Young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender can face hard times after coming out. On this week’s New Mexico in Focus, producer Sarah Gustavus talks with a student and local leaders about what is being done to address these issues and protect students in New Mexico.

The program airs Friday nights at 7 p.m. on channel 5.1 and appears online on the NMiF website shortly thereafter. The show rebroadcasts Saturday at 5 p.m. on channel 9.1 and again on Sunday at 7 a.m. on channel 5.1.

Gustavus also talks with Patricia Gaston from the group Women Veterans of New Mexico about an LA Times report on the suicide rate among female veterans. The report highlights the need to look closer at the mental health needs and issues faced by women.

Host Gene Grant and the line opinion panelists react to this week's special session of the New Mexico legislature. The panelists also discuss Attorney General Hector Balderas' investigation into the justice system and the future of the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.

Guests
Amber Royster, executive director, Equality New Mexico
Erin Northern, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Robyn Weekooty, high school junior
Patricia Gaston, Ret. Lieutenant Colonel--Women Veterans of New Mexico

Line Panelists
Russell Contreras, AP reporter
Dede Feldman, former New Mexico State Senator
Dan Foley, former New Mexico House Minority Whip
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR

Correspondent
Sarah Gustavus

Host
Gene Grant.

The producer of New Mexico in Focus is Sarah Gustavus with Associate Producer Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation Communications Fund and the Santa Fe Community Foundation.

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