Back to School 2026: Standing with LGBTQ+ Students
A message from the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus Co-Chairs
Stacy Schmidt [IA] & C. Scott Miller [CA]
cochair@nea-lgbtqc.org
As educators, education support professionals, students, and families prepare for the 2026–27 school year, LGBTQ+ students are returning to classrooms amid a rapidly changing political and legal landscape.
Across the country, debates over LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools have intensified. State legislatures, school boards, courts, and federal agencies are making decisions that affect students' ability to learn in environments where they are respected, supported, and safe.
For the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus, this moment reinforces a longstanding commitment: every student deserves an inclusive public education and every education professional deserves a workplace where they can support students without discrimination or fear.
A Patchwork of Policies
The experience of an LGBTQ+ student can vary dramatically depending on where they live and attend school.
Some states continue to strengthen protections against discrimination and harassment and support LGBTQ+-inclusive education. Others have enacted restrictions on LGBTQ+ content in classrooms, policies affecting transgender students, and school practices involving student identity.
According to the Movement Advancement Project, 19 states have LGBTQ+-specific curricular restrictions, while only seven explicitly require LGBTQ+-inclusive material in state curricular standards.
For educators, this patchwork creates difficult questions about how to support students while navigating conflicting state, district, and federal requirements.
Transgender Students Need Our Support
Transgender and nonbinary students remain at the center of many of these policy battles.
School athletics, bathrooms and locker rooms, names and pronouns, curriculum, and student privacy continue to be contested issues.
In June 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld state laws restricting transgender girls' participation in girls' school sports. Although the ruling addressed athletics, other questions concerning transgender students' rights and treatment in schools remain unsettled.
Whatever the legal landscape, educators have an important role to play in ensuring that transgender and nonbinary students are treated with dignity and compassion.
Students should not have to defend their right to belong in their own schools.
Privacy, Families, and Student Safety
The debate over parental rights and student privacy has also become increasingly important.
Federal officials have challenged some school policies concerning when parents must be informed about a student's gender identity, while LGBTQ+ advocates and educators have raised concerns about the potential consequences for students who are not safe or ready to come out at home.
These conversations require care and nuance. Families matter, and so do students' safety, privacy, and well-being.
Educators are often among the trusted adults students turn to when they need support. Maintaining safe, respectful relationships with students is essential, particularly for young people who may already feel vulnerable or isolated.
Representation Matters
LGBTQ+ inclusion in curriculum and school libraries is another area of growing political conflict.
When LGBTQ+ history, literature, families, and experiences disappear from the classroom, students lose opportunities to see the diversity of their communities reflected in their education.
Inclusive education is not about giving LGBTQ+ students special treatment. It is about ensuring that students can learn in an environment that recognizes the people, families, and histories that make up our public schools.
Educators Are Part of the Solution
Educators and education support professionals can make a meaningful difference, even when the broader political environment feels uncertain.
This school year, we encourage members and allies to:
- Know your rights and responsibilities. Understand the laws, collective bargaining agreements, district policies, and professional protections that apply in your workplace.
- Know your students. Listen to young people and take their concerns seriously.
- Create affirming classrooms. Use respectful language, challenge bullying and harassment, and make classroom materials welcoming to all students.
- Stay informed. Follow developments in your state, district, and school board rather than relying solely on national headlines.
- Build solidarity. Connect with LGBTQ+ caucuses, employee organizations, student groups, families, and community organizations.
- Participate in local democracy. School board meetings, public hearings, elections, and community conversations are important venues for advocacy.
- Support one another. Educators also need safe and affirming workplaces where they can advocate for students and be their authentic selves.
Our Work Continues
The political climate may change from year to year, but our responsibility to students remains.
The NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus stands for public schools where every student can learn without fear, every educator can teach without discrimination, and LGBTQ+ people are recognized as full and valued members of our school communities.
