Thankful...!
C. Scott Miller [CA] & Emilly Osterling [NC]
cochair@nea-lgbtqc.org
Celebrating Diversity: NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus Updates
As we move into the fall semester, we want to take a moment to celebrate the vibrant diversity within our community and share some exciting updates from the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus.
Building Inclusive Spaces
This year, our focus continues to be on creating safe and inclusive environments for all students and educators. We believe that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves a welcoming space to learn and grow. Our I’m HERE Safe Place/Safe Person badges have equipped educators with the tools they need to support LGBTQ+ students, ensuring they feel seen and valued in the classroom.
Advocacy in Action
We are proud to report that our advocacy efforts are gaining momentum. With the help of our
members, we’ve been actively pushing for policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights in education. This includes working with the NEA to lobby for anti-discrimination policy assistance and the local and state levels. Your voices are making a difference!
Upcoming Events
Join us for our upcoming LGBTQ+ Social Justice & Leadership Conference on April 11-13, 2025, in Las Vegas. This event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities designed to empower LGBTQ+ educators and allies. It’s a great chance to connect, share experiences, and collaborate on initiatives that promote equality in our schools.
Resources for Educators
Don’t forget to check out our resource hub on the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus website, where you can find lesson plans, articles, and guides on how to address LGBTQ+ issues in your classroom. We encourage you to share these resources with your colleagues to foster a culture of understanding and respect. We even have LGBTQ+ themed book lists.
Get Involved
We invite all members to get involved! Whether you’re looking to join a committee, participate in local advocacy, or share your story, there are numerous ways to contribute. Together, we can amplify our voices and drive meaningful change in education.
Thank you for your continued commitment to making our schools a safe haven for all students and educators. Let’s keep pushing for a future where diversity is celebrated and every individual can thrive.
In Pride,
Scott & Emilly
Co-Chairs, NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus
From the Desk of the Secretary
Sonia Martin-Solis [CA]
secretary@nea-lgbtqc.org
Happy Fall to all our caucus members.
We have just finished celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month and I hope we all found a way to incorporate some amazing facts, stories, and celebrations with our students, families, and colleagues.
Though we don’t have the same freedom to celebrate in all states across the country, we can always make sure that we are a Safe Person and that we hold Safe Spaces for everyone to come to, when they want and need to.
Thank you to all of our members who showed out for this 2024 Election Season. We had many opportunities to participate in the election process this year and we thank everyone who helped with GOTV, canvasing, phone banking, and simply being present at the many events that were held across the country. We attempt to keep our members engaged and participating in any way you feel safe to do so.
This year’s elections will make a great impact directly and indirectly for all of us.
I want to take a moment to remind everyone to reach out to other NEA Members and remind them that they can also join us as members of the caucus (if they choose to join) or at our various events throughout the year.
We have had the opportunity to bring our members together for our Rainbow Series, Quarterly Meeting of the membership, Summer Book Clubs, and many other things. People who wish to be part of these educational opportunities are always welcome to join us, but they will be able to receive the information directly if they are members of the NEA-LGBTQ+ Caucus.
We want to bring to our members and those who support the work of the caucus as much information as they may need to support the work they are doing in their work sites and in their advocacy everywhere.
Stay in touch and remember to check the various resources/informational pieces we have on our website at
https://nea-lgbtqc.org. Stay safe and stay active.
In Unity & Pride,
Sonia
Secretary, NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus
Outreach Director
Sarah “Mili” Milianta-Laffin [HI]
outreach@nea-lgbtqc.org
Navigating Election Season with Hope and Community
Aloha Educators,
As I sit down to write this, I realize that I’m not my usual self. Like you, I’m pickling in election anxiety. As we find ourselves in the midst of election season, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions. Election anxiety is real, and it can be challenging to balance our professional responsibilities with the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies this time of year. However, it’s important to remember that amidst the anxiety, there are many uplifting events on the horizon that can help us stay connected, hopeful, and inspired.
Staying Grounded and Connected
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While the election season can bring uncertainty, it’s important to remember that we have a strong, resilient community. Here are a few tips to help manage anxiety and stay connected:
- Stay Informed, Not Overwhelmed: It’s important to stay informed about election developments, but try to limit your news consumption to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Designate specific times to check the news and focus on reliable sources.
- Practice Self-Care: Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge. Whether it’s reading, exercising, meditating, or spending time with loved ones, self-care is essential for maintaining your well-being.
- Reach Out for Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professional support networks if you’re feeling anxious. Talking about your feelings can help alleviate stress and provide a sense of solidarity.
Your presence and dedication create safe spaces where students of all backgrounds can learn, grow, and feel seen. Here’s some uplifting news and ideas to carry you through the month ahead:
- Transgender Awareness Week (Nov. 13-19): This week is an opportunity to highlight trans voices and share resources with students to promote understanding and allyship. Consider featuring books or lessons about trans history and achievements to foster empathy in your classroom. Here’s are some reading lists:
- Gratitude in Action: Thanksgiving Reflections: Use this season of gratitude to reflect on the difference you’re making. Create an inclusive gratitude wall where students can write what they’re thankful for. It’s a simple way to bring joy and recognize the diverse experiences of your classroom community.
