As we all watch the unfolding of what the next Presidential administration will look like, we must continue to be resolved to do our best to arm ourselves with knowledge, courage, and strength. HRA will continue to do its utmost to provide support, information, and strength for our community.
We have increased the frequency of our Community Conversations events to provide a safe space for our community to come together in support and to share important updates and information as we receive them.
Here are a few things that we should all be doing now in preparation:
If you are in a relationship, make sure all of your paperwork is in order, especially if you are not legally married. This would include life insurance policies, leases, mortgages, etc. You may want to consider setting up a trust. If you need more information on this, contact us, and we can refer you to options.
If you are in a legal marriage, still make sure that all of your paperwork is in order with both spouses’ names. While marriage is safe in NM for the time being, we are not sure what the future may bring for the rest of the country.
Non-Binary – Transgender
It is essential that if you identify as non-binary or trans and do not have a passport, please do so ASAP before the next administration takes office. You can make your gender marker through a simple check box. New crackdowns may prevent anyone from updating their passport or using the neutral X gender marker.
Be sure to update your NM State documents and IDs. It is also important, and NM has now established an easy process. The Transgender Resource Center TGRCNM in Albuquerque has free name-change clinics.
If you are on HRT – be sure to speak to your healthcare provider about how you can maintain your supply of medications. Also, If you are not Transgender and are on HRT, please speak to your healthcare provider about your medications as well.
Change your social security gender marker ASAP. This process is straightforward, and there’s an online portal.
Relocation is another option for those that you know who are non-binary or transgender – moving from a Red state to a more inclusive and welcoming state may be the best solution for some if such a move is possible.
As we move forward, we need to rely on existing Allies as well as establish new ones during this time. This is where HRA hopes to come in. Our goals are to build bridges into the community by providing information, support, and involvement in all aspects of our community. It is imperative that we build coalitions and messaging for our entire community. We need to advocate for our community with compassion and persuasion. Our goal is to build a cross-idealogical coalition of citizens so that everyone can understand how the ‘right’ used ‘queer’ and especially trans scapegoating to win this election and divide the electorate.
We are stronger together and will continue to do what we’ve done for decades—Stand up, Act up, and fight intelligently for our rights!