OPINION: It's time for New Mexico leaders to truly see us

I write as a representative of a community that has long been an essential, vibrant part of Santa Fe’s and New Mexico’s identity: the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Recently, we participated in a mayoral candidate survey covering a range of civic issues. What struck us most was not what was said — but what wasn’t. The responses revealed a lack of understanding — and, in some cases, a total absence — of meaningful engagement with our community’s lived realities.

Santa Fe and the state of New Mexico cannot thrive without us. We are artists and nurses, educators and small-business owners, city workers and community organizers. We are part of every system that keeps this city and state alive, compassionate and creative.

When you overlook us, you overlook the heartbeat of New Mexico itself. The strength of this state has always come from its diversity — from the courage of those who live authentically and love openly. Yet across campaign rhetoric and policy discussions, we see little evidence that many candidates — or even current leaders — have taken the time to understand who we are, what we contribute and how our well-being shapes New Mexico’s social and economic health.

We are not a demographic to check off in talking points. We are your neighbors, elders, youth, families and leaders. We have weathered decades of political storms, fought for dignity, and continue to show up every day to make this state better. Our presence is not symbolic — it is foundational.

Here is our invitation and our challenge: come to us. Not for a photo op or a soundbite, but to learn, listen and build understanding. We are ready to teach, collaborate and help you lead effectively — but that collaboration must be genuine. It must recognize our expertise, our contributions and our right to shape the decisions that determine Santa Fe’s and New Mexico’s future.

Santa Fe has always been a place of spirit and soul, of art and activism, of beauty and belonging. But those words mean little if our leaders do not embody them in action. Those who serve in any position of public trust must lead with compassion, integrity and the understanding that equality is not a side issue. It is the foundation of justice and prosperity.

Across the state, we see troubling signs that complacency is setting in. A Democratic school board candidate in Roswell used a homophobic slur — yet her own party, the Democratic Party of New Mexico, failed to condemn it. Both of our U.S. senators recently supported the National Defense Authorization Act, a bill containing anti-trans “culture war” riders, an anti-diversity, equity and inclusion clause, and no limits on domestic troop deployment.

We call on our leaders — and the Democratic Party itself — to do better. Words of inclusion mean nothing without action. Silence in the face of harm is complicity. At this moment, when extremism seeks to erase hard-won rights and silence entire communities, strong, visible leadership is not optional — it is urgent. Santa Fe and New Mexico need leaders who will stand shoulder to shoulder with marginalized people and never flinch when equality is under attack. Neutrality in times of moral crisis is complicity.

We urge those who hold power to engage our community directly, listen deeply and lead boldly. The time for symbolic gestures has passed. The time for authentic, accountable leadership is now.