The Boston-based GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) last week announced Ricardo Martinez (he/him), current Chief Executive Officer of Equality Texas, as the organization’s incoming Executive Director beginning September 4, 2024.
As CEO of Texas’ largest nonpartisan statewide LGTBQ+ political advocacy organization since 2019, Martinez has been on the front lines in one of the key battleground states in the current national wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation. Under his leadership, Equality Texas led advocacy efforts to defeat 96% of 140+ anti-LGBTQ+ bills filed during the 2023 state legislative session and 99% of 76 anti-LGBTQ+ bills filed in 2021.
“Following a robust nationwide search in partnership with Koya Partners, GLAD’s Board of Directors is proud to announce Ricardo Martinez as the organization’s next Executive Director,” said GLAD Board President Shane Dunn. “Ricardo’s accomplishments at Equality Texas in a tumultuous political environment showcase his leadership strengths and vision. He has demonstrated a commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities along with a willingness to be in the trenches organizing at the grassroots and grasstops levels.
“GLAD is doubling down on our commitment to challenging emerging anti-LGBTQ+ laws across the country, defending and expanding upon the rights and progress we’ve achieved over the past half-century, and advocating for positive policy and legislative change. We could not be more excited to have Ricardo join GLAD at this moment, to bring his vision and battle-tested experiences in the heat of some of the fiercest fights for LGBTQ equality we’ve seen to date. GLAD shares our highest admiration and appreciation for the entire team at Equality Texas and their critical ongoing work in our collaborative justice movement,” Dunn added. “Ricardo will be a transformational leader during a pivotal time of organizational growth at GLAD and at a critical moment for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and families across our nation. I also want to thank Richard Burns, GLAD’s Interim Executive Director since October and a long- time movement leader, for his leadership and support as we prepare for this next phase.”
“It has been an honor to lead Equality Texas’ outstanding, dedicated team over the past 5 years to foster deep connections with our Texas community and fight back against hundreds of hostile anti-LGBTQ+ bills. That experience has also given me a profound understanding of the impact of the law on LGBTQ+ people and our families, and a deep recognition that legislative advocacy and litigation must work hand in hand to achieve justice and protect our rights,” said Ricardo Martinez.
“While it is difficult to leave the people and work I love in Texas, I am energized to be joining an organization that has been at the forefront of advancing and defending the civil rights of LGBTQ people and people with HIV for nearly half a century. GLAD’s strategic legal advocacy has made positive impacts for LGBTQ+ people across the country for decades, myself included, and I am proud to have the opportunity to lead and support the work of such an inspirational team in this moment when the defense of LGBTQ+ civil rights in the courts is more critical than ever.”
— from a GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) press release (read the complete press release here)
More: glad.org
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