ADVOCACY AND JUSTICE
Advocacy and Justice
Rights aren't granted once and guaranteed forever — they're defended, argued for, and renewed, year after year, by people willing to show up. Rights & Protections is HRA's advocacy arm: tracking legislation at the Roundhouse, organizing coalitions across Northern New Mexico, and standing beside LGBTQ+ New Mexicans whenever their dignity is on the line. This is the work that makes every other room in this community possible.
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Standing up where it counts.
Rights & Protections leads HRA’s policy advocacy, civic engagement, and coalition work to defend and expand LGBTQ+ rights across Northern New Mexico. From tracking bills at the state legislature to organizing voter registration drives to building partnerships with allied organizations, this is where HRA turns community voice into lasting policy change.
Taking Action
Ongoing programs that turn advocacy into everyday protection and progress.
Safer Space Place Program
📅 Ongoing
🕑 Anytime a partner location is open
📍 Partner locations across Santa Fe
🎫 Look for the decal
A network of safe physical spaces across Santa Fe. Partner locations agree to Safer Space protocols and display a Safer Space Place decal in their window — if you ever feel endangered, you can run inside.
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We use Network for Good to process donations to HRA. You can easily make a quick one-time donation, a recurring donation, or a donation in memory or tribute to someone.
Your transactions are safe and secure with his service.
Thank you for your donation!
Dialogue
Voices from Advocacy & Justice
Community conversations that matter.
"When I needed to know my rights as a trans employee, HRA didn't just hand me a pamphlet — they walked me through it, step by step. That kind of protection is what keeps people safe enough to stay in New Mexico."
"I think about the folks who marched in this city when it wasn't safe to be visible at all. Every protection we have now, someone fought for first. This program makes sure we don't forget their names."
"Knowing a business has gone through the Safer Space training changes how I walk in the door. I'm not scanning the room for exits anymore. I can just be a customer."
02 We Make News
The Political Weaponization of Transgender Americans
There is an old political trick that is as predictable as it is ugly: when you cannot give people something to hope for, give them someone to fear. And once again, transgender Americans have been selected for the job. Recent reporting from LGBTQ Nation highlights the...
HRA CONDEMNS ICE TACTICS AT LA FAMILIA HEALTH
The Human Rights Alliance unequivocally condemns the reported actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement connected to an arrest at La Familia Health in Santa Fe. La Familia exists to provide healthcare to our community, including people regardless of income,...
What New Data Tells Us About Supporting Gender-Expansive Students
HRA affirms our organization’s belief that every student in New Mexico deserves to walk through the doors of their school knowing they are safe, respected, included, and able to learn. New research released by The Trevor Project on August 18, 2026, provides compelling...
When Propaganda Puts on a Lab Coat: HHS, “Wolves in White Coats,” and the Latest Attack on Transgender Young People
There are moments when disagreement over public policy is legitimate. There are moments when medical standards deserve serious debate. There are moments when government should investigate fraud, misconduct, or improper insurance billing. And then there are moments...
The Federal Government Is Attempting to Ration Health Care by Identity; HRA Condemns the Trump Administration’s Final Medicaid and CHIP Rule Targeting Transgender and Gender Expansive Young People
On August 11, the Trump Administration placed a final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services titled Medicaid Program; Prohibition on Federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program Funding for Sex-Rejecting Procedures Furnished to Children...
The Pentagon’s “High-T” Policy Isn’t About Military Readiness. It’s About Ideology
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's announcement that the Department of Defense will begin annual testosterone screenings for service members over the age of 30, coupled with voluntary testosterone replacement therapy, should concern every American—not because hormone...