A New Year...Challenges To Be Met

C. Scott Miller [CA] & Emilly Osterling [NC]
cochair@nea-lgbtqc.org

Schools are meant to be safe spaces where students can learn and grow. For LGBTQ+ students, however, the reality is increasingly complex.

Across the United States, policies and laws are shaping the classroom experience in dramatically different ways depending on what state a student lives in.

Some states have strengthened protections for LGBTQ+ students, mandating inclusive curricula, anti-bullying policies, and affirming practices for transgender and nonbinary students. Others are passing restrictive measures, limiting discussion of LGBTQ+ topics in classrooms, restricting access to gender-affirming sports participation, and censoring books that reflect LGBTQ+ experiences.

From debates over classroom books to statewide curriculum mandates, schools have become a battleground for policy that affects real students. Transgender students, in particular, face challenges around pronoun recognition, bathroom access, and sports participation. Meanwhile, educators must navigate conflicting laws and guidance, sometimes risking legal consequences for simply supporting their students.

Education has become one of the most active, and contentious, fronts in LGBTQ+ legislation. Across the U.S. and internationally, schools and universities are at the center of debates over inclusion, student safety, curriculum, and freedom of expression. As 2026 begins, the legal landscape remains deeply divided. In many jurisdictions, lawmakers are advancing or expanding laws that restrict how LGBTQ+ topics can be discussed in schools. These policies often limit:

• Classroom discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity
• Access to books featuring LGBTQ+ characters or themes
• Teacher-led responses to student questions about identity or family structure

Supporters frame these measures as parental rights protections, while critics argue they create confusion, silence LGBTQ+ students, and place educators at legal risk for doing their jobs. Transgender and nonbinary students are particularly impacted by recent education laws. Ongoing legislative and legal efforts focus on:

• Participation in school sports
• Access to bathrooms and locker rooms
• Use of chosen names and pronouns
• School records and identification

In some regions, courts are weighing whether restrictions violate constitutional or civil rights protections, meaning outcomes may shift rapidly depending on judicial rulings. Advocates and educators warn that restrictive policies can have real consequences beyond the classroom. Research consistently links affirming school environments with:

• Lower rates of bullying and harassment
• Improved mental health outcomes
• Higher attendance and academic engagement

Conversely, policies that stigmatize or erase LGBTQ+ identities can contribute to isolation, anxiety, and disengagement, especially for younger students. While most legislative attention targets K–12 education, higher education is not immune. Some states are scrutinizing:

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs
• LGBTQ+ student resource centers
• Policies related to gender-affirming healthcare on campus

Public universities, in particular, face pressure to align with shifting state mandates, even when those mandates conflict with institutional values or student needs. Schools are not just a place of learning, they shape how young people understand themselves and the world. Education policy influences:

• Whether LGBTQ+ students feel safe being visible
• How future generations understand diversity and human rights
• The ability of teachers to provide accurate, compassionate education

As legal battles continue, educators, families, and students remain on the front lines of these changes. Education policy doesn’t just affect classrooms, it shapes how young people understand themselves, each other, and the world. The choices states make today will influence the next generation’s understanding of diversity, inclusion, and human rights. The state of LGBTQ+ education is not uniform, but awareness, advocacy, and action can help ensure that all students, regardless of their identity, feel safe, seen, and supported.

What You Can Do

✔ Stay informed: Follow local school board meetings and state legislative sessions, many education policies affecting LGBTQ+ students are decided at the local level.\

✔ Support inclusive schools: Advocate for policies that protect all students from bullying and discrimination, including affirming name/pronoun use and access to safe facilities.

✔ Speak up for educators: Teachers are often caught between legal mandates and student needs. Support efforts that protect academic freedom and allow educators to respond compassionately and accurately.

✔ Engage with decision-makersContact school administrators, legislators, or board members to voice support for inclusive, evidence-based education policies.

