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Amid concerns about the breakdown in protections for LGBTQ folks, a New Mexico advocacy group says resilience is needed to ensure their safety and freedom.

The state has been a leader in protecting and celebrating LGBTQ rights and inclusivity, dating back to 2003, said Layla Garcia, communications associate with Equality New Mexico. That's when the legislature passed a law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in such areas as employment, housing, and public accommodations.

She noted that those protections have been consistently strengthened over time, but said vigilance is needed now more than ever.

"With all of the attacks that we're seeing on queer and trans folks from hostile governments," said Garcia, "it's really important that we mobilize and keep people informed on things that are going to be impacting them."

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that a Tennessee law prohibiting some medical treatments for transgender youths does not violate the U.S. Constitution -- ultimately shielding 20 other states with similar laws.

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Because of its current laws, trans New Mexican youth and their parents don't need to worry about the recent ruling affecting their access to gender-affirming care.

At the same time, Garcia said these types of rulings can lead to difficulties in receiving medical care and encourage discrimination.

"We're already seeing the attempts at trans sports bans, and cuts to HIV and AIDS treatment and funding for those resources," said Garcia. "So, when things like this happen, even though we are protected, it just emboldens people, even here, to continue their attacks."

Equality New Mexico issued a statement following the high court's ruling in the U.S. vs Skrmetti case, noting that all major medical associations support gender-affirming care as evidence-based and a life-saving medical treatment.

The advocacy group has launched a campaign around data privacy and its impact on vulnerable communities.