Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance
About Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance
Founded in 1993 by passionate grassroots activists in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Human Rights Alliance emerged from a commitment to civil rights and community empowerment. Born in response to the defeat of Senate Bill 91—civil rights legislation for lesbians and gay men—HRA transformed local enthusiasm into a sustained nonprofit movement dedicated to ending discrimination and celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and acceptance.
At its heart, the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance is a community-centered organization that values relationship-building, inclusivity, and authentic engagement. The organization recognizes that meaningful change happens through dialogue, collaboration, and shared commitment to human dignity. HRA actively invites community members—particularly those with lived experience in Santa Fe's LGBTQ+ history—to participate in shaping initiatives like "The Shoulders We Stand On," an interactive historical timeline documenting the LGBTQ+ community's contributions from 1870 to the present.
What sets HRA apart is its deep roots in Santa Fe's artistic, diverse, and supportive community culture. Rather than operating from a top-down approach, the organization builds meaningful relationships with allies, responds directly to expressed community needs, and creates spaces where all people feel celebrated and valued. Through programs like Youth PRIDE, educational scholarships, and the beloved annual Pride Festival, HRA demonstrates that civil rights work is ultimately about honoring people, preserving history, and building the inclusive future that Santa Fe's unique community deserves.