Rested and Ready: Marshall’s Return to EQNM

I am excited to be back at Equality New Mexico after 100 days away on sabbatical. I know how rare and privileged it is to have a board, staff, and community who supported this opportunity for me to rest and reset.

“The time I took this summer is something for which I will forever be grateful.”

After devoting myself entirely to our movement since the early days of the pandemic, I opted to utilize EQNM’s burnout-busting policy of allowing staff with five years of work for the organization to take 90 days of leave. We instituted this policy to build a culture that honors rest, reflection, and sustainability.

The truth is, the people we fight for every day do not get this kind of break. Our communities are under attack, and most of us are working to survive and protect ourselves. I carry this awareness with me as I return.

Because I’m a Leo and I assume everyone is dying to know, here’s a quick recap of how I spent my time off.

I made it to New York City, where I finally saw Orville Peck in Cabaret. Watching the show in the current political and cultural context brought up many unanticipated feelings. I remembered the show’s basic storyline, but I forgot that the plot hinges on the rise of fascism and the tension between those who want to fight fascism and those who want to pretend they are living "outside" of politics.

“It was emotional and inspiring to remember that we can all find a way to be part of the movement even when we want to focus on our own joy as well.”

I also got to see Audra McDonald in Gypsy. Watching Audra perform “Rose’s Turn” was life-changing. After 18 years of hoping to hear her sing live, crossing that off my must-do list felt incredible. Eva Noblezada brought Sally Bowles to life with so much energy, vulnerability, and sexiness that I’ll be hard-pressed to believe anyone else can do it as well.

Outside the theater, I had the joy of showing parts of the city I knew to my partner and their sister, which made the trip even more special.

Beyond New York, I visited San Antonio, Madison, and Chicago. I caught up with an old friend from my Planned Parenthood days who continues to be a mentor and movement leader in my life. I also spent a few days in Palm Springs, my personal queer haven—although I admit the 113-degree heat was not a highlight of my summer!

Back at home, I did something that always seems impossible during work life: I cleaned and organized my house, binged some terrible television, and took naps.

“Did you know that people over 40 who take two 30-minute naps a week reduce their risk of heart attack? I plan to keep those naps going.”

More than the travels and the naps, this time was about reflection. I want to share what I’m bringing back with me. I return with clear eyes and a refilled cup. For me, that means patience, commitment, and excitement to get back to work.

During my time away, our team also managed a short leadership retreat where we rethought how EQNM is structured—our roles, our work, and our vision for the next two, three, and five years. I am eager to keep building on that clarity and focus.

I have to give a massive shout-out to Nathan Saavedra and Rudy Montoya, who held us down while I was away. What was supposed to be a slower summer turned out to be the opposite, and they led us through it with strength and determination.

Of course, while I was away, the world did not stop. I kept up with the news and watched the parade of horrors that unfolded and continued all summer. It’s a sobering reminder that our fight is not slowing down. If anything, we must prepare for a longer and harder road ahead.

What I learned during this time is that those of us in the fight of our lives must stay flexible. We need to try everything we’ve done in the past when our government has failed us, while also being willing to try new approaches. We have to lean into our intersectional commitments, not away from them. Times of crisis can make people panic or hoard power, but I believe crises can also create movement moments, moments when we expand power, share it, and grow together.

“I am coming back more committed than ever to distributing power, to building an LGBTQ movement in New Mexico that doesn’t leave anyone behind.”

That means:

• Fighting just as hard for queer and trans people who are incarcerated or unhoused as for those who are married or able to donate.

• Defending quality healthcare that respects patients instead of harming them.

• Protecting progress, even as the federal government tries to dismantle HIV prevention and treatment systems.

• Doubling down on inclusive education for New Mexico students that is culturally diverse, safe, and engaging.

• Passing effective data privacy legislation to protect our most vulnerable communities from harassment and persecution.

• Learning and teaching our community how to fiercely stand with our Trans siblings as they face rampant attacks.

I am back, fully in it, and ready to fight for us.
Thank you for the break, and in the words of my favorite TV president, Jed Bartlett: “What’s next?”

Building Power Locally: Join EQNM for Phone Banking & Canvassing

Building Power Locally:
Join EQNM for Phone Banking & Canvassing

At Equality New Mexico, we know that real change happens when our communities come together. And that change is even more powerful when we start to create it in our own communities! Every conversation matters, and your time and energy help us build power across the state

This election season, we’re hitting the phones and knocking doors to connect with voters, share what’s at stake, and make sure LGBTQ voices are heard.

