We love when we get a chance to know you, our supporters, at our events and on social media. So we wanted to take a moment and give you a chance to get to know us. Consider this a big hello and a hug from the Equality New Mexico team. If you have any questions for us, reach out to info@eqnm.org and Michelle will get back to you.

Hi, I’m Marshall! I lead the EQNM team, coordinating our Staff and Board of Directors along with our partner organizations. Together we work to ensure that LGBTQ New Mexicans are represented wherever people in power are making decisions that impact us.

I love that this job lets me be with our community all over the state and bring their voices into the halls of power. This job is about demanding a space at the table for LGBTQ people and I love using the tools we have to carve out that space.

Our team, along with our champions, fights for an intersectional movement that recognizes all issues can impact the LGBTQ community.

Hi, I’m Nathan! As Program Manager, I work on EQNM’s advocacy efforts, as well as on the education and organizing sides. I support Marshall, our Executive Director, in developing short- and long-term strategies in areas like elections and policy. Additionally, I train and support the organizing staff, providing direction and assistance based on needs and organization-wide goals. Special projects, such as the recent New Mexico LGBTQ Statewide Summit, are some of the cooler things I get to do when they come up. After the 2024 elections, I will be part of the EQNM team participating in the 2025 Legislative sessions, providing support to our priority bills in any and all possible ways. I’m also honored to oversee the New Mexico LGBTQ Roundtable, with the assistance of the Roundtable administrator Aurelia Martinez.

I love that my role is flexible and that my responsibilities vary. Well, love it and hate it. JK! I mostly love it. I’m always excited about what’s coming next. Since I can be a bit of a hermit, it’s good that I am required to get out there in New Mexico’s queer and trans communities. I appreciate building those relationships and connections.

Our EQNM work culture is very warm. It’s never peaceful since we’re so busy, but it’s comfortable. Employees come first here when they need something, whether that be more time on a project or time off for a crisis. We are constantly encouraged to become better versions of ourselves just via the work that we do every day.

I want for everyone—-regardless of and especially because of their geographic location—to feel the pride that comes along with being involved in the LGBTQ community. Even though it's easily one of the more-stressful times of the year, Pride month provides glimpses into what a liberated future for queer and trans folks looks like. Thanks to EQNM, I have seen this pride in metro and rural communities alike. Even if the crowds are vastly different, the community aspect is the same.

Hi, I’m Hazel! I’m mostly working on the ground to engage with the EQNM community. I organize volunteers to participate in actions like texting and phone banking.

I really love that this role allows me to engage with the community. I’m constantly talking with new people who have different experiences and perspectives, which really opens my eyes.

My dream for queer and trans New Mexicans is that all kids can be themselves unapologetically and experience love and joy without discrimination and pain. I hope that the trans kids of the future don’t have to face the backlash I had to face growing up.

Hi, I’m Rudy! I design the EQNM brand, including our presence on digital, web, and print. I work with staff and partners to develop and implement social media, ad, and campaign strategies while maintaining the integrity and growth of the EQNM brand.

I love that this role allows me to create designs and plans for important issues that impact the lives of LGBTQ New Mexicans. It allows me to participate in giving back to my community using my design and marketing skills.

I want us to live safe and healthy lives without fear of being controlled and punished simply for being true to who we are as whole individuals.

Hi, I’m Gauge! I plan and implement EQNM's fundraising strategy. This includes writing grants, connecting with donors, organizing events, and reporting on our work. Right now, I'm working on our end-of-year giving campaign, where we share our victories from the past year with donors.

I love the story-telling aspect of this work! Grant reports, especially, are a lot of fun because I get to share EQNM's work with people who otherwise wouldn't get to be involved. I always learn something new about our programming in the process. I love seeing how my efforts immediately impact the rest of the organization and allow others to do their work without worrying about the finances.

In my utopia, QT New Mexicans will have the choice of when, how, and with whom we share our identities. When I first came out, I felt pressure to be visible and public about my transition to help shift public perception and make coming out easier for future generations. In a future where people are accepting, care is accessible, and laws everywhere are protective, we'll be able to live as people rather than as examples or political tools.

Hi, I’m Michelle! I provide administrative support to the EQNM team, ensuring smooth operations for all. You’ll find me scheduling meetings, planning strategy retreats, coordinating all the chaos behind-the-scenes of our events, and being there to help our people succeed in whatever way I am needed.

I love helping to create an inclusive environment for all people, and my role at EQNM allows me to build connections within the LGBTQ community. I am so proud to support initiatives that promote visibility and equality.

I dream of a state where everyone can live authentically without fear of discrimination. I want to see increased access to resources, support services, and safe spaces. I want us to build a vibrant community that celebrates diversity and fosters acceptance.

**LAYLA**, Communication Associate, Social Media

Hi, I’m Layla! When I’m not doing my school work at New Mexico State University, where I study justice, political philosophy, and law, I’m the one posting on our social media channels.

I love being able to reach so many people through social media and provide easy access to resources and information.

My dream for queer and trans New Mexicans is complete and unwavering liberation, healthcare access and resources, and safety from discrimination and violence.

Hi, I’m Maegan! I manage EQNM’s blog and anything else that needs wordsmithing. If you have an idea about something we should post about on the blog, please hit me up.

I moved to Albuquerque in 2023 to get my PhD in Communication at the University of New Mexico, where I’m studying how activists, specifically trans folx, can ensure that we are fairly and accurately represented in the artificial intelligence systems that will define the communications of the future. I love being of service to my community in my new home. Our EQNM volunteers and champions inspire me to embody and bring my non-binary perspective to all that I do.

I want people of all genders and orientations to incorporate queer and trans perspectives into their own mentality, work, advocacy, and joy.

Hi From the Folx Behind Equality New Mexico

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