New Mexico's short, 30-day legislative session starts today with a focus on budget issues. Nonetheless, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or Questioning supporters are urging the governor to take up equality issues, even as other states consider more restrictive laws.

Three of the issues came up at the Roundhouse last year, says Marshall Martinez, executive director of Equality New Mexico, including prohibition of the "panic defense" against LGBTQ people.

"We're ready to make sure that people can't use, 'I panicked when I found out they were queer' - as an excuse for their physical violence," said Martinez.

Already, lawmakers in seven states have proposed laws in this year's sessions that would limit the rights of transgender and non-binary young people - including Arizona, Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, New Hampshire and South Dakota.

Martinez said Equality New Mexico also would like to see the state modernize its 40-year-old rule that requires anyone seeking to change their name to purchase a 14 day newspaper notice announcing their intention.

He said that's not only an economic issue requiring an attorney to get involved, but also can present physical danger.

"For trans people, that means 'outing' themselves to everyone in their community," said Martinez. "It also impacts victims of domestic violence and victims of stalking. If you're changing your name because your former partner was abusive, you're posting an ad in the newspaper letting them know that you're changing your name."

In 2021, New Mexico's governor signed an executive order requiring state agencies collect information about sexual orientation and gender identity as part of a larger effort to address barriers faced by the LGBTQ community in accessing government services.

The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether to review a Wisconsin case over the issue of gender identity at school.

The case Parents Protecting Our Children v. Eau Claire Area School District asks to strike down a school policy some parents believe infringes upon their right to make major health-related decisions with their children. The district said its policy was created to provide direction and resources for transgender students and those with questions about their gender identity, including when they do not feel safe or accepted at home.

Hayley Archer, staff attorney at the ACLU of Wisconsin, said the focus should remain on the children.

"I believe one of the reasons that this question is debated is because it is complex," Archer observed. "We're balancing the rights of parents, we're balancing the rights of schools, we're balancing the rights of students. And ultimately, the safety of the student, in my opinion, the most important of these rights."

The parent group argued the school policy encourages kids to hide important aspects of their health, like changing pronouns at school. Lower courts have dismissed the case because none of the group's children are involved. So, it is now asking the U.S. Supreme Court, which hears about 1% of requested cases, to review it.

Luke Berg, deputy counsel at the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, who represents Parents Protecting Our Children, said usurping parental rights can be harmful to kids with questions about their gender identity.

"Children who have struggled with this and later come out of it have said, 'It was not actually helpful for me to have adults around me affirming that I was really the opposite sex; it actually confused me further.'" Berg asserted. "This can do harm to children and in our view, that's why parents need to be involved."

The Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health reports nearly half of LGBTQ+ youth in the state seriously consider suicide. Nationwide, the rates drop significantly for transgender and nonbinary youth who feel accepted at home, according to the Trevor Project. It noted, however, fewer than 40% of LGBTQ+ youth feel accepted at home.


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Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Nevada and around the country are concerned about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their safety, rights and protections.

The Trevor Project's Director of Communications Zach Eisenstein said following Election Day, his organization saw a 700% increase in calls, texts and chats compared to weeks prior.

That's the biggest daily surge since they started offering 24-7 services in 2019.

For years, the organization has provided LGBTQ+ youths help and support for health challenges like depression, anxiety and suicide.

Eisenstein said despite the real fear, he knows the LGBTQ+ community will be resilient.

"We have to acknowledge this is a difficult time and there are many challenges that lie ahead, but this is not new for the LGBTQ+ community," said Eisenstein. "Throughout our history, our community has had to fight for our rights and we will continue to do so just as we always have."

Eisenstein said The Trevor Project's mission will remain the same in 2025 and for years to come no matter who is in the White House.

He added that they've developed a new guide to help folks navigate these challenging times.

It encompasses taking time to disconnect and prioritize mental health to finding community and getting involved with local LGBTQ+ organizations.

Eisenstein said he wants to remind folks that laws and policies don't change overnight.

He added there were some notable wins at the state level with various LGBTQ+ candidates winning state offices.

States also passed ballot measures that'll add protections for marriage equality in Colorado, Hawaii, and California.

"So we are really encouraging folks to just give themselves the permission," said Eisenstein, "to take things one step at a time, and really take care of themselves and their mental health right now."

Nevada's 83rd legislative session begins in February. Eisenstein said his organization will be keeping a close eye and continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ young people.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can reach The Trevor Project by calling 1-866-488-7386 or by texting START to 678-678.

Jackson Lewis, 19, is ready and eager to sit on the nonpartisan Canyons School Board in the south end of Salt Lake Valley. Lewis, who is gay, is also the youngest elected official in Utah. He said winning was a surreal moment, and he will ensure the student perspective is included in education policy discussions and decisions.

Lewis said he's been contacted by folks across his district who are thrilled with his victory and added he's even received messages from people globally who have been paying attention to the recent election, especially in conservative and traditionally 'red' Utah.

"As a gay man, it means a lot to me and it means a lot to the queer students in the district and in Canyons, but even I've spoken to members of the football team, I've spoken to members of the debate team, right? They are all excited about the fact that someone this young, right, is going to be occupying this seat and representing student interests on this board," he said.

The lifelong resident of Midvale and a Hillcrest High School graduate says he is a proud product of the state's public school system and understands the value it holds. Lewis promised to address issues such as chronic absenteeism, increasing teacher pay, and promised to be a "loud" opponent to future book bans.

During Utah's most recent legislative session, House Bill 29 passed and allows parents to challenge books they deem to have "sensitive materials."

Lewis said while he did garner support from younger voters, he also made a conscious effort to connect with older folks who might have been a bit more apprehensive about electing a younger person to office. But he says he found their reception and support to be welcoming and invigorating.

Regardless of who you are or who you voted for, Lewis encourages everyone to get informed and involved.

"You don't have to run for office if you don't want to, if you don't have the time or energy to put into it but just get involved. Know who your elected officials are and make sure that they know who you are too," he continued.

Lewis added that can look like attending local party conventions and meetings, or getting involved at the community level with events of various kinds. He contends Utahns will feel less alone and more connected to their communities during a time of high polarization.


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