By Andy Martinez
Photography by: Andy Martinez
Interview Coordinator: Ray Dominguez-Delgado
In the heart of El Paso, a city known for its rich cultural tapestry and resilience, a remarkable community stands firm in its advocacy for LGBTQ rights. Despite the challenges posed by shifting social landscapes, local leaders such as Diamond Briseño, Judge Lyda Ness Garcia, and Jesus Marquez are beacons of hope, tirelessly working to foster a more inclusive environment for all. Their stories reflect a profound commitment to uplifting the LGBTQ community, ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.
Diamond Briseño: A Voice of Authenticity
Diamond Briseño, a local trans-rights advocate and renowned nightlife entertainer, has spent years carving out a space for herself and others within the LGBTQ community. Reflecting on her journey of self-discovery, she recalls the isolation of her early years. It wasn’t easy because I had to figure everything out by myself. There was no Google. There was no YouTube. There was really no outreach at the time,” she explains. This lack of support forced many, including Diamond, to navigate their identities in silence, often feeling alone in a world that didn’t understand them.
Growing up in a time when LGBTQ representation was sparse, Diamond acknowledges the challenges faced by those who dared to be authentic. “You didn’t even see gay people on TV, and if you did, it was like a joke. It was comedy. It wasn’t serious. If it was serious, it’s because somebody died. You just kind of have to keep quiet and wait for times to change.” Such statements reveal the societal pressures that stifled voices like hers and the urgent need for advocates who can bring about change.
As a prominent drag entertainer, Diamond has not only embraced her identity but has also used her platform to advocate for others. Her performances celebrate her culture and identity, allowing her to connect with audiences on a personal level. “My mom was in complete denial of everything,” she shares, recalling a pivotal moment when her mother discovered her performances as a Selena Quintanilla illusionist. “She said, ‘I didn’t know she was in town,’ and I said, ‘No, that’s not her, it’s me.’” This moment encapsulates the struggle for acceptance that many LGBTQ individuals face within their families, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation in a world that often marginalizes transgender voices.
Diamond’s commitment to advocacy extends beyond her performances. She has engaged with students at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and local Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), sharing her story to inspire and empower the next generation. “I did go to school when I was transitioning, but because I felt so uncomfortable, I felt so self-conscious, so I stopped going to school. There was a point where I became homeless for a time. I had nowhere to go.” Her experiences resonate with students grappling with their identities, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
In her advocacy work, Diamond emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance. “Listen to yourself,” she advises those questioning their identities. “When people say, ‘How did you know?’ I ask them, ‘When did you know you were right-handed? You didn’t; you just were.’” This analogy serves as a powerful reminder that understanding one’s identity is an inherent part of being human, not something that requires external validation.
Diamond has also shared her experiences in speaking engagements at various organizations and schools, aiming to empower young people to embrace their true selves. “Talk to someone who has gone through it; people don’t want to talk anymore, they just want to look it up for themselves. Anybody can type anything. You can get things out of context.” Her message encourages open dialogue and understanding, fostering a community where individuals feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment.
Judge Lyda Ness Garcia: A Champion for Justice
In the legal realm, Judge Lyda Ness Garcia, judge of 383rd judicial district court, has been a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights, ensuring that the courts serve as a safe haven for those seeking justice. “I represented Diamond on her name change process,” she notes, emphasizing her hands-on approach to supporting individuals through legal challenges. Judge Garcia recalls the resistance some courthouse staff displayed when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that states cannot ban same-sex marriage. “There had been a concern with some folks in the courthouse who were refusing to marry members of the LGBTQIA community, and there were folks who were not granting the gender changes when we still had the ability to do it. Our presiding judge made it very clear: you either do all marriages or you do none,” she asserts, highlighting her commitment to equality.
Understanding the fears many individuals face when approaching the courts, Judge Garcia has made it her mission to educate the community about their rights. “I want people to know what their rights are,” she states. “It was never particularly a political issue; it just always seemed like the right thing to do.” This commitment to justice is reflected in her actions, as she strives to create an environment where everyone feels represented and respected.
Judge Garcia is also keenly aware of the importance of small gestures in fostering inclusivity. “There are little shifts that those of us as allies can make,” she explains. “People ask why I have my pronouns on my email, I have them on my Zoom ID, in court, I have my pronouns on my court email. I say because for the person that matters to, that’s one small gesture and one small message that this is a safe place.” These actions create a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging individuals to feel comfortable and validated in their identities.
Judge Garcia is acutely aware of the regressive policies threatening LGBTQ rights across the country, such as the amendment of Canon 4 of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, which allows judges to refuse performing same-sex weddings due to sincerely held religious beliefs. “What is amazing to me is that it’s so out of touch with the direction youth is going in,” she reflects. She believes that meaningful conversations can change perceptions and foster understanding, urging people to connect with one another rather than resorting to hate. “I feel incredibly blessed to be living in El Paso. We still live in a bubble where — as a general rule — empathy and compassionate thoughts are the norm.”
Throughout her career, Judge Garcia has also emphasized the importance of community support for LGBTQ individuals navigating the legal system. “I urge them to reach out to members of the family bar association and QSA bar; there are so many advocates in there who will take these cases on pro bono,” she advises. “It’s important to know that there are people on the bench who care about the community.” Her dedication to ensuring that individuals receive the representation they need underscores her commitment to justice and equality.
Jesus Marquez: Educator and Advocate
In the education sector, Jesus Marquez, Math interventionist at Canyon Hills Middle School, has been a trailblazer in creating safe spaces for LGBTQ youth at several high schools in El Paso, including Chapin, Transmountain, and Irvin High School. As the first teacher in Texas to have his students participate in a pride parade with parental permission, Marquez has consistently prioritized the well-being of his students. “The true reason we started the GSAs was because of the high suicide rate, especially for young LGBTQ students,” he shares. The heartbreaking loss of students to suicide has fueled his passion for advocacy, pushing him to create a more supportive environment. “I constantly put my job and reputation on the line, but it was for the kids; nobody was ever excluded from the GSAs.” This dedication to inclusivity highlights the importance of creating supportive environments where all students can thrive, regardless of their identities.
After facing challenges from policies like Texas Senate Bill 12, which restricts schools from sponsoring student clubs based on sexual orientation or gender identity, Marquez expresses concern for students. That’s my biggest worry. I feel like my hands are tied and I can’t help the students in the way that I’m used to,” he admits. His determination to protect students is evident in his decision to pause the GSA, prioritizing their safety over visibility. “I haven’t done the GSA for a year. But not because I don’t want to do it; it’s more to protect the kids because if they know we have a GSA and there’s a trans kid, now we have to do things that will make it unsafe for them. I don’t want to out the kids.”
Marquez believes that investing in youth is crucial for fostering change. “If we want to make change, we need to make sure they see a future they can look forward to,” he states, underscoring the importance of hope and encouragement in the lives of young people. “We have to stay active and have a network of support to make sure that they are okay and having a positive impact on the community.”
A Bright Future Ahead
The stories of Diamond Briseño, Judge Lyda Ness Garcia, and Jesus Marquez exemplify the strength and resilience of the El Paso community in advocating for LGBTQ rights. Their unwavering commitment to fostering acceptance and understanding serves as a guiding light in uncertain times. As they continue to lead by example, they inspire others to join the fight for equality, ensuring that every individual—regardless of their identity—can thrive in a supportive and loving environment.
In a world that often feels divided, these advocates remind us of the power of community and the importance of standing up for what is right. Their voices echo a hopeful message: that together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