Below is your one-stop shop to sign up for upcoming phone banks and canvasses. Pick one (or more!) and join us:

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Canvassing

• October 11: Sign Up Here

• October 18: Sign Up Here

• October 25: Sign Up Here

• October 26: Sign Up Here

• November 1: Sign Up Here

• November 2: Sign Up Here

Phone Banks

• October 14: Sign Up Here

• October 16: Sign Up Here

• October 21: Sign Up Here

• October 23: Sign Up Here

• October 28: Sign Up Here

• October 30: Sign Up Here

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Every hour you give brings us closer to a New Mexico where all LGBTQ people can thrive.

Thank you for showing up and helping us build power together.

2025 Endorsements Are Here!

This blog has been updated to provide a more detailed explanation of our endorsement for Mayor of Albuquerque.

Every election cycle, Equality New Mexico listens to our community and lifts up leaders who will take our voices with them into office. Our endorsements are not just about politics; they are about action, values, and commitment. We’re proud to stand with candidates who have proven, or who show real potential, to fight for Queer and Trans liberation and to lead with dignity, equality, and justice for all LGBTQ New Mexicans.

The Equality New Mexico endorsement process is simple, but effective: 

• Candidates apply to be endorsed.

• They go through an interview process.

• The independent endorsement committee recommends candidates to the Board of Directors.

• The Board unanimously votes on which candidates to endorse.

But what’s taken into account when choosing candidates to endorse? 

Elected officials don’t determine what our communities need. New Mexico’s LGBTQ community knows what they need, and they’re the people who should be at the table when decisions that will impact them are made. For a candidate to be endorsed, they must show that they’ll prioritize not only advocating for our community, but listening to and valuing their feedback.

You may be wondering: how do we know if a candidate values LGBTQ voices? For our endorsement to be issued, the candidate must have a history of fighting for and supporting Queer and Trans New Mexicans. If the candidate is running for office for the first time, we need to hear and see potential in their stances on issues impacting LGBTQ New Mexicans.

New Mexico policy and advocacy is rooted in our shared morals of freedom, equality, dignity, and compassion. If a candidate shows that they align with those values, and proves it through their work, it’s likely that we’ll support them.

We’re so excited to be supporting this year’s amazing endorsees! From rural New Mexico City Council elections to mayoral races, we’re confident that our Endorsees will carry our values with them and keep Queer and Trans New Mexicans in mind no matter what table they’re sitting at.

Las Cruces held our first announced slate of candidates this year, four Champions who have not only held the line but pushed it forward, protecting and affirming LGBTQ communities in schools and outside of them. 

The capitol of New Mexico; Santa Fe has been an emblem of LGBTQ support for years, and we are proud to support candidates who will continue to uphold and further develop that standard.

Albuquerque, the most populous city in our state, holds plenty of fierce identities and strong values - this is true for its candidate as well as those who call it home. 

While not all of these endorsement decisions were easy, we put our trust in those who volunteer their time to participate in our endorsement committee alongside our Board of Directors to vote in the best possible way for the health of our organization and the broader Queer and Trans communities of New Mexico. 

As exciting as endorsements can be, we also understand that sometimes community members disagree with the candidates we choose to endorse. We encourage our community to vote for the people they believe will protect and fight for them. Equality New Mexico will never waver in the fact that we endorse based on true commitment to Queer and Trans liberation in New Mexico, and we value action over words.

“We decided to endorse Alex Uballez and not Tim Keller because Queer and Trans people are ready for a change. In this extraordinarily dangerous moment, the status quo is not enough. The LGBTQ community faces overpolicing and criminalization, increased homelessness, decreasing access to healthcare—especially addiction treatment and behavioral healthcare—and alarming violence aimed at our Trans siblings. We need a new perspective, a fresh approach, and a deep commitment to meaningful engagement with our community across all levels of policymaking, in every department of City Government. We believe Alex Uballez is the candidate who will bring Queer and Trans people into the spaces we haven’t been included in previously.”

— Daniel Williams, Endorsement Committee Chair

Overall, Equality New Mexico is excited to support our endorsees, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish if they win their races. Regardless of who wins, we will continue to hold elected officials accountable for the policies, values, and actions necessary for Queer and Trans liberation in New Mexico.