As we begin another school year, let us remember that advocacy is not only about responding to legislation or court decisions. It is also about what we do every day, in our classrooms, libraries, offices, unions, school board meetings, and communities.
We can create schools where LGBTQ+ students do more than make it through the school year. We can help create schools where they belong, participate, lead, and thrive.
This School Year, We Stand Together...
- For LGBTQ+ students.
- For LGBTQ+ educators
- For inclusive public education
- For every school community
Welcome to the new school year!
By now, most of us have started the school year and some may even be past the honeymoon stage with new students. But regardless of where you are in your school calendar, Fall is a time of year when there is excitement about our schools and students. It certainly is for me, for multiple reasons, not the least of which, embarking on my journey as the new female/non-binary co-chair for this Caucus.
For those who may not know me, I’m Stacy Schmidt (she/they), a high school social studies teacher and GSA advisor in Des Moines, Iowa. For the past 6 years I’ve had the pleasure of serving as the Zone 3 female/non-binary co-director for the Caucus. I’ve been a proud union member for all of my 23 years in education and have been increasingly active with my local, the Des Moines Education Association, as the high school exec board representative and government & community relations committee chair.
I’m very excited to continue the excellent work of our Caucus, including our upcoming Social Justice and Leadership Conference and the always fabulous events at the RA, such as the Robert Birle Memorial Dinner and the Ichabod Crane Debating Society.
However, we also know that we are in the midst of challenging times for our community and public education. In many places across the country it is now more difficult to be an LGBTQ+ educator than most of us can remember in our lifetimes. Yet our presence in classrooms, cafeterias, offices, school buses, and every other space in education is that much more vital.
As an out and proud educator in a pretty red state (we’re hoping to turn Iowa purple again in November!) I've been on the front lines of fighting discriminatory legislation such as “bathroom bills” and attempts to pass book bans and “Don’t Say Gay/Trans” laws. I never planned to be the person who took personal leave days to go speak at legislative committee hearings or be a speaker at a large protest. But as more and more of us are having to do these things in order to stay true to ourselves and fight for our community, I want you to know that the Caucus is here for you.
One of my goals with the Caucus is to continue to help our members connect with each other as resources for the work we are doing. We know that when we see harmful legislation or actions in one state that it will soon show up in others. It’s time for us to stop trying to reinvent the resistance wheel each time, and build upon the work already happening in states that are successfully fighting this harm. Our Caucus is in a great position to do this, especially following the work that was done with our Convening in Philadelphia this spring with the NEA Campaign Lab.
I’m proud of the work our Caucus has done and committed to continuing the tradition of advocacy and excellence established by the previous co-chair, Emilly Osterling. I’m excited to be working with a great counterpart, C. Scott Miller, as my co-chair and a dedicated officer team and steering committee. Thank you to the entire Caucus for entrusting me with this work!
To Emilly Osterling, Co-Chair, Sonia Martin-Solis, Secretary, and Kirsten Frazier, Zone 1 Co-Director…
Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and invaluable skills during your tenure with the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus. Your commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ equity, inclusion, and advocacy has made a meaningful difference to both members and students, and your contributions will be remembered and appreciated.
We are grateful for the time, energy, and expertise you shared with the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus. Thank you for all you have done and for the lasting impact of your service.
In Pride,
Stacy & Scott, Caucus Co-Chairs
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: A Back-to-School Guide for LGBTQ+ Students, Educators, and Allies
Know the protections that apply to you. Know your local policies. Know where to seek help.
The legal landscape for LGBTQ+ people in education is changing rapidly. Rights and protections can differ depending on federal law, state law, collective bargaining agreements, district policies, and individual school rules.
For Students
Students may have protections relating to:
- Discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity, depending on applicable federal and state law.
- Equal access to educational programs, extracurricular activities, and school resources.
- Participation in student organizations, including LGBTQ+ student clubs and GSAs, subject to applicable law and school policies.
- Protection from bullying and harassment under applicable school and state policies.
