Give OUT

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New Mexico GLBTQ Centers' Las Cruces GLBTQ Center had 2,687 client visit in 2012, an 85% increase over 2011.

Let me tell you about one of those visitors.

This visitor is a youth, a 15 years old high school student and has Middle Eastern parents who are very traditional in values and ideas. He recently came out to his parents as a homosexual and they both told him that he is not a homosexual and what he is going through is a phase, a phase that his father himself went through.

He found out about Rainbow Youth after attending a Gay Straight Alliance meeting at his high school. The Youth Program Assistant from the New Mexico GLBTQ Centers went to visit the GSA meeting to do an activity and explain the resources available at the center.

The youth is very uncomfortable in new situations and is very quiet naturally. He has admitted to the group that he has no “real” friends and has no one to confide in. He also disclosed he had seriously thought of suicide before finding the group. He as been consistent in his attending the weekly meetings and each time has opened up more and more.

The youth feels comfortable enough to discuss any issues that may arise in his life and is also comfortable taking advice. He trusts that the youth in the group will listen and not judge him the way that many people do outside of the center. He revealed to the group that he does not think about suicide as much and would never attempt to harm himself.

He has become involved in the group activities.

We need your support to continue saving lives and creating a better future.

“In 2010, New Mexico-based foundations granted 41 times less support to organizations serving LGBTQ individuals than to those serving the heterosexual population. And yet we know that social needs — higher levels of bullying and suicide, unequal access to marriage benefits, etc.— are tremendous in the LGBTQ community.“- Santa Fe Community Foundation

“Less than 5% of the LGBTQ community gives to an LGBTQ cause, according to research from the Horizons Foundation and Movement Advancement Project,” says Bolder Giving’s Executive Director Jason Franklin. “Give OUT Day aims to raise awareness of the need to support LGBTQ nonprofits and elevate the level of LGBTQ philanthropy.”

This Thursday, May 9^th is the first annual National Give OUT Day. 24 hours beginning at midnight eastern time (10:00 PM May 8^th mountain time) LGBTQ organizations in all 50 states will be raising money and awareness for LGBTQ charity. New Mexico GLBTQ Centers is one of those organizations and our official Give OUT Day page is at http://giveout.razoo.com/story/New-Mexico-Glbtq-Centers?referral_code=share. Please support us and change the face of LGBTQ philanthropy and the face of LGBTQ New Mexico.

Moving Marriage Out of Limbo

When a New Mexico county clerk began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004, Mary Houdek and her longtime partner Norma Vasquez were the first in line.

The women, among 64 same-sex couples allowed to wed in Sandoval County before commissioners sued to halt the practice, have been in limbo ever since. New Mexico, whose voters backed a Republican governor in 2010 and President Barack Obama, a Democrat, in the past two presidential elections, is the only U.S. state that has no law related to same-sex marriage or civil unions.

Full Story Here

Give OUT Day, the first National Giving Day Campaign aimed at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer community

Bolder Giving in partnership with the Kevin Mossier Foundation and Forward Motion is excited to announce the launch of Give OUT Day, a new national initiative that aims to mobilize thousands of individual donors on May 9^th, 2013, across the country to give in support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer (LGBTQ) nonprofit community.

“Less than 5% of the LGBTQ community gives to an LGBTQ cause, according to research from the Horizons Foundation and Movement Advancement Project,” says Bolder Giving’s Executive Director Jason Franklin. “Give OUT Day aims to raise awareness of the need to support LGBTQ nonprofits and elevate the level of LGBTQ philanthropy.”

“We expect to have over 500 or more LGBTQ organizations from all over the country participate in this first Give OUT Day,” says Noris Chavarría, Give OUT Day Coordinator.

“We are excited to be part of history in the making through the 1^st Give OUT Day and for it be launched here at Creating Change 2013,” says Rea Carey, Executive Director of the National Gay & Lesbian Taskforce. “This effort is particularly timely now as LGBTQ rights are gaining support and attention. There is a large untapped potential donor base, both within the LGBTQ community and among straight allies that Give OUT Day will engage.”

“The timing is right for Give OUT Day. As fundraising and budget pressures are making LGBTQ nonprofits more eager than ever to try new strategies to compliment traditional fundraising efforts, Give OUT Day is tailor made to offer an exciting new venue for online giving for our community,” says Ben Francisco Maulbeck, President of Funders for LGBTQ Issues.

