Across the country, we’ve seen relentless attacks on trans and non-binary people—particularly trans youth. These efforts attempt to roll back hard-won rights, spread misinformation, and divide communities by claiming that so-called “traditional values” are at odds with LGBTQ inclusion. In New Mexico, research tells a different story.
We believe in the power of public narrative to counter anti-trans rhetoric and mobilize support for trans people across our state. That’s why we partnered with progressive statewide advocacy organizations to launch a research project that allows us to better understand how New Mexicans, especially those in rural areas, think and feel about trans rights. The Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, Bold Futures, ProgressNow, and Strong Families all came together to conduct our study.
The results were clear: New Mexicans believe in fairness, dignity, and equality for their trans neighbors. With the right dialogue, we can strengthen that support and translate it into meaningful action—not just here at home, but around the country.
Why Focus on Rural Communities?
For years, opponents of LGBTQ rights have framed their attacks on trans people as being in defense of "rural values." They claim that smaller communities hold more conservative beliefs and therefore reject trans inclusion. But is that actually true?
Our research set out to test that assumption. This yearlong project began with a digital survey of more than 100 people with trans families, followed by 11 focus groups across New Mexico, including eight regions outside of Albuquerque. We conducted a statewide survey with a random sample of 1,500 New Mexicans—balanced for age, geography, and demographics—to gauge attitudes about trans people and policies that affect them. We also conducted focus groups in rural communities and spoke directly with the family members of trans people.
What we found was hopeful and affirming: Rural New Mexicans, just like those in urban areas, care deeply about fairness, dignity, and family values. The key is making sure people hear about what connects trans rights to the values they already hold.
What New Mexicans Really Think
The data revealed a complex but encouraging picture. While misinformation about trans people has taken root in some places, many New Mexicans are open to learning, growing, and supporting their trans neighbors when given the right information.
Support for Trans Rights is Strong, But Education is Needed
65% of respondents believe decisions about trans youth should be made without political interference.
Over one-third oppose laws that restrict trans people from using bathrooms that align with their gender.
Just over half support restricting trans athletes based on sex assigned at birth—showing a need for more public education on this topic.
Trusted Messengers Make a Difference
Our research found that when people hear supportive messages from trusted sources, their attitudes shift significantly. Among the most effective messengers:
Trans people telling their own stories
LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations
Doctors and medical professionals
Faith leaders who frame trans acceptance as part of their spiritual values
Family members of trans people
These findings underscore the importance of building relationships with community leaders who can help share accurate, compassionate messages about trans people.
What Can You Do?
The research is clear: With the right approach, we can continue to grow support for trans people in New Mexico. Now, it’s time to take action.
Learn how to talk about trans rights effectively. EQNM offers advocacy trainings to help you have meaningful, persuasive conversations about trans issues. Reach out to TGRCNM for more info. They have a Storytellers Corps, and can help train you so that you feel comfortable sharing your own experience and these broader values with communities across the state.
Encourage your organizations to step up. If you’re involved in a school, workplace, or faith community, urge them to connect with organizations like EQNM, TGRCNM, ProgressNow NM, ACLU, Strong Families, and Bold Futures for guidance.
Stay informed and engaged. Join EQNM’s mailing list to receive updates on legislative efforts, community events, and opportunities to help.
Support trans voices in media and advocacy. TGRCNM is building a Trans Spokesperson Pool—if you know a trans or non-binary person interested in speaking out, encourage them to join.
Push for pro-trans policies. Work with EQNM and other groups to advance proactive, pro-trans legislation that strengthens protections and resources for trans New Mexicans.
The Future of Trans Rights in New Mexico
Despite the national climate of hostility toward trans people, New Mexico is different. Our state has long been a place where diverse cultures, traditions, and identities thrive.
But that doesn’t mean our work is done. Anti-trans forces are well-organized, and they rely on misinformation and fear to push their agenda. It’s up to us to make sure our communities hear the truth: that supporting trans people is not just the right thing to do—it’s a reflection of the values we hold dear.
The good news? We are not alone in this fight. New Mexicans from all walks of life are ready to stand up for their trans neighbors. Now, it’s time to turn that support into action.
Join us. Speak up. Advocate. Together, we can build a future where all trans people in New Mexico are free to live, thrive, and be their authentic selves.