FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chris Nordstrum, NM Senate Democrats at 505-986-4819
Statement of NM Sen. Jacob Candelaria Commemorating National Coming Out Day
(Santa Fe, NM) – NM Senator Jacob Candelaria (D-26-Bernailillo) issued the following statement today:
“October 11 marks the 29th Anniversary of National Coming Out Day. I am proud to stand together with the LGBTQ community of New Mexico in support of every person’s right to be respected, protected, and free to celebrate their authentic self.
“Coming out as LGBTQ or as a straight ally for equality takes great courage and does not come without risk for many people in our state. But it is an important step in our fight for LGBTQ rights, for every time someone comes out, a new voice is heard and more of our family members and neighbors will be inspired to stand with us as we unite against bigotry and hate.
“In my role as a state senator I pledge to help lead the charge for LGBTQ rights. Two bills I introduced in our last session were measures intended to do just that: Senate Bill 121, now law, makes New Mexico the seventh state to ban the dangerous practice of conversion therapy on minors; SB120 would have made it easier for transgender individuals to change their sex designation on their birth certificate, though it was pocket vetoed by the Governor. Clearly the battle for equality is far from over, but it is my mission to fight discrimination and be a champion in building the safer, more hopeful future that every New Mexican deserves.”
For more information on National Coming Out Day or to find additional resources on this topic, visit http://www.hrc.org/explore/topic/coming-out
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