Give OUT Day will be breaking new ground as it adapts a fundraising model that has proven successful for local multi-issue fundraising to a national single-issue focus. Give OUT Day will engage and unite thousands of donors and organizations across the country that believe in the power and impact of LGBTQ nonprofits in daily life.

For more information visit http://giveout.razoo.com/story/New-Mexico-Glbtq-Centers

Happy 3 Years Las Cruces!

It is hard to believe that three years ago today our first community center in Las Cruces had its soft opening. We've made great strides from very humble beginnings.  The Rainbow Center in Gallup came on board last fall, Las Cruces had almost double the client visits in 2012 as in 2011, and we became an affiliate with SAGE and members of the National Coalition of Anti-violence Programs. 2013 is shaping up to be an exciting year both for New Mexico GLBTQ Centers and the LGBT community as a whole. Marriage equality is at the U.S. Supreme Court, New Mexico awaits an opinion from the Attorney General whether same-sex marriage is already legal here and opponents of equality are now outnumbered. The excitement for New Mexico GLBTQ Centers includes a larger location in Gallup, changes in our leadership structure and new programs. Among the new programs is the Gender And Sexuality Discussion Group (recurring 2nd Wednesday each month) which will meet at the Las Cruces  GLBTQ Center beginning April 10th at 6:30PM. It is an informal monthly discussion of topics related to gender and sexuality, open to everyone regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Discussions may cover anything from basic definitions to current issues in politics and legislation, from scientific research to creative images, from pop culture to personal experiences. Feel free to join us whether you've had lots of exposure to issues of gender and sexuality or you're just starting to explore these topics. The group is facilitated by Jess Weinberg and Jeanine Deibel. If you would like more information, please contact the center at 575-635-4902. We've adjusted our leadership structure to provide improved focus on both local and statewide needs.  The Las Cruces and Gallup centers are led by Regional Operations Managers, Teresa Perez and Jordon Johnson, who are dedicated to building community through partnership and meeting local needs. In my role as Executive Director, I will focus on funding, program development, center development and supporting the local center leadership.  I will also continue our existing state and national partnerships while working to establish new collaborations.  We have also moved the organization's statewide headquarters out of the Las Cruces GLBTQ Center. As you can see, it is an exciting time, I hope you will join us for the adventure. Warmly, David Stocum Executive Director

Marriage equality - Las Cruces Bulletin

Link to Marriage equality - Las Cruces Bulletin

Alternative Spring Break at the Las Cruces GLBTQ Center

Encouraging Marriage Developments

This is the text of a press release we just sent out:

Statewide LGBTQ Group Encouraged On Marriage Equality

Las Cruces and Gallup – On the heals of Santa Fe City Attorney Geno Zamora's opinion that marriage equality is already legal in New Mexico, Dona Ana County Clerk Lynn Ellins is seeking an opinion from the Attorney General. New Mexico GLBTQ Centers is encouraged by these developments on the marriage equality front.

“County Clerk Ellins' request that Rep. Bill McCamley, D-Mesilla Park, seek an immediate opinion from the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General about whether same-sex marriage licenses can be issued by county clerks' offices statewide is potentially a huge step forward for same gender couples in New Mexico,” states David Stocum, Executive Director of New Mexico GLBTQ Centers.

According to press reports, "I am hopeful, as is my staff, that ours can be the office that shifts the tide in the State of New Mexico," Ellins said. "With Rep. McCamley's assistance, we will soon have in hand an opinion that will clarify the matter statewide."

“The tide has been turning in our favor, the US Supreme Court is hearing arguments next week regarding the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act and Prop 8. This is another opportunity to do the right thing,” says Stocum, “and it's fabulous it's here in New Mexico.”

Stocum concluded, “Our thanks to Santa Fe City Attorney Zamora, Mr. Ellins and Rep. McCamley for taking the lead in this latest effort at full equality for LGBTQ New Mexicans.”

New Mexico GLBTQ Centers is a statewide organization based in Las Cruces whose mission is to reduce homophobia and enrich the lives of individuals living in New Mexico who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer through education, advocacy, support, example and collaboration.

For more information on New Mexico GLBTQ Centers; visit www.newmexicoglbtqcenters.org or stop by the centers at 1210 N. Main Street in Las Cruces or 105 Dean Street in Gallup.

