LGBTQIA

The New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Museum in Albuquerque has opened a new exhibit, marking the first time it has ever focused on LGBTQ+ issues. Also a first for the museum, it was created by high school students.

Albuquerque’s City Council voted to expand the city’s definition of discrimination Monday to address pregnancy, disabilities and gender and sexuality.The changes are meant to put the city in line with state guidelines.

As many states have moved to restrict or ban gender-affirming care for trans people, a few states, including New Mexico, have codified protections. But those laws don’t always mean accessing care is simple or quick, as a surge in new patients in the state collides with limited doctors and clinics.

It’s Banned Books Week, and some New Mexicans are celebrating simply by reading. The American Library Association is behind the event and puts out a list of most commonly banned books each year.

On this episode we talk with Deirdre Caparoso about explosion of challenges against libraries and books. She is outreach and community engagement librarian at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center. She is also chair of the intellectual freedom committee for the New Mexico Library Association.

The country’s largest LGBTQ plus civil rights organization has declared a state of emergency – a first in its 40-year history. The Human Rights Campaign said it’s a response to a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation around the country. In comparison, New Mexico gets high marks for its protections.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was created last July for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis to be connected to a mental health provider. Now, the New Mexico Human Services Department has added an extension for LGBTQ people that will connect them with a specially trained mental health peer expert.

The ban has been in place for almost 20 years. This new legislation would recognize all marriages, and impacts spousal property rights and employee benefits.

The Navajo Nation lies within Arizona, Utah and New Mexico and is the largest tribal nation by both population and land mass. It's now considering a bill that would repeal its 2005 ban on same-sex marriage.

Let's Talk New Mexico 6/11, 8a: June is Pride month, and in the midst of mass demonstrations for racial justice and an ongoing pandemic, this year’s…