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Santa Fe County proclaims mourning for Juniper Blessing, affirms protections for LGBTQIA2S+ residents
Summary
The Board adopted a proclamation honoring Juniper Blessing and reaffirming county commitment to dignity and safety for LGBTQIA2S+ people. Commissioners and community advocates called for services and a feasibility study for a pride center; the proclamation will be sent to the family and local organizations.
Santa Fe County commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation May 26 honoring the memory of Juniper Blessing, a 19‑year‑old transgender student killed in Seattle on May 10, and affirming the county’s commitment to the dignity, safety and civil rights of LGBTQIA2S+ residents.
Commissioner Lisa Kakari Stone introduced the proclamation and recognized community leaders and advocates, including Kevin Bowen of the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance and licensed clinical social worker Chanel Delgado, who described grief support and the need for safe, trauma‑informed services for queer youth. Commissioners from across the board voiced solidarity and urged stronger local supports.
The proclamation notes Juniper’s ties to Santa Fe (New Mexico School for the Arts graduate, worked at Santa Fe Opera) and calls for county collaboration with community partners, law enforcement and state agencies to strengthen hate‑crime prevention, culturally competent services (health, housing and youth programming) and an invitation for the county to explore a feasibility study for a pride center.
The board directed staff to transmit the proclamation to Juniper’s family, the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance and local community organizations. Commissioners also arranged to have the proclamation framed and delivered to the family at a time that respects their wishes for privacy and safety.
Speakers: Commissioner Lisa Kakari Stone; Kevin Bowen; Chanel Delgado; Commissioners Camila Bamante, Justin Green, Adam Johnson, Hank Hughes.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the act was both symbolic and practical — a signal of county support and a prompt to consider resources and programs to reduce isolation, provide trauma‑informed services, and prevent violence against vulnerable community members.