- Privacy and access to educational records, including protections provided by federal and state student-record laws.
For Educators and Education Support Professionals
Educators and staff should become familiar with:
- Your district's nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policies.
- Your collective bargaining agreement and applicable union
- protections.
- State and local laws concerning LGBTQ+ employees and
- students.
- District policies regarding names, pronouns, student records, curriculum, and parental notification.
- Procedures for documenting and reporting discrimination or harassment.
- Available employee assistance, union, legal, and community resources.
A Critical Reminder
Know your local rules before taking action.
Federal guidance and court decisions can change, and state and district policies may provide protections beyond federal requirements. If you believe your rights or a student's rights have been violated, consider documenting what happened and consulting your union, district policy resources, or a qualified legal organization.
The NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus encourages members to stay informed, support one another, and make sure LGBTQ+ students and colleagues know they are not alone.
This information is for general educational and advocacy purposes and is not legal advice. Laws and policies vary by jurisdiction and may change during the school year.
New Resource
From the Desk of the Treasurer
Michael Hill[CA]
treasurer@nea-lgbtqc.org
Happy start to a new school year, fellow caucus members!
I’m your caucus treasurer, Michael Hill, from Cathedral City, CA. I'm a high school visual arts teacher for Palm Springs Unified School District.
At the Representative Assembly, I reported that the caucus is in solid financial condition. I’m proud to report that we continue to be on solid ground. Right now, I’m in the thick of wrapping up our finances for the 2025-2026 year so I can report to the Caucus Steering Committee at our mid-year meeting.
During the Representative Assembly in Denver, we raised funds to support Black Pride Colorado’s trans youth program, YouthScene. In total, we collected $7,500 to support Dr. Tara Jae’s important work with trans youth. We are happy to help support such an impactful program.
Membership has remained strong, with 1,128 members renewing or joining since the NEA Leadership Summit in Chicago. I’m excited for the upcoming year as we leverage our financial strength to continue our very important work supporting our LGBTQ+ students and members, and as we plan and prepare for the LGBTQ+ Social Justice and Leadership Conference in Las Vegas.
In Solidarity & Pride,
Michael, Treasurer
From the Desk of the Secretary
Chris Cannella [NJ]
secretary@nea-lgbtqc.org
Greetings, NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus family!
I am honored and excited to introduce myself as your newly elected NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus Secretary. Thank you for trusting me. I look forward to working alongside Scott, Stacy, Michael, and the rest of the Steering Committee, as well as all of you, as we strengthen our Caucus and continue advocating for LGBTQ+ educators, students, and communities across the country.
I am a social studies teacher from Cedar Grove, New Jersey, and for more than 25 years, unionism and advocacy have been central to my professional life. I served 18 years as president of the Cedar Grove Education Association and currently serve as First Vice President of the Essex County Education Association. At NJEA, I have had the privilege of chairing the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee for the past five years. Nationally, I previously served on the NEA Board of Directors and as a Zone 1 Director of our Caucus.
Those titles, however, are not what matter most to me. What matters are the relationships we build, the members we empower to find their voices, and the opportunities we create for others to lead.
As Secretary, I want to help build a Caucus where every member feels welcomed, valued, connected, and empowered. I believe strongly in leadership development, open communication, collaboration, and creating opportunities for new voices to emerge. At a time when LGBTQ+ people, our students, public education, and organized labor continue to face significant challenges, our solidarity and collective power are more important than ever.
I am excited to listen, learn, build relationships, and get to work with all of you. As Caucus Secretary, one of my duties includes helping to put together this newsletter. I would love to hear what you need from us in this newsletter and how we can better serve you with this tool. The next time the Caucus Steering Committee meets, I would love to bring back some of your feedback and ideas. Please reach out to me at secretary@nea-lgbtqc.org.
Thank you again for this opportunity to serve. I am incredibly proud to begin this next chapter together.
