Mayor Tim Keller’s Administration Receives ‘Safe Zone Training’

July 24, 2018

On July 17, 2018, Mayor Tim Keller, along with his administration, completed a Safe Zone Training through a partnership with Equality New Mexico, the Transgender Resource Center, and the UNM LGBTQ Resource Center. The Safe Zone Training informed city leaders about creating safe and inclusive work environments through cultural competency as it relates to the LGBTQ+ community.

Mayor Keller’s team is the first city administration in New Mexico to receive the training. The training helps educate community members about history, language and other issues in a way that honors and affirms the diverse and expansive range of LGBTQ+ identities.

“In Albuquerque, we’re working to create a place that welcomes and values people from all walks of life,” stated Mayor Keller. “Participating in the Safe Zone Training was a way for our team to commit to being inclusive, both inside City Hall and from corner to corner across the city. It’s important for leaders to be equipped with the history and language to be good allies and advocates for equality and equity.”

Participating in the Safe Zone Training is part of Mayor Tim Keller’s commitment to building a city government that works for everyone. The Mayor’s office is now designated as a LBGTQ+ Safe Zone.

“This training, rooted in history and cultural competency, is a crash course in the experiences and issues faced by LGBTQ+ people in New Mexico,” said Adrian N. Carver, Executive Director of Equality New Mexico. “Mayor Keller’s commitment to having his department directors trained will help the city better accomplish its goal to serve the people of Albuquerque regardless of who they are or who they love.”