You Can Support Queer Liberation by Including EQNM in Your Will

Many LBGTQ folx and our allies make regular contributions to organizations like EQNM to support the movement, but did you know that you can continue to offer financial support as part of a bigger-picture plan for your legacy? 

August is Make a Will Month. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and ask a powerful question: What do I want my legacy to be?

For our community, this is more than just paperwork. It’s about continuing the fight for justice, equity, and belonging for generations. It’s about making bold plans for the future we might not get to see ourselves, but that we still believe in.

A legacy gift, which is also known as a planned gift, estate gift, or bequest, is a commitment you make to support an organization like EQNM in the future. It’s usually done through your will. It can be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate after other distributions, or simply a meaningful gesture that reflects your values.

Gauge Burnett
EQNM’s Development & Engagement Strategist

Legacy gifts come in all sizes and from people in all walks of life. As our Development & Engagement Strategist, Gauge Burnett, puts it: “Some people wonder how much to leave as a legacy gift. We always say that if it’s meaningful to you, then it’s meaningful to EQNM. We give with our hearts.”

It isn’t just about charity. Queer and trans folx are chosen family, so a legacy gift is also about building intergenerational wealth our way. This act can help create security for loved ones of all kinds, and ensure the next wave of queer leaders have the support they need to rise.

For LGBTQ organizations, legacy giving allows us to dream big. It gives us the financial security to plan bold, long-term strategies and take risks in our programming knowing we have a community that believes in what we do. It shows institutional funders that our movement is resilient and sustainable. Perhaps most importantly, it allows us to honor those who have come before us and those who will come after.

For donors, creating a will offers peace of mind. It protects the people you love. It makes your intentions clear. And for many in our community—especially those with small families or chosen family—it’s a chance to extend your voice and values beyond your lifetime.

This Make a Will Month, EQNM has partnered with FreeWill, a free, secure online tool that helps you write a legal will, step by step. You don’t need a lawyer, and there’s no cost to you or to EQNM. In just 20 minutes, you can create a will, assign guardianship, outline your healthcare wishes, and—if you choose—include a legacy gift to Equality New Mexico.

If you’re based in New Mexico, FreeWill will automatically prompt you with the option to support us. We’ll be notified when a gift is pledged and, depending on your preferences, can thank you directly or respect your privacy. Either way, your impact will be felt far into the future.

We are deeply grateful to every EQNM donor who fights for a freer, safer, more joyful future for LGBTQ New Mexicans. Legacy giving is a unique, powerful way to carry that work forward. It’s a promise that our movement will outlive all of us and keep growing stronger with every passing year, and we are honored to be part of that vision.

There Is No Pride Without Protection

Pride month has ended, but we’re not stopping! At a time when attacks on queer and trans folx feel like the norm, New Mexico did not disappoint in showing up for our community!

One of our biggest accomplishments this month was launching the NMCHISPA campaign. Alongside a powerful and committed group of organizations, we made sure our community had the information they deserve on how our data can be used to harm us.

You may be wondering: What is NMCHISPA?

Well, NMCHISPA stands for New Mexico Community & Health Information Safety & Privacy Advocacy, we know — it’s a mouthful. NMCHISPA aims to educate New Mexicans on a significant gap in protecting marginalized communities: data privacy. We believe that every New Mexican deserves to have control over who has access to their personal information, and no one should be subject to harassment or prosecution because of data collected from them without their consent. In June, we prioritized getting the word out about NMCHISPA and encouraging our community members to sign the petition in support. 

Data privacy may sound distant from Pride, but in reality, it’s the biggest unaddressed gap in our state when it comes to protecting queer and trans folx. The most vulnerable parts of our identities are being collected and sold to the highest bidder on a virtually unregulated market. All of this to say: data privacy and Pride go hand in hand. There is no liberation without protection. 

“Communicating with members of the community throughout Pride Month about the importance of strong data privacy protections & the NMCHISPA campaign was eye opening and inspiring. I could see the recognition and awareness in real time as folx realized the dangers associated with the current availability of our data online, and the interest in learning more about what real protections could do for our most vulnerable communities.”

— Nathan Saavedra, Director of Policy, Power, & People, EQNM

The campaign is far from over. If NMCHISPA sounds like something you believe in, head to nmchispa.org to learn more and sign the petition to build momentum and show that New Mexicans want control over their personal information!