In solidarity—and under rainbows,
Chris Cannella
Secretary, NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus
A Message from the Outreach Director
Darell Crawford-Parker [CO]
outreach@nea-lgbtqc.org
A New School Year, A Shared Commitment to Belonging, Justice, and Collective Power
As we begin a new school year, the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus proudly welcomes educators, education support professionals, advocates, and allies back to the important work we do for students, our colleagues, and our communities. A new school year brings new possibilities. It is a time to reconnect with one another, recommit to our values, and remind ourselves why our voices matter. Across classrooms, schools, districts, and communities, we have an opportunity to create learning environments where every student and educator feels seen, valued, respected, and safe to be who they are.
But our work does not happen in isolation.
The NEA's ethnic minority caucuses represent unique histories, experiences, cultures, and perspectives within our union and our profession. Each caucus provides an important space for members to organize, advocate, build leadership, and elevate issues that affect their communities. These spaces matter because our experiences are not one-dimensional.
The work of the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus intersects with the work of our Black, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, and other ethnic minority caucuses. Our members may belong to multiple communities, and the challenges they experience may be shaped by more than one aspect of their identity.
That is the power of intersectionality.
An LGBTQ+ educator may also be Black, Latino, Asian American, Indigenous, an immigrant, a person with a disability, a parent, a religious minority, or a member of another historically marginalized community. A student may navigate multiple identities at the same time. Those identities can influence how someone experiences school, the workplace, discrimination, access to opportunity, representation, and belonging. That means our advocacy must be willing to look beyond individual issues and recognize the whole person.
When we advocate for LGBTQ+ students and educators, we must also recognize the racial and cultural experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. When we advocate for racial justice, we must recognize that LGBTQ+ members of ethnic minority communities may experience those issues differently. When we advocate for safe and welcoming schools, we must ensure that our definition of safety and belonging includes all of our students and colleagues.
Our issues may be different, but they are deeply connected.
True solidarity means being willing to listen, learn, show up, and advocate for one another. It means recognizing that no single caucus has to carry the entire burden of creating change. It means celebrating the unique purpose of each caucus while also looking for opportunities to build coalitions around the issues we share. And it means understanding that when one community is under attack, our collective response matters.
We are stronger when we move together.
As NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus members, let us continue building bridges with our ethnic minority caucuses and other affinity groups. Let us create spaces where members can bring their full identities to the table. Let us challenge discrimination wherever we encounter it and make room for voices that have historically been left out of important conversations.
As you return to your schools this year, remember that the work we do is bigger than any one classroom, school, or caucus. We are working toward a profession where educators can bring their authentic selves to work without fear. We are working toward schools where students see themselves reflected, respected, and represented. And we are working toward a union that recognizes that equity, inclusion, and justice require all of us.
To our NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus members: welcome back to another school year! May this school year bring you purpose, connection, courage, and community. May we continue to learn from one another, celebrate our differences, honor our intersections, and find strength in the things that unite us.
Different identities. Shared struggles. Collective power.
In solidarity,
Darell, Outreach Director
ZONE 1
Jariza E. Rodriguez [MA] & Tony Martinet [MD]
zone1@nea-lgbtqc.org
Welcome to a New Year in Zone 1!
Hello Zone 1 Caucus Members,
We hope your 2026-2027 School year has started well. This year, your co-directors are excited and ready to engage with all of you. We want to hear from you and provide multiple opportunities to engage with one another. Through collaborative support, we can make this year a good one for all our members and students.
Below is information about new engagement opportunities and important details about upcoming events.
Zone Leadership Opportunities
BIPOC Group Recruitment Announcement
We are committed to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment, and we invite Zone 1 members to join our pilot BIPOC group.
This group will foster a culture in which caucus members feel empowered to use their voices, be their authentic selves, raise concerns, and share bold ideas. It will provide a safer space to listen to perspectives that have historically been underrepresented and help shape initiatives informed by those experiences. Together, we can redefine inclusion and belonging across our zone and caucus.