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- Honoring Kindness: World Kindness Day (Nov. 13): Encourage acts of kindness both in and outside the classroom. Lead by example, and inspire students to uplift one another through small gestures, creating a more compassionate environment for everyone.
As LGBTQIA+ educators, we play a vital role in shaping inclusive and supportive learning environments. While the election season may bring challenges, it also offers an opportunity to come together, support one another, and focus on the positive events and initiatives that lie ahead.
Your visibility matters. Your work matters. And you are making a difference every single day.
Sending Love,
Mili
Outreach Director, NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus
ZONE 1
Tony Martinet [VA] & Kirsten Frazier [MA]
zone1@nea-lgbtqc.org
Hello Zone 1 Members:
Regardless of the election outcome - we know that our efforts to advocate for our profession and our students is an ongoing process. Across the zone our members are coming together to fight for the schools our students deserve:
- In Massachusetts, the educators are all in for Yes on 2, which would eliminate standardized testing as a graduation requirement. Massachusetts educators are also working to guarantee academic freedom and to ensure safe and healthy schools for all, including explicit protections for LGBTQIA+ students and staff.
- Maine educators are promoting bills to further improve gun safety, as well as lobbying the legislature to increase educator salaries and protect educators from tax increases.
- Maryland ESP members are organizing around the ESP Bill of Rights. Too often, ESP members are required to work two jobs to earn a living wage while also having to fight off privatization efforts and enduring disrespectful working situations. Through their organizing efforts, ESPs are building the power and coalitions to increase respect and compensation for their members.
- Vermont educators are fighting for more school funding (as are educators all across the country) and for better compensation for all educators.
- New Hampshire educators are working to support transgender female athletes in the face of legislation that recently went into effect that prohibits transgender girls from participating in girls sports at the middle and high school level, as well as legislation that inhibits equitable health education.
- In Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York, members are working to protect educators and students through improved health and safety conditions, new laws around social media and gun storage, and more equitable evaluation processes. Academic freedom and the right of students to read age-appropriate books are also hot-button issues across the region.
- Pennsylvania educators have been working hard to encourage the next generation of educators through “grow your own” programs that encourage support staff to return to school and get teaching credentials, student teacher stipends, and increased scholarship programs for aspiring educators.
- Delaware educators are tracking a number of bills around school funding, transportation, student health concerns, and literacy.
- New Jersey educators are urging the governor to sign a bill that will supports students’ freedom to read and protect librarians from book challenges, as well as advocating for bills that will protect and fortify educator pensions and provide safe and healthy schools.
- Virginia educators are working to lobby their state legislature again for more support of their efforts in pursuing National Board Certification. They know that through our continued professional growth, we can provide the best support for our students. However, we should not be burdened with excessive costs when educators are already inadequately paid.
- In DC, Federal and Dept. of Defense educators now have full licensing reciprocity and are working to protect salaries and accommodations for members.
We encourage all Zone 1 members to continue to reach out and lean on your association family. The caucus is here to help and support. We also encourage you to think about running in your state or local elections to be an NEA RA delegate. Check your state association website for the nomination and election procedures. We hope to see you in Portland!
ZONE 2
Darell Crawford-Parker [TN] & Kristel Behrend [NC]
zone2@nea-lgbtqc.org
Election Self-Care
The stress of election season is real. One can feel their anxiety like a shot of caffeine that will not quite subside. Regardless of the outcome, we all need to invest in some self-care, mental preparation, and a good therapist.
Some things to consider over the next few days and weeks:
- Mute the TV to silence ads or news.
- Listen to downloaded music or a book when you are out and about to avoid ads.
- Give yourself time away from social media - ditch the doom scrolling and maybe unfollow a few toxic “friends.”
- Take a break from mainstream media to rewatch some favorite movies or shows.
- Avoid political conversations with friends and family who may not be like-minded.
- Get physical and get some sunshine - take a walk, hike, or visit a museum.
- Make some post-election plans that will keep you motivated to keep on keeping on.
- Find a community where you can process the results safely.
- Reach out to a mental health provider, if needed.
- Get good sleep and some snuggles with your furry friends.
This post election toolkit from the LGBTQ+ Center at Wake Forest University was created 4 years ago for the 2020 election. Many of the strategies for processing emotions, making preparations, and seeking community still apply in 2024. Ask yourself the Eight Questions that Can Help You Survive Election Stress, and create an Empowerment Plan to process the results.
You’ve done your part by voting and making your voice count. Maybe you even made some phone calls or knocked on doors. Perhaps you passed out information at a voting site or donated money to a candidate or PAC. This season can feel like a rat race of just one more rally, door, or call. It’s exciting and exhausting. Assess your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual state, and give yourself what you need.
