Date: Wed, 25 Oct 1995 10:44:26 -0400 From: "David B. O'Donnell" Subject: New Mexico Summit brings rural Gay and Lesbian people together [ Originally submitted by summers@Rt66.com ] The Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Rights in New Mexico PO Box 8640 Santa Fe, NM 87504 Press Release For Immediate Release Contact: Bob Summersgill Martha Trolin 505-244-1824 505-897-4685 summers@rt66.com mojotro@aol.com New Mexico Summit brings rural Gay and Lesbian people together More than ninety Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered community leaders from across New Mexico met in Elephant Butte October 13, 14, and 15 for New Mexico's first statewide LesBiGay planning session, sponsored by The Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Rights in New Mexico. The Summit was successful in its goal of bringing leaders together to build a strong infrastructure for support, advocacy and political action on behalf of sexual minorities in New Mexico. "I think that this conference affirms my thoughts that Albuquerque and Santa Fe aren't the only places in New Mexico with Gay and Lesbian people, and it may translate into legislative victories," said Julio Abreu of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest Gay and Lesbian organization in the United States. Abreu represents Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people in New Mexico and the Southwest as a lobbyist in Washington, DC. Participants attended from Cedar Crest, Las Cruces, Espa=F1ola, Taos, Socorro, Mountainair, Chamisal, Alamagordo, Lovington, Farmington, Silver City, Portales, Clovis, University Park, Roswell, Truth or Consequences, San Jose, Madrid, as well as Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Harry Hay, the co-founder of the modern Gay and Lesbian liberation movement, spoke Saturday night. The octogenarian eloquently spoke of the need to protect children from the abuses of the radical right. "This outrageous coercion of Gay kids into hated heterosexual identities and behaviors against their wills is not only sexually abusive," said Hay. "It is spiritually devastating rape because the child, unknowingly, is led into developing and practicing self loathing." Hay and his lover of more than four decades, John Burnside, are former residents of New Mexico. They founded one of the first Gay and Lesbian organizations in New Mexico: Lambda Santa Fe. "The experience was that of being at home. We share lots of energy and wisdom," said John Knopp of Las Cruces. "Harry [Hay]'s visit was icing on the cake." Saturday's keynote address was given by Melinda Paras of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Paras spoke of the growth and strength of Gay communities across the country even under adversity. "The Gay and Lesbian community has about 2000 leaders, not 3 or 4 in Washington," said Paras. "This is the center of gravity in the movement." Paras had spent the previous week in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the national epicenter of attacks on the rights of Gay and Lesbian people. Paras stood with the Gay and Lesbian community of Colorado Springs on October 10, the day the US Supreme Court heard arguments on Amendment 2. "The Justices have been affected by the cultural change," said Paras "that's what the Supreme Court said this week, 'It's not that big a deal.'" Summit participants developed legislative and lobbying plans, including hiring a lobbyist; communication networks; a regional meeting schedule; a voter registration drive; a New Mexico Gay and Lesbian Family Reunion; support of regional groups; and skills training programs. The Coalition has four unwavering commitments: 1. Passage of the New Mexico Non-Discrimination Act (known as SB 91); 2. Passage of the Hate Crimes Act, vetoed earlier this year by Governor Joh= nson; 3. Inclusiveness; and, 4. The fight against anti-gay legislation. Regional workshops focused on on establishing plans of actions for different regions of the state; local organizers have planned regional meetings throughout New Mexico. Gay and Lesbian organizations in in rural areas learned for the first time what resources are available from other groups across the state. Most participants felt that the personal connections that they made were the most significant benefit of the weekend. "It brought a lot a lot of people together from across the state," said Todd Barker of Roswell. "It gave us a focal point from which we can work." New allies and friends traded email addresses, linking Alamagordo and Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Truth or Consequences, Las Cruces and Espanola. The several dozen participants with email are connecting with hundreds more who couldn't make it to the Summit on the New Mexico LesBiGay email lists on the Internet. "The Internet is critical for Gay and Lesbian people in rural states like New Mexico," said Bob Summersgill of Albuquerque. "It gives us instant communication with people we otherwise never get a chance to meet, exchange ideas with, or get the word out on important issues." Email will be the primary way to spread news and launch calls for action to each community and organization across the state. The Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Rights in New Mexico plans to hold a summit annually, in addition to statewide regional meetings throughout the year. The Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Rights in New Mexico works through a consensus and is composed of organizations around the state. Member organizations are the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance; the Taos Human Rights Alliance; The New Mexico Lesbian and Gay Political Alliance; Women in Movement in New Mexico; Lesbians for Change; Gay, Lesbian and Straight Teachers; Network; and the New Mexican Gay and Lesbian Bar Association. --30--