Progress toward racial equity has no finish line. We need your voice to create meaningful change. If you would like to join the BIPOC group or would like some additional information, email us at zone1@nea-lgbtqc.org
Zone 1 Advisory Group
To improve information sharing and collaboration, we are building a Zone 1 Advisory Group. The purpose is to create a collaborative group of caucus members representing each state in Zone 1 that provides insights and feedback to Zone Directors and informs the caucus's work.
Group members will be asked to meet at least once a quarter with the Co-directors and communicate regularly with co-directors to share their thoughts and insights about the progress of the caucus. If you would like to join the Advisory group or would like some additional information, email us at zone1@nea-lgbtqc.org
Zone Connection Opportunities
- Meet and Greet #1
Join your Zone 1 co-directors for a meet and greet to kick off the new year! It’s a great opportunity to connect, learn what’s happening across our zone, and create an open, positive space to share ideas, questions, and concerns.
Tuesday, October 6, 6:30 pm EST:
Register Here - LINK - ZONE MEMBER SURVEY - Share some beginning thoughts with your Zone Directors.
Events:
- Special Legal Rainbow Series hosted by NEA Office of General Counsel
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 7:30pm - 8:30pm (EDT) - Massachusetts Teachers Association LGBTQ+ Conference
November 13, 4pm - 14, 5pm - LGBTQ+ Social Justice and Leadership Conference
Flamingo Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV
April 9 -11, 2027 - news/updates
LGBTQ+ Social Justice and Leadership Conference Request for Proposal Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026
Meet your Zone Directors
My name is Jariza E. Rodriguez, and I’m excited and honored to serve as your newly elected Female/Nonbinary Zone 1 Co-Director. As an administrative assistant and higher education support professional from Massachusetts, I’m thrilled to welcome you to a new year together.
One reason I ran for this position is that it gives me the opportunity to connect with members across the zone, listen to the issues and priorities affecting our states, and learn how our caucus can best support our members. I believe in collaborative, transparent, and two-way communication, and I will be guided by our members' voices in the work we do together.
This approach will support not only my growth as a leader, but also the growth, empowerment, and success of our members and our Zone. Together, we can create new initiatives, expand opportunities, strengthen our connections, and build a foundation for long-term success.
Your passion, dedication, and expertise are what make our Zone 1 community so strong. This year, I hope we embrace opportunities to connect, learn, innovate, and grow—while celebrating plenty of queer joy along the way.
Whether you’re returning to the caucus or joining us for the first time, your voice matters, your experiences matter, and you have a place here.
Together, let’s make this a meaningful, impactful, and memorable year for Zone 1!
My name is Tony Martinet; I am a high school English Teacher in Prince George’s County, MD. This will be my 6th year in Prince George’s, and my 19th year in K-12 education. Currently, I serve on the Maryland State Education Association Board of Directors.
My passion for union work is helping and supporting members as they advocate for education and students. I am excited for this year! I am looking forward to working with Jariza and all of you to grow your skills and power in creating the change our students and colleagues deserve.
This year, we hope to give you more opportunities as caucus members to use your voice within the caucus and in your locals and states. We are here to collaborate and support you in any way we can on your union journeys!
In solidarity,
Jariza & Tony, Zone 1 Co-Directors
ZONE 2
Kristel Behrend [NC] & Zach Fisher [KY]
zone2@nea-lgbtqc.org
Hey Y’all! My name is Zach Fisher (he/him). I am a special education teacher in Louisville, Kentucky. This is my 8th year in the classroom! I had a great summer doing the work of my local and national union. From the NEA RA in Denver, which was a blast, to the month of July being jam-packed with local union activities. I am looking forward to what this school year brings. I am also the co-chair of my local LGBTQ+ committee and caucus; my goal this year is to host 2-3 events this year. Any ideas? Aside from eating candy and sipping cider, I am also looking forward to our midterm elections this fall. Do YOU have a plan? Ask two friends AND two family members. Also, once again, please ask ALL LGBTQ+ NEA members to join our Caucus and share the GSA grant info to make the membership even more important. I am officially back for my fourth week of school for the 26-27 school year, I wish you all a great year back. Fiercely remember that our existence in education IS resistance. Be well.