In June, we participated in Pride events across the state, from Albuquerque to Farmington, we made sure to show up for our LGBTQ community and inform them on what matters most. But New Mexico Pride isn’t over! 

We’ll be at:

• Taos Pride on August 2nd 

• Silver City Pride on September 13th

• Southern New Mexico Pride in Las Cruces on October 4th

For our team here at Equality New Mexico, Pride never ends. We use the momentum from Pride Month to fuel the movement year-round. The commitment to our liberation that we see during Pride Month is something we continue to experience all year —from volunteers to those who contribute to our organization through donation. We know that Pride doesn’t stop on July 1st. 

Even though we had a fantastic Pride Month, the work isn’t over! Data privacy is one of our top priorities, and we firmly believe that NMCHISPA is a necessary step in ensuring that New Mexico remains the safest state for queer and trans folx. Help us fight to put the power back in New Mexicans hands! 

Protect My Data, Protect Pride!

In a Time of Challenge, We Gathered in Celebration

Is it just us, or are you still smiling from Resilience? Our 2025 celebration at the Albuquerque Social Club was one of our biggest and best yet. 

In a year marked by political attacks on our community, this event was a moment of collective joy, recognition, and unapologetic queer brilliance.

We honored incredible awardees who have gone above and beyond in their advocacy, leadership, and support for New Mexico’s LGBTQ+ communities, including: Samuel Poarch (Liz Stefanics Longevity Award), Todd McElroy (Liz Stefanics Longevity Award), Senator Angel Charley (Badass of the Year), and Las Cruces City Counselor Beck Corran (Badass of the Year). We laughed, danced, and cheered through an unforgettable performance hosted by LaRhya Daniels (a.k.a. EQNM Executive Director Marshall Martinez) and featuring our Director of Policy, Power & People Nathan Saavedra in his very first drag appearance as Filibust-her. (He raised $6,800; not bad, Nathan!) Marshall and Nathan were joined by Koda Daniels, Avery, Kalorie Karbdashian, Jessica K Daniels, Trey C Michaels, and DJ Flightphonic. The dollar bills were raining!

Photos: Mia Carrasco

The Soch was filled with energy, color, and solidarity. From volunteers and staff who helped with setup and check-in to our dazzling performers and community guests, we want to say thank you. Events like these generate not only joy, but the funding and momentum we need to keep organizing year-round.

We are so grateful to our queens and kings, awardees, volunteers, staff, board members, and the broader EQNM family. 

We are so lucky to be building power and protecting each other. Resilience may be a great party, but it’s also an everyday commitment we make together.

PHOTOS (left to right)

1—EQNM’s Hazel Valente-Compton with volunteers Anne Peralta, Rosie Emery, Gina Miller, and Devon Miller. (“These four wonderful and dedicated volunteers stepped up to check people in at our yearly resilience fundraiser,” Hazel said. “Their help was a big reason this event was so successful and ran so smoothly!”)

2—Anastasia dazzles in purple. 

3—Performers Koda Daniels, Kalorie Karbdashian, Hanii Ziehl, Janna Ziehl, Haley Ziehl, Avery, and Jessica K Daniels smile for the cameras.

4—Former US Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, delivers a speech. She also donated a private dinner to our auction, raising $7,500 to support EQNM!

5—EQNM staffers Rudy Montoya, Layla Garcia, Michelle Najera, Nathan Saavedra, LaRhya Daniels (AKA Marshall Martinez), Hazel Valente-Compton, & Gauge Burnett make activism fashionable.

6—Samuel Poarch receives his Longevity award from LaRyha Daniels.

7—Nathan debuts as Filibust-her. 

8—LaRhya Daniels pumps up the crowd.

The Supreme Court Failed Trans Youth, But New Mexico Will Not

A majority of conservative justices has delivered a devastating blow to transgender youth and their families by upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti allows SB1, which is a law that categorically prohibits hormone therapies for trans youth, to take effect. The decision gives legal cover to 25 additional states that have enacted similar bans and signals the Court’s refusal to protect the fundamental rights of trans people to make decisions about their own bodies. 

Here in New Mexico, we are fortunate and grateful for generations of movement leaders who have ensured that shield laws are in place protecting against bans like Skrmetti. Trans New Mexican youth and their parents do not need to worry about this ruling impacting their access to gender-affirming care. 