✔ Support LGBTQ+ youth organizations: Donate to or volunteer with groups that provide mental health resources, legal advocacy, and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students.

✔ Talk about it: Open, age-appropriate conversations with young people about respect, diversity, and belonging can make a meaningful difference, regardless of policy shifts.

With pride and determination,
C. Scott Miller & Emilly Osterling
CoChairs

Female/Non-Binary Co-Chair Election

After much thought and reflection, I have made the decision not to rerun as the Female/Non-Binary Co-Chair.

I have been extremely fortunate to serve in this capacity for the past 10 years, and in that time, I have garnered countless friendships and ultimately found my chosen family. While my time serving all of you is coming to a close, I wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for the love and support you have shown me.

This organization is more then just a group of NEA LGBTQ+ educators and allies fighting to uphold policies and practices within the national affiliate. This Caucus has grown into an organization that has established a strong partnership with the NEA, provides programming to assist educators in supporting LGBTQ youth, and is now beginning the process of organizing across the country to fight back against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and policies.

I am proud of the work that I have been a part of over the past several years and know that it will continue to advance and grow well after I am gone. If you would like to be a part of the movement that is the NEA-LGBTQ+ Caucus, I would encourage you to get involved.

This year all Female/Non-Binary Zone Director positions are up for election at the NEA RA in Denver, CO with nominations opening on April 15th. As well, the Female/Non-Binary Co-Chair and Secretary positions are now open for nominations and close on April 15th. If you are at all interested in serving in one of these roles, I encourage you to run!

Emilly

LGBTQ+ Policy Snapshot — All 50 States (2026)

Key (Policy Climate):
🟢 = Generally Protective 🟡 = Mixed / In Flux 🔴 = Generally Restrictive
Across all 50 states, LGBTQ+ policy is deeply uneven and rapidly evolving.

• Many states are advancing inclusive laws and protections, particularly around education and nondiscrimination.
• Many others are enacting or attempting restrictive measures that target transgender rights, student support, and public visibility.

This landscape means state advocacy and community engagement remain vital for shaping how LGBTQ+ rights are lived on the ground.

Education focus footnotes:
¹ ACLU — Legislative Attacks on LGBTQ Rights
² HRC — State Equality Index
³ MAP — Movement Advancement Project
⁴ PEN America — Book Bans & Curriculum Restrictions
⁵ Education Week — LGBTQ+ Student Rights Reporting
⁶ K–12 Dive — State Education Policy Coverage
⁷ Trevor Project — Youth Mental Health & Well-being
⁸ State Statutes & Court Rulings (2024–2026)

From the Desk of the Treasurer

Michael Hill[CA]
treasurer@nea-lgbtqc.org

The Steering Committee recently concluded our Mid-Year meeting in Washington, D.C., held over the MLK holiday weekend. It was a productive session dedicated to planning for the upcoming Representative Assembly (RA) in Denver, CO.

In my capacity as Treasurer, I presented the final year-end budget report for 2024-2025, the year-to-date figures for 2025-2026, and the proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. I am pleased to report that the Caucus remains in a strong financial position, concluding the 2024-2025 cycle with a robust net balance.

Furthermore, our membership has grown to 1,110 members, marking a full recovery in our engagement levels.
Preparations for the Robert Birle Memorial Dinner are well underway, and the response has been extraordinary.

We have already sold 1,200 seats and 60 premium tables—representing over half of our total capacity. The high level of interest suggests this will be one of our most successful events to date. If you plan to attend but have not yet secured your tickets, I encourage you topurchase them soon, as we anticipate a sell-out.

In Solidarity & Pride,
Michael, Treasurer

From the Desk of the Secretary

Sonia Martin-Solis [CA]
secretary@nea-lgbtqc.org

Happy February!

During this month of Love and Friendship I hope you are able to find both with those you have chosen to share your life with. Take a moment to pause and enjoy those who support you.