Hello everyone! I’m Kristel Behrend (she/her), and I’m proud to be a senior administrator for secondary libraries in North Carolina’s largest school district—the 14th largest in the nation! My career path has taken me through eight years as a high school librarian, two years in an elementary library, and fifteen years teaching elementary music across Ohio and North Carolina.
My journey to becoming a four-year Zone Two Co-Director for the Caucus is rooted in advocacy. After winning the Jerry Newberry grant to establish LGBTQ+ book clubs and support for our student-led Gender Sexuality Alliance, I’ve remained deeply committed to promoting diverse library collections. I’m also thrilled to chair the Rainbow Pages committee, honoring the legacy of union icon Guy DeRosa. It’s not too late to order your book boxes for October delivery. The more we sell, the more we give away!
As November approaches, we are all gearing up for the mid-term elections. Now, more than ever, it is important for you to check your voter registration and make a voting plan. Spread that message far and wide. Commit to reminding at least ten friends and family to do the same. Help them create a voting plan. We have to show up at the polls for public education, for our community’s rights, and for democracy. Get out the vote!
Please check the “Call to Action” section below to share what’s happening in your state. We are in this together!
📢CALL TO ACTION
✅ Check your voter registration and make a voting plan to ensure you are ready for elections this fall. Make sure that 10 of your friends/family do the same.
📲 Call your senator NOW: 844-328-9232; Call your representative NOW: 844-329-6087 and tell them to support public education.
➡️ Download 5 Calls (scroll to the bottom for the app) - it’s so easy to call about issues you care about - they even give you a script.
ℹ️Share your state's issues and/or celebrations. 
Join us on Facebook
In solidarity,
Kristel & Zach, Zone 2 Co-Directors
ZONE 3
Rachel Hara [OH] & Frank Burger [MI]
zone3@nea-lgbtqc.org
Hello Zone 3 and welcome to the 2025-26 school year!!
Like every school year, this one will come with both challenges and celebrations. But your Zone 3 co-directors are here for all of it!
My name is Rachel Hara (she/her), and I am from Valley City, Ohio. I am entering my 26th year of teaching at Valley Forge High School near Cleveland, Ohio, where I teach English Learner Biology and Environmental Science, as well as Biotechnology / AP Biology. I am a dedicated educator and advocate, serving as the Ohio LGBTQ+ Caucus Chairperson and the Programs Committee Chair for my local union. Beginning my third year in the Leaders for Just Schools program, I am actively working against harmful LGBTQ+ legislation, Ohio’s House Bill 8. Outside the classroom, I coach girls' volleyball, girls' wrestling, and track and field.
My name is Frank Burger (he/him/his) and I’m from Grand Blanc, Michigan. This is the beginning of my 30th year of teaching at Carman-Ainsworth High School, in Flint Township, MI, where I serve as the High School Educator Support Coach working with all new and non-tenured educators at the high school. Prior to serving as an instructional coach, I was a Biology and Physical Science teacher. At the high school, my role includes serving as the Co-Advisor for the Carman-Ainsworth Prism, our Gender and Sexuality Alliance. I also recently finished up serving sixteen years as the President of the Carman-Ainsworth Education Association and have been a past MEA Executive Committee Member and Board Member and NEA Board Member. I’m also the co-chair of the Michigan Education Association LGBTQ+ Caucus.
We are proud to serve as the Co-Directors for Zone 3 of the Caucus. We are always here to help and assist you with any issues that may be arising in your states. If you haven’t already, please be sure to join our Zone Facebook page, where we share important information to keep members informed in our Zone.
We have planned three different Advocacy Check-Ins for our Zone. These will be hosted on Zoom and will be an opportunity for members of our Zone to meet others from our Zone and share how Advocacy is going within their state and to share and learn from others within the Zone. Email reminders and an agenda will be sent out about these gatherings with a link to sign up to attend. Here are the dates of the Advocacy Check-ins:
- November 5, 2026
- January 28, 2027
- April 29, 2027
Please mark your calendars to attend these gatherings.
If you have questions or need to reach us, please email us at: zone3@nea-lgbtqc.org.
In Solidarity and Pride,
Rachel & Frank, Zone 3 Co-Directors
ZONE 4
Elise Sotello [CA] & Joe Bento [WA]
zone4@nea-lgbtqc.org
Hey everyone! We hope your school year is off to a strong start!
Welcome back to another school year! It was so good to see some of you at the RA in Denver.
In case we haven’t met, my name is Elise Sotello, and I am the female/non-binary Co-Director for Zone 4. This is my 27th year as a high school English teacher in Bakersfield, California.
Although I’ve been in Education since 2000, I didn’t become involved with union work until 2016, when I was appointed the LGBTQ+ Advocacy Coordinator for the California Teachers Association (CTA) Sierra Service Center’s Equity Team, a role I still serve. I am also serving a second term as a CTA State Council delegate and represent my local association on the Civil Rights in Education committee. Previously, I have served as a CTA Human Rights Cadre Trainer and Co-Chair of the CTA Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Issues Advisory Committee.
I live and teach in a very conservative pocket of California, so I know well some of the struggles those in less progressive areas are facing. I’d love to hear from other Zone 4 folx how things are going in your area – the good and the bad. As always, Zone 4 Co-Director Joe Bento and I are here to support you.
I’m Joe Bento (he/him), a teacher and IB Career Program Coordinator from Kent, Washington. I’m honored to serve as your Zone 4 Co-Chair of the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus, alongside my amazing colleague Elise from California.
In addition to my role on the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus steering committee, I also serve as Co-Chair of the WEA LGBTQ+ Caucus (www.wea-lgbtq.org).
From Connection to Action: What Are We Building Together?
Last year, I used this space to introduce myself, share some of the work happening in Washington, and invited LGBTQ+ Caucus leaders across Zone 4 to connect. Remembering that connection is only the beginning.
When LGBTQ+ educators support one another across locals, zones, and states, those relationships can grow into something more impactful. We have a community to help each other out!
Building in Washington
In Washington, our caucus has continued working to strengthen LGBTQ+ representation. Last year, we planned the first WEA LGBTQ+ Educator Conference to expand opportunities for members to participate in caucus leadership. We changed our bylaws to increase membership on our LGBTQ+ Caucus Steer Committee, so more members can bring their ideas to the table and work together.
Because of these changes, we have noticed a growth in our state caucus membership and an increase of members participating in activities.
None of this work happens because of one person. It happens because educators work together to make their voices heard.
Why State Caucuses Matter
State caucuses can play an important role in turning national priorities into local action. Think Globally, act locally. Caucuses can help educators find community, navigate difficult situations, propose new policies, develop future leaders, and ensure LGBTQ+ members have a voice within their unions.
This feels very important right now, especially as LGBTQ+ educators are facing increased challenges like book bans, attacks on inclusive curriculum, and policies targeting LGBTQ+ Students and educators. Our ability to learn from each other makes our caucus stronger.
How is Your State Union Supporting LGBTQ+ Educators and Students?
We'd would love to hear what is happening across Zone 4
- What is your caucus most proud of from the past year?
- How are you supporting LGBTQ+ educators and students?
- What challenges are you currently facing?
- Is there a program, policy, event, or organizing strategy that other states could learn from?
- What support would help your caucus grow?
Let’s continue moving from connection to action! I look forward to hearing from you!
In Solidarty,
Elise & Joe, Zone 4 Co-Directors