However, the Skrmetti ruling calls on us to be vigilant in safeguarding these policies. We must also prepare to embrace people around the country who are impacted by bans. This ruling sets a cruel and dangerous precedent. It threatens the safety of children by going against evidence-based medical research. It puts families in impossible situations. It sends a message that transgender people do not deserve the freedom to thrive. 

EQNM will continue the fight for protections for LGBTQ New Mexicans, and safeguard New Mexico’s place as the safest state for queer and trans folx. Here’s what you need to know about the ruling and how you can fight with us.    

What the Court Said and Why It’s Wrong

U.S. v. Skrmetti originated in 2023 after families in Tennessee sued the state over SB1, a law that bans gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender minors. The core legal question was whether this ban violates the Equal Protection Clause by discriminating based on sex and transgender status. On June 17, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 to uphold the law, agreeing with the Sixth Circuit that the ban does not constitute sex-based discrimination and therefore only requires minimal judicial scrutiny. This means the law can remain in effect and similar bans in other states are now legally reinforced.

The decision was based in politics, not medical fact. All major medical associations support gender-affirming care. Gender-affirming care is evidence-based, life-saving medical treatment, and these bans are discriminatory.

We all want what’s best for our children. Families with transgender youth are no different. They have spent years working with their doctors, therapists, and communities to support their kids. These decisions are not taken lightly. They are made with love, care, and courage. The government has no place interfering.

As a coalition of organizations in New Mexico, EQNM joined the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, ACLU of New Mexico, and Bold Futures in issuing a joint statement:

What This Means for You

If You Live in New Mexico

• You are still protected. Our state affirms your right to access gender-affirming care, including for youth. Whether you’re a transgender young person, a parent, or a provider, here’s what you need to know:

• This ruling does not override New Mexico law.

• Gender-affirming care remains legal and protected in our state.

• You can continue to access puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and other medically endorsed care.

For Parents of Trans Youth in New Mexico

• You are not alone — and your parental rights remain intact.

• You still have the legal right to support your child’s access to medically appropriate, gender-affirming care.

• You do not need to fear prosecution or legal interference for affirming your child’s identity.

• You are part of a state and a community that trusts you to know what’s best for your family.

• We know this ruling is frightening, especially for those raising transgender kids. But you are not powerless. You are not without support. We will continue to fight alongside you to keep your children safe, healthy, and whole.

If You Have Impacted Friends or Family in Other States

Twenty-five states now have the legal backing to enforce bans on gender-affirming care for minors. Families in those states may be facing impossible decisions to delay or forgo care, relocate, or risk criminalization.

We encourage you to:

• Use this map to see which states have bans in effect.

• Check in on your loved ones in affected states.

• Share affirming resources available in New Mexico.

• If you’re in a position to offer housing, transport, or other solidarity to trans people fleeing hostile policies, this is the time.

Learn more and take action:

Visit Lambda Legal and ACLU to stay updated on U.S. v. Skrmetti and what’s at stake for trans youth.

You’re Not Alone, and We’re Not Done

Even with our strong protections in New Mexico, news like the Skrmetti decision shakes queer and trans people because we know the newly-elected federal government and other interest groups are just beginning their plans to escalate attacks on our community. Members of the EQNM staff feel very personally what’s at stake, even if it hasn’t reached us here yet. 

“When I was 13 years old and I didn't have access to gender affirming care, I almost took my life,” says Hazel Valente-Compton, our Community Engagement Strategist. “At 14, I finally got access to GAC, and it allowed me to grow from a scared trans child into a beautiful trans adult. For so many young trans people, the future seems hopeless. Being a young trans person has always meant putting my life in the hands of adults who have no right to speak for me. The Supreme Court has just killed thousands of kids like me.”

Our Development and Engagement Strategist, Gauge Burnett, feels heartbroken for trans youth around the country. 

“When I was a teenager, I didn't have the language to describe myself as trans,” he said. “I made so many dangerous decisions trying to get comfortable in my own skin. I didn't know how to celebrate the joy of being me. Now, trans youth have had that knowledge and access and community through their transitions. I can't begin to understand the heartbreak of holding that joy in your hands and watching it disappear with the stroke of pen held by someone who will never see the pain they've caused.”

Gauge Burnett, EQNM

No matter what a court says, we want trans youth here in New Mexico and everywhere to know that they’re part of a broader community that sees them, is standing with them, and will show up everywhere these kinds of attacks take place to fight back. 