During this time of year, many of us are running to be representatives to the NEA RA. I would encourage you to not just run for a position, but also bring others with you. The other thing I would encourage you to do, when you are elected, fill out the demographic information. We need to show the diversity of who we are and those we represent.

NEA has a Bylaw 3.1-g requirement for each state. This requirement is about the ethnic minority representation for delegates to the RA from each state. We need to be proud of our ethnic representation, but also our LGBTQ+ representation. If you know you will be attending, bring people with you to VOTE for the representation you want to have in Denver.

For some of our members, it may not be safe to be out in our workplace, but if that is not your case, please make sure you complete the identifying information so that we can proudly and accurately represent who we are. Starting with the NEA Leadership Conference, we will begin our membership drive for the 2026-2027 academic year. I look forward to seeing everyone renew your membership early.

A quick reminder of the various opportunities we have for participation: 

1. Each Zone has activities with the Zone Directors, outreach via social media (search NEA-LGBTQ to find us on Facebook, Instagram, etc), and zone e-mail addresses
2. Nationally we have the Rainbow Series, social media outreach, e-mail address for the caucus and each officer, Newsletters (like this one), our bi-annual conference (next one will be held in 2027), Summer Book Club, and other events. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know if you have any suggestions on how we can better communicate with you.

Thank you for all you do and for being that safe person, safe space, role model, our students and colleagues need to reach their full potential.

In Unity & Pride,
Sonia, Secretary

A Message from the Outreach Director

Darell Crawford-Parker [CO]
outreach@nea-lgbtqc.org

As we step into 2026, we celebrate not only the turning of a calendar page but the continued strength, resilience, and brilliance of our LGBTQ+ educators, students, and allies across the nation.

This community has always been a beacon of courage and creativity within our schools, and your leadership continues to shape learning environments where every person is seen, valued, and empowered. The year ahead brings new opportunities to advocate, organize, and uplift voices that deserve to be heard. Together, we will keep pushing for inclusive policies, affirming classrooms, and the dignity of every member of our educational family. Your dedication fuels progress, and your presence makes our union stronger.

We invite every member to consider joining one of our committees, where your talents and passion can help shape meaningful initiatives, expand our reach, and strengthen our collective impact. Whether your interests lie in election endorsements, outreach, RA logistics, or supporting LGBTQ students and educators directly, there is a place for you to lead, collaborate, and grow. Your involvement doesn't just support the caucus - it strengthens the movement for inclusive, affirming education nationwide. Please click here if you would like to serve on any of these committees.

As we move forward together, we also hold close our fellow educators in Minnesota. Recent events have brought challenges, uncertainty, and emotional weight to many in that community. In moments like these, our collective strength matters more than ever. Let us extend our solidarity, compassion, and unwavering support to our colleagues there - reminding them that they are not alone, that their work is valued, and that this caucus stands beside them with pride and purpose. When one part of our community is hurting, we all rise by lifting one another.

May 2026 bring renewed energy, bold ideas, and moments of joy that remind us why this work matters. Thank you for all you do - and for all we will accomplish together. Wishing you a powerful, hopeful, and inspiring new year!

Here are some updates from our fellow ethnic caucuses:

• AIAN Caucus - The NEA American Indian/Alaska Native Caucus National Conference will be held April 24–26, 2026, at the Spokane Tribe Casino in Airway Heights, Washington. Open to NEA AI/AN Caucus members only, the conference focuses on organizing and advocacy for Native education, with all meals included and affordable lodging available separately. Conference Registration is $250 (1/01/26 - 3/14/26); Late Registration is $300 after March 14th. Click here for Registration, Hotel Accomodations by using this password 84683688. Please make sure you book your room by March 24, 2026.
• Black Caucus - The NEA Black Caucus will be holding their Leadership Conference June 19th through the 21st in Montgomery, AL. Please click here for the details!
• Hispanic Caucus - The NEA Hispanic Caucus will be holding their Leadership Conference May 22nd through the 24th in Chicago, IL. Please click here for the details!