NEA Mental Health Program
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
https://myusf.usfca.edu/caps/self-help-resources/socio-political-stress
ZONE 3
Frank Burger [MI] & Stacy Schmidt [IA]
zone3@nea-lgbtqc.org
Greetings from Zone 3 and your co-directors, Frank and Stacy. Hopefully we are all celebrating wins in this election cycle that will benefit public education and the LGBTQ+ community. However, at the time we’re writing this, the election is extremely close and completely unpredictable. And if past elections are anything to go by, we may not even be certain who the Presidential winner is at the time this newsletter comes out.
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That being said, we wanted to focus on ways to support our LGBTQ+ students during this potentially uncertain and stressful time. Regardless of election results, supporting GLSEN and their Solidarity Week is one way to do this. This year, Solidarity Week runs from November 6-13. GLSEN’s website has many ideas and suggestions for how educators and students can step up and show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Even a relatively simple idea such as having a Rainbow Day for your school to dress up in rainbow colors or Pride gear to show solidarity is a great way to spread awareness. Having a signup table during student lunches for people to sign a pledge against bullying and harassment is another great step in making a school more welcoming and supportive for all students. If your school has announcements that are broadcast over the intercom or building TVs, put anti-bullying messages or LGBTQ+ facts in there. Obviously these are just a few options that could be a fairly easy lift for you or your GSA to promote solidarity in your schools.
It’s also important that we remember to support our LGBTQ+ educators! If your building or district has affinity groups, scheduling a time to meet and just debrief or decompress after the election cycle could be a valuable support - particularly to those educators who may not be out in the workplace. Even if you don’t have “official” affinity groups, we know that members of our community often gravitate toward each other (as cliche as it sounds, “gaydar” is real) and allies are important sources of support too. Reach out to your colleagues and friends and meet for a cup of coffee or another beverage to check in on each other. Sometimes a simple text message asking someone how they are can go a long way toward making people feel seen, heard, and supported.
And don’t forget this caucus, your state level caucuses, and SOGI committees! These groups are ready to help provide resources and support members.
In Solidarity,
Frank & Stacy
ZONE 4
Joe Bento [WA] & Elise Sotello [CA]
zone4@nea-lgbtqc.org
Let me start with this disclaimer. I am an English teacher and not a statistician! But I was curious to see the breakdown state-by-state of Zone 4 Caucus members and made this bar chart. Judging by the number of delegates at the NEA Representative Assembly and each state’s reciprocal state/NEA joint membership, I was not surprised to see a majority of Zone 4 members are in California (56%) and Washington (28%).
And although the numbers were much lower, I was heartened to see that all 12 Zone 4 states are represented, because that hasn’t always been the case.
As always, my co-director Joe and I would love to see more members from Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming, so make sure you encourage your friends to join.
I hope you will be attending our conference in April in Las Vegas and our events this summer in Portland, Oregon, during the NEA RA week. Whether at the conference in April or at NEA RA in July, please introduce yourself to either Joe or me. We’d love to meet you face-to-face! Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
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Hey everyone! I hope you’re having a great school year, so far! I’m Joe Bento, a teacher and IB Career Program Coordinator from Kent, Washington. Additionally, I proudly serve as the
co-director of the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus for Zone 4, alongside my amazing colleague Elise from California.
Not only do I serve on the steering committee of the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus, but I am also the Co-Chair of the WEA LGBTQ+ Caucus (www.wea-lgbtq.org).
LGBTQ+ Curriculum
In Washington, we recently passed a State Law that requires teaching the “histories, contributions, and perspectives of historically marginalized groups” including LGBTQ+ People. Districts in Washington have until Oct 1, 2025 to update their policies to reflect the new state standards.
Washington is the 7th State to enact such a law.
The WEA LGBTQ+ Caucus will work on putting together a clearinghouse and developing lessons on LGBTQ+ Curricula for several different subject areas. We will even develop some curriculum specifically for Washington State LGBTQ+ History.
We know that California uses https://lgbtqhistory.org/. What do other states and districts use to teach LGBTQ+ lessons to students? We would love to know, so we can continue putting resources together.
LGBTQ+ Caucus Memberships at state RA?
Are you allowed to sell memberships to our Caucus at your State RA? If you are interested in doing so, please reach out, and we’ll let you know how you can help! Elise and I are happy to travel to your State’s RAs (in Zone 4)!
LGBTQ+ Statewide Conference?
Does your State hold an annual LGBTQ+ Conference for Educators? If so, what does it look like? Does your State or Local Association host it? Or does another community partner put on the Conference? Let us know! We are curious about what the different States do when it comes to a statewide LGBTQ+ Educator Conference.
Feel free to reach out to me via email if you have any questions, comments, or concerns—I am here to support you. As the Zone 4 co-director, I’m also interested in connecting with State LGBTQ+ Caucus leaders. Let’s discuss what’s happening in each of our states within Zone 4.
Our goal is to expand our caucus’s membership in our zone, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch and let me know how I can assist in growing your state’s membership.