Most importantly, we won’t let anyone steal our joy with the stroke of a pen or otherwise. Our community celebrates trans youth. EQNM supports them in living their fullest, best lives with the confidence that we will never stop building political momentum to secure, defend and expand protections.

Prioritizing Community, Connection and Conversation This Pride Season

It’s that time again! Are you ready to show out for Queer and Trans New Mexicans?

While Pride is always a celebration, we all know it looks and feels different in 2025. The wave of legislative attacks, surveillance threats, and coordinated disinformation campaigns against LGBTQ communities has created a climate of fear that’s hard to ignore. But that fear is also fueling something powerful: a renewed commitment to one another and our liberation. It’s so important that we take this opportunity to feel the joy and strength within our community, and flexing some of our organizing muscle. 

You’ll find us at celebrations across the state. We’re looking for volunteers who want to make a difference this year by helping us get the word out about who EQNM is and the work we do.

• June 7: M’Tucci’s fundraiser from 9am-11am 

• June 7: ABQ Pride Fest at 2pm

• June 7: Bold Futures Family Pride from 11am–2pm 

• June 7: Social Club Pride from 11am–2pm and 7pm–9pm (EQNM tabling)

• June 14: Farmington Pride from 4pm–8pm

• June 28: Santa Fe Pride

• August 2: Taos Pride

• October 4: Las Cruces Pride

Some of our longtime supporters may be wondering why EQNM won’t be walking in the Albuquerque parade this year, as it’s something we value enormously (and is also a lot of fun!). As an organization, we made a decision to emphasize our organizing capacity at more Pride events. There’s so much work to do now in order to protect and uplift our community, we felt this was the best use of our people and resources. That will look like tabling, one-on-one conversations with new volunteers, providing education around our newly-launched NM CHISPA initiative on data privacy, and sharing accurate information about state budgets and policies. We’re sad to miss the parade, but we’re celebrating you by organizing for you. 

To make all this work possible, we need at least 25 volunteers to join us in creating safe, connected Pride spaces. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, your presence matters. Sign up at HERE. 

Come celebrate with us. Come organize with us.

Thank you, Marshall, for Modeling a Balanced Movement!

For the past five years, Marshall Martinez has poured his heart and soul into Equality New Mexico. As our Executive Director, he’s been the driving force behind the organization's growth, strategy, and commitment to liberation for queer and trans New Mexicans. Under his leadership, EQNM has become more than a policy shop or a statewide nonprofit: It has become a home for LGBTQ advocacy, coalition-building, and bold political action.

This June, Marshall is stepping away from that work for a short but intentional sabbatical. He will return after Labor Day.

This time away is not a goodbye. (Like we could ever get Marshall to leave us alone!) It’s not a pause in EQNM’s momentum. It’s an intentional and deeply human decision that models our movement’s values. If we want a thriving future for LGBTQ people, we must be willing to build a culture that honors rest, reflection, and sustainability.

As Marshall shared: “I’m taking this time to recover from the stress of doing this work nonstop since the middle of the pandemic. I’m going to clear my head and reset my energy, and have space and time to think about the future of EQNM and the future of the movement.”

Leading By Example

Marshall’s sabbatical isn’t just a personal decision. It reflects a new policy at EQNM that allows full-time staff to take 90 days of paid leave after five years of service and after seven years for part-time employees. This kind of planning is rare in the nonprofit world, where burnout is often treated as a badge of honor. At EQNM, we know that caring for ourselves and each other is essential to the long game.

“We learned the hard way that leaders who are exhausted, traumatized, overwhelmed and spread too thin make bad decisions,” Marshall said. “We react out of fear, anger, or pain rather than with a rational, long-view of the movement. We also harm our staff and communities by becoming edgy, short-tempered, or inconsistent. This time away will help me re-ground myself and begin to think in a strategic and non-impulsive way again.”

As Marshall also points out, he comes from a generation of queer leaders shaped by grief, having watched mentors and elders taken too soon during the AIDS epidemic. Many of these movement leaders worked themselves to exhaustion for lack of a safety net. “One thing we learned was that the lack of self-care and the lack of a self-preservation mindset took too many of our leaders too early.”

Marshall’s Impact

Marshall’s absence will certainly be felt, but our organization is strong and prepared for this next season.

When Marshall joined EQNM, there was one full-time staff member. Today, there are three full-time staff and four part-time team members leading work that stretches across the entire state.

Our political engagement has also grown dramatically. Under Marshall’s leadership, EQNM has gone from endorsing a small handful of openly LGBTQ+ candidates for the State Legislature to supporting dozens of pro-LGBTQ+ candidates running for positions ranging from Governor to City Council with an 85% win rate.

We’ve expanded from a single contract lobbyist to a robust team of two policy staff and three legislative interns who participated actively in the most recent New Mexico legislative session.

EQNM’s early advocacy focused primarily on anti-discrimination policy. We have evolved into a multi-issue, intersectional force. We’re working on legislation and public education campaigns that address the criminal legal system, healthcare access, economic justice, and education policy as they affect Queer and Trans lives. EQNM has also launched a statewide LGBTQ Policy Summit, revived and grown our annual Resilience event, and celebrated our 30th Anniversary with a powerful and joyful gala.

We’re ready to build on this momentum in the years ahead.

As Marshall puts it: “Visioning for the future of the organization requires quiet time and an opportunity to let go of the day-to-day tasks and work.” His sabbatical will provide that time to reset and dream big, ensuring EQNM continues to grow in alignment with our values and the evolving needs of our communities.

Who’s in Charge Now?

From June through early September, the day-to-day leadership of EQNM will be in the very capable hands of Rudy Montoya and Nathan Saavedra. Rudy currently serves as our Brand & Marketing Manager, and Nathan is our Project Manager. Both have years of experience with EQNM and deep roots in movement work.

“Marshall’s decision to take a sabbatical is a testament to the values he’s always championed of sustainability, care, and visionary leadership,” says Rudy. “We’re so proud of him for modeling what it means to rest with intention. While we’ll miss him, the EQNM team is strong, steady, and ready to carry the work forward with heart and purpose. This moment is not a pause. It’s a continuation of the momentum Marshall helped build, and a chance for all of us to lead in new and collaborative ways.” 

Rudy and Nathan will be co-directing the organization for the summer while continuing in their existing roles. For media inquiries, campaign strategy, or any pressing needs, Rudy and Nathan will be the point people. They are more than ready!

“The organization is in the best hands,” Marshall said. “They’ve been learning a lot in preparation. They are capable, grounded, and surrounded by an incredible board and community of supporters who will help steer the ship.”

It also happens to be a good time for this transition. As Marshall notes, “Municipal elections will not kick into high gear until after I return. This summer is one of slowly building, Pride celebration, and organizing in a non-stress-inducing way. Things will be just fine without me.”

A Movement That Lasts

As LGBTQ+ New Mexicans face intensifying threats, EQNM is prepared. Our board and staff are already looking ahead to the 2026 elections, when New Mexico will vote for Governor and all 70 State House seats.

These are critical years, but that’s precisely why we must be strategic and take care of each other for the long haul.

“Being burnt out doesn’t just affect me,” Marshall said. “It affects my colleagues. It impacts our team’s energy, our clarity, our ability to make thoughtful, long-term decisions. This time away is about coming back stronger for all of us.”

As a community, we can follow Marshall’s example. Rest is not something we earn by doing enough. It’s something we need in order to keep going. And if we want our leaders, organizers, and frontline advocates to be in this fight for decades to come, we have to build a culture that allows—and encourages—people to take a break.

We’ll miss Marshall this summer, but we admire him for taking this step. We know he’ll return in September with fresh eyes, renewed focus, and bold ideas for the future.

Until then, EQNM continues with joy, with power, and with deep appreciation for all that Marshall has built.

Three Fellows, One Legislative Session, and a Life-Changing Journey in LGBTQ Advocacy

Every January, the Roundhouse comes alive with the energy of a new legislative session. Advocates gather, bills are introduced, alliances form, and the future of our communities are determined. For Equality New Mexico, this year’s session was different not just because of the issues on the floor, but because of the people we brought with us: Chiara, Yza, and Arlo.

Through our 2025 Legislative Fellowship program, these three LGBTQ New Mexicans stepped joined our advocacy team in Santa Fe. They weren’t there watching from the sidelines, but as emerging leaders contributing meaningfully to EQNM’s work at the Capitol. Over 10 weeks, they attended committee hearings, met with lawmakers, strategized with coalition partners, tracked bills, and learned how policy gets shaped in real time.