We Need A New Way To Think About Charity

The New Mexico GLBTQ Centers vision of a system of community centers with extensive outreach to the rural areas of New Mexico with both center and non-center based programs based on community needs,collaborating with GLBTQ groups, allies and others to reduce homophobia and enrich lives to create a New Mexico where diversity is celebrated and all New Mexico are respected equally. Is pure social innovation like Dan is talking about. I beat my head against the dirty word "overhead" on a nearly daily basis. The things we accomplish with almost no money are amazing. I can only imagine what we could do with financing based on Dan's ideas in this video.

Confused?

What do you really think Rep. Garcia? Is the truth your statement issued early today (posted below) or this video of the 4pm Thursday Newscast from Channel 13 in Albuquerque? Rep. Garcia speaks at about 1:20 in the story.

House panel shoots down gay marriage

Constitutional Amendments Too Stringent: Setting the Record Straight By State Rep. Mary Helen Garcia, District 34

Over the last several days people have been talking back and forth about my votes on minimum wage and same sex marriage. While I believe I was elected to use my own judgment, I would like the record to reflect my thoughts.

The media has taken what I have said out of context, I apologize if anyone believes that I set out to intentionally hurt anyone. I stand on my record, which will clearly show that I have spent my entire career putting people first.

Regardless of how I personally feel about either issue, as the Chairwoman of Voters and Elections I believe that minimum wage and same sex marriage do not belong on the ballot. By this I mean that both issues were brought before my committee as constitutional amendments, which means that both issues would have to be put on the ballot in the next election cycle.

As everyone knows the Legislative process requires the approval of both houses and the executive branch. This process serves a purpose and provides the best opportunity for citizen involvement and fair representation. While it might be an idealistic view, I believe that the Legislative process should be respected except in a case of dire emergency.

Again I believe that the issues of minimum wage and same sex marriage are issues that should be debated, compromised, and scrutinized by the legislature, not manipulated for political gain. I do not believe that either issue met the requirements to disregard the principles of the legislative process.

While I believe constitutional amendments serve a purpose, we must realize that the constitutional amendment process is much more stringent than that required of ordinary legislation.

 

Defeat of HJR3 Disrespects Gay Community

New Mexico GLBTQ Centers responded today to the defeat in the New Mexico House Voters and Elections Committee of HJR3, the marriage equality amendment.

Centers' Executive Director, David Stocum, responded, “Despite passionate pleas from bill sponsor Brian Eglof and House Speaker Martinez, Las Cruces Representative and committee Chair Mary Helen Garcia was one of two Democrats to vote with Republicans to table HJR3 effectively killing it.” Stocum also stated, “The gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community is especially disappointed with Rep. Garcia since we believed her to be our friend.”

New Mexico GLBTQ Centers sent the following letter to Rep. Garcia via email:

“I am dismayed and disappointed with your vote killing HJR3. Your vote denied the respect for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (glbt) community in New Mexico that we deserve.

Despite the long history of New Mexican's having the backs of our friends and family along with the belief by most in our state that we should treat others the way we would like to be treated, you voted to leave over 45,000 New Mexicans (from Movement Advancement Project) out in the cold.

This is not a complicated issue, it is about respecting all families in New Mexico, including mine.

My partner, Richard, and I have been together 13 years, and given the opportunity, would love to share our commitment surrounded by our friends, family and neighbors, and to have the security and protections that only marriage will give us.

We share the worries of other couples, like making ends meet, the possibility of losing our income, and making sure that we can offer the safety and security that our loved ones deserve. As foster parents, we have the same concerns as all parents ... supporting our kids success in school, keeping them safe and away from gangs, drugs and the dangers of being a kid in the 21st century. We are no different than any other couple, gay or straight, in New Mexico.

Yet we, and all glbt couples, are disrespected and that disrespect is sanctioned by our elected officials like yourself with this unfortunate vote. What does this say to a glbt youth being bullied in school? This is not a religious issue. I, and most in the glbt community, strongly support religious freedom. Marriage equality is a civil matter. Allowing Richard and I to marry won't change anything for churches or ministers. No pastor or priest would be required to marry a same sex couple. It would allow those ministers and churches who support marriage to marry same sex couples. This means freedom for all religions to follow the teachings of their faith.

I hope that you and all New Mexicans will reflect on what marriage equality is really about, fairness, respect and dignity for all New Mexican families.”

"Through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall"

Come learn the results of the most recent New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey.