Diné Equality, the largest Indigenous LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the country is proud to endorse Teresa Leger Fernandez for Congress.
As an attorney, Leger Fernandez has a record of advancing the interests of our Sovereign Nations, protecting our women from violence, and making sure we are treated equally under the law.
"Teresa is a champion for the Navajo Nation and through her advocacy promoting voting rights for our Indigenous relatives. She won two court cases to prevent gerrymandering that led to county clerks placing early voting sites on tribal lands," said Alray Nelson, Lead Organizer for Diné Equality. "More of our LGBTQ+ relatives need to be counted in this 2020 Census and to vote this November. Teresa has a record of standing up for us and as an advocate for our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Movement (MMIWM), she understands the importance of uplifting communities."
Leger Fernandez, who was born and raised in Las Vegas, New Mexico, has been endorsed by Representative Debra Haaland, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Planned Parenthood, the Latino Victory Fund, EMILY's List, Sierra Club, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the Taos Pueblo.
"I am humbled by the trust that Diné Equality has placed in me and my candidacy and I vow to live up to that trust by fighting against injustice wherever it is found and against whoever it is directed," said Leger Fernandez. "I recognize the double burdens of injustice that Indigenous LGBTQ+ individuals face, and commit to being a champion for this community in Congress."
Diné Equality is working alongside tribal lawmakers around Indian Country to introduce inclusive legislation that will protect the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and two-spirit communities from hate crimes and bigotry during these uncertain times post-COVID19. It is imperative that we support the candidates who share our core values and will be true LGBTQ+ advocates. Our organization will be organizing the Native American vote and work alongside Sovereign Nations to ensure turnout numbers significantly increase this November - compared to 2016.
If elected, Leger Fernandez would be the first Hispanic woman to represent New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District.
To learn more or to volunteer for Teresa: https://www.teresaforall.com