Each of them arrived with different goals, but they shared one thing in common: a deep desire to serve their communities. For Chiara, it started in a graduate-level policy class, where EQNM’s Political Director Marshall Martinez spoke about advocacy work and encouraged students to apply. “I’m working toward a master’s and likely a doctorate,” Chiara shared, “but I knew that academic programs alone couldn’t show me how policy gets made. I didn’t want to draw conclusions just from theory.”

Yza came to the fellowship from a very different path. “I had dropped out of college and was just trying to make rent working full time,” they said. “I always had a deep interest in politics, but I didn’t think I’d ever have the chance to learn like this. This program made it possible. It gave me access to a world that felt totally out of reach before.”

For Arlo, the decision to apply came from a desire to understand how LGBTQ rights are shaped at the state level and what it really takes to pass legislation. “I wanted to learn how bills become law in New Mexico,” they explained. “I thought I understood the process before, but I didn’t know what I didn’t know.”

Throughout the program, each fellow gained an education far beyond textbooks. 

“Being at the Roundhouse every day opens so many doors,” Yza reflected. “You see how much connection matters in this work. When people see you showing up, when they know you care—that builds trust. That’s what advocacy really is.”

The experience also helped them clarify what they want to do next. “My goals didn’t necessarily change,” Yza said, “but I have a much clearer vision of how I can help people and how I’ll get there. I even figured out which areas I might study if I decide to go back to school.” 

Arlo shared a similar takeaway: “I want to pursue a career in policy analysis, and this showed me what that actually means—how organizations build coalitions, how we communicate with legislators, and what kind of language actually moves people.”

Chiara noted how valuable it was to watch advocacy organizations in action. “I loved connecting with folks from Bold Futures,” they said. “They were so generous with their time, explaining the process, making it make sense, and doing it all with kindness and humor.” 

For Arlo, the same groups stood out: “Seeing Bold Futures and ACLU show up again and again, despite how hard this political moment is—that really stuck with me. Their resilience was inspiring. It reminded me that advocacy is about longevity, not just urgency.”

All three fellows agreed: Being inside the Roundhouse every day was transformative. It made the abstract real. “So much of what I’d learned before was theoretical,” Chiara said. “This gave me the missing piece—how the real world actually works. You can’t learn that in a classroom.”

And for Yza, the personal stakes couldn’t have been higher. “I used to think I’d never have this kind of chance because I always had to be working. This program paid us to show up—and that changed everything. Most people don’t realize how rare that is. It gave me the freedom to invest in something bigger than myself, to give my full effort without having to worry about rent or my car payment. That kind of opportunity is priceless.”

The most valuable part of the fellowship? For Arlo, it was the opportunity to study legislation up close and see how lawmakers actually communicate. “You learn what kinds of arguments resonate, how people signal support or disagreement, and which strategies are most effective. I’ll carry that knowledge for the rest of my life.”

For Chiara, it was about emotional insight, too. “Learning how to handle stress was huge,” they said. “The pace, the pressure—it’s a lot. But being in that environment gave me new skills, not just for policy work but for life.” 

Yza echoed that sentiment, pointing to how personal the work became: “I met people whose lives were directly impacted by the legislation being debated. Their stories made it impossible not to care. The bills weren’t abstract anymore—they were real. That made me fight harder.”

EQNM intends to continue the program in future sessions, so anyone who is interested should periodically check the site, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on social media to be sure to see the announcement for applicants when it drops for the 2026 Legislative Session.

Asked what advice they’d give next year’s fellows, Arlo was quick to reassure: “Don’t be discouraged if no one talks to you at first. Once things get moving, everyone’s stretched thin. It’s not about you—it’s just the pace of the place.” 

Yza added, “Listen more than you speak, but don’t be afraid to own what you know and admit what you don’t. If you lead with kindness, people are usually eager to share their knowledge.”

That’s really what the fellowship is about: building new pathways to power, one conversation at a time. It's about making sure the next generation of LGBTQ leaders gets more than a seat at the table—they get the training, support, and real-world access they need to lead.

By embedding fellows in the heart of the legislative session, EQNM isn’t just expanding our presence at the Roundhouse. We’re invest in people who will carry this experience forward into careers, classrooms, and communities across the state. The comradery they built with other advocates, the insights they gained about policymaking, and the confidence they now carry into future endeavors are the seeds of long-term, structural change.