and Supporters,

Times of transition are opportunities to make organizational shifts and be innovative. The boards of Equality New Mexico, 501(c)4 and the Equality New Mexico Foundation, 501(c)3 are proud of the growth and development of our work over the years. We continue to be excited for the refinement of our statewide role in intersectional community-based movements, outreach, education, and policy development. When faced with identifying new leadership for the organization, we took the opportunity to think about how we could be ground-breaking in creating an organizational model that would reflect our commitment to shared decision-making and distribution of power.

The challenge with making organizational shifts is that it can be hard to predict barriers to successful outcomes. For personal reasons Ophelia Hu Kinney has chosen not to begin her role as Co-Director of Programs & Outreach at EQNM. We ask that you respect her privacy in reaching this decision and direct any questions about this change to the board. We know that Ophelia will continue to be a leader in her community and we wish her well in her future endeavors.

We originally hired Adrian N. Carver as Co-Director, Policy & Development because we were excited about his deep history in NM, statewide relationships, and the innovative ideas he presented to grow EQNM. Adrian is passionate about our communities and has devoted his life to advocating for all New Mexicans to be able to live with dignity, joy, and opportunity. We fully support his leadership and are excited to announce that we have named him Executive Director of Equality New Mexico and the Equality New Mexico Foundation, effective July 9th, 2017.

EQNM will continue to have bold ideas and vision as our work expands and grows statewide. We remain dedicated to our mission and vision while having an organizational structure that will sustain our statewide work and relations.  We have not given up on innovative leadership models and as we move forward, we commit to staying true to the values that led us toward the decision to make an infrastructure shift. We are prepared to work toward an organizational structure that will sustain our work, all of our staff, members, and community members. We remain committed to the values that drove us to select a co-directorship model and we are committed to finding ways to actualize those values within our existing structure.

Our intersectional movement is constantly changing, learning and expanding--which is why we must sustain and resist the institutional and societal actions designed to oppress us. We must be able to adapt to the needs of the community, and as board members, we believe that this change in direction is how we can best use our current capacity to continue uplifting the stories of New Mexicans and continue to fight for justice.

As such, we are happy to re-introduce you to Adrian N. Carver, Executive Director of Equality New Mexico and the Equality New Mexico Foundation. We are incredibly excited for his leadership and innovation. Please direct any questions you might have about this change to info@eqnm.org.

Sincerely,

The Equality New Mexico and Equality New Mexico Foundation Boards

EQNM Albuquerque Public School Board of Education Picks

Equality starts at home - in our neighborhoods, communities, and schools. 

On Tuesday, February 7th, four Albuquerque Public School Board of Education seats will be elected. Albuquerque is not only the largest school district in our state, but is also the 31st largest in the country. Your decision to vote could mean the difference between a Board that promotes fairness and access for all students, and one that promotes a pro-Trump, pro-tea party agenda. 

Early voting is happening now through February 4th - click here to find your nearest early voting location. If you can't make it early, please book the time in your schedule now for February 7th.

Nothing is more contradictory to New Mexico values of fairness, equality, and family than school board members who place their personal politics and beliefs over the access, safety, and wellbeing of all students - especially the most marginalized. Help us make sure we elect the best APS Board of Education possible.

Where to Vote & More Candidate Information

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