In solidarity,
Darell, Outreach Director

ZONE 1

Kirsten Frazier [MA] & Tony Martinet [VA]
zone1@nea-lgbtqc.org

Legislative Organizing Time

It is that time of year when most state legislative sessions are getting underway. While our state and national associations set priority watch bills, they may not always be mindful of those that directly impact our community. This is where you, as a caucus member, can take action. 
By monitoring the legislation moving in your state, you can flag important issues and organize for action. It may also help to connect with your state association’s government relations organizer. Let’s get started.

The Watch List: Important Legislation Revving up

Critical developments currently moving through the Northeast.

1. New Hampshire: The "CHARLIE Act" (HB 1792)

1. The Threat: Formally known as the Countering Hate And Revolutionary Leftist Indoctrination in Education Act, this bill seeks to ban "LGBTQ+ ideologies" and establishes a "private right of action," allowing parents to sue individual educators.
2. The Status: Public Hearing scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026.
3. The Educator Impact: This is a direct challenge to academic freedom and the safety of our trans and queer students.

2. Virginia: The "Inclusion vs. Local Rollback" Era

1. The Opportunity: With the new administration in Richmond, we are tracking HB 614, which would codify inclusive history standards statewide—ensuring LGBTQ+ contributions are not erased from the curriculum.
2. The Challenge: While state-level progress moves forward, local school boards (like in King George County) are attempting to "fast-track" restrictive bathroom and name-change policies.

3. New York: Healthy and Safe Students Act (S06901)

1. The Status: Gaining momentum in the Senate Education Committee. This bill mandates age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sexuality education across all K-12 public and charter schools.
2. The Impact: This would provide a statewide "floor" for inclusion, protecting teachers in conservative districts from local pushback.

The "Shield" & Wins: Regional Progress

We aren't just playing defense. Here is where we are winning.

1. New Jersey (A 2314): A major proactive bill has been introduced to establish a permanent Advisory Commission on LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity. This would move beyond safety and focus on proactive student achievement.
2. The "Freedom to Read" (MD & CT): Maryland’s Freedom to Read Act and similar protections in Connecticut now provide "statutory backup" for librarians. In these states, books cannot be removed solely due to "ideological or religious disapproval." If you are in these states, you have the law on your side.

 Organizing First Steps: Know What’s Moving

Task: Establishing Your Digital Alert System

To be an effective advocate, you shouldn’t have to hunt for news. You should make the news come to you. You can set up a digital alert.

1. Go to LegiScan.com (It’s free).
2. Select your state and create an account.
3. Add these keywords to your "Monitor" list: gender identity, school curriculum, parental rights, book review, LGBTQ.
4. The Result: Whenever a bill is filed with these words, you will get an email. You will know about it at the same time the lobbyists do.

 Building the Collective Power: Keep Us in the Know

Let us know if there is something significant moving your state or local area. You can send information or ask questions by emailing your Zone Directors at zone1@nea-lgbtqc.org. We are here to help however possible.

Legislative Glossary for Educators

Keep this digital "Cheat Sheet" handy to decode the bills you find.

In solidarity,
Kirsten & Tony, Zone 1 Co-Directors

ZONE 2

Kristel Behrend [NC] & Zach Fisher [KY]
zone2@nea-lgbtqc.org

(Zach: I spotted this while walking in D.C. last month Jan 2026, while I am not a person of faith - it was reassuring to see.)

2026 is here, and WE are still queer! The steering committee had our annual convening this past month in D.C. where region two directors, (Zach in KY & Kristel in NC) got to spend some time brainstorming over how we can increase region two membership and what we wanted to plan for February's Rainbow Series.

Right now we are sitting at 10% membership for our region, and I know WE are out there - LGBTQ+ allies included! We mentioned that we are aware of the political and personal pressures many LGBTQ+ educators have right now in the country, let alone in the south. However, we did want members to pause and think about any past members who may have forgotten about their membership lapse or any other reason, if you could… re-start that flame for US! Have them join here ! Do recall our memberships run July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026. A membership drive is in the works, now more than ever we must create community.

Going to the 2026 RA in Denver? Wanna have a night to remember being you? As of 1/21/26: We are missing state representation for the 2026 Robert Birle Memorial Dinner in our region/zone 2: AL, AR, FEA, LA, MS, OK, SC. Need to buy a ticket? CLICK HERE

Rainbow Series: February 19th, 7:30 PM EDT

If you can please join us for a relaxing evening to learn from our Speaker Holly Murphy Atkins from the LGBTQ+ nonprofit “Hope for Teens.” This nonprofit is located out of Wake County in
North Carolina. Holly will be discussing the annual Queer Prom “Hope for Teens Queer Prom 2026” that they put on and discuss the advocacy work that this entails. Please join!

📢CALL TO ACTION

• 🌈Ask YOUR fellow queer educators if they’re caucus members. Have them Rejoin/Join HERE!
• ✅Vote smart in all upcoming elections.
• 💝Give to your local food bank. Teach your community about 211.
• 📲Call your senator: 844-328-9232; Call your representative: 844-329-6087 and tell them to demand to use SNAP contingency funds.
• ⬇OR 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.
• ℹShare your state's issues and/or celebrations.
• Join us on Facebook

In solidarity,
Kristel & Zach, Zone 2 Co-Directors

ZONE 3

Stacy Schmidt [IA] & Frank Burger [MI]
zone3@nea-lgbtqc.org

Well here we are in February and we hope that everyone is staying warm during this long winter season. Your Zone 3 Co-Directors have been busy working on your behalf.

Stacy and Frank recently participated in the midyear Steering Committee meeting of the caucus where we had the opportunity to work with the other members of the caucus on a variety of issues, including the awarding of our Jerry Newberry GSA Grants. Our Zone 3 applicants should be getting notification soon about their status. Caucus members are eligible to apply for these grants each year for their school GSA. For more information about the grants and the application process, visit the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus website.

We are also pleased to announce that our very own Zone 3 Co-Director Frank Burger received the Gerry Crane Human and Civil Rights Award from the Michigan Education Association for his work on making sure schools are safe for LGBTQ+ Students and members.

We are continuing our Zone 3 Advocacy Check-Ins this year. We enjoyed meeting with everyone on Thursday, January 29. A major topic of discussion included the ICE activity occurring in Minneapolis/St. Paul. A member from Minneapolis shared resources for anyone who would like to take action or contribute to help educators and families with a variety of things, including rent/housing costs and other mutual aid activities.

Help Minneapolis Families Pay Rent This Month

Fund to help St. Paul Families Who Have Lost Their

IncomeStand With Minnesota Mutual Aid

Education Minnesota is also organizing a petition to get ICE out of Minnesota schools. To sign the petition, use this link.  Local associations and other organizations can also sign as organizations.

We’re also looking forward to participating in the State Caucus and Committee Convening taking place this winter and spring with leaders from across our zone to help fight back against the attacks against our community. Our goal with this work is to build capacity at the state and local levels to empower our members to be more effective advocates for LGBTQ+ educators and students in our public schools. Our upcoming newsletters will include updates about this and we would love to spotlight the important work taking place in our Zone. Please email us at zone3@nea-lgbtqc.org information about what is happening in your state or local!

Finally, we are pleased to announce that we will once again be presenting at the NEA Leadership Summit in Chicago, IL this year. Our session is entitled Fostering Inclusive and Safe Workspaces:  Empowering LGBTQ+ Educators and Allies at All Levels, and will be presented on Saturday during the 8:15-10:15 AM time slot. Stacy will also be presenting “Amplifying the Voices of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Members” during the Sunday morning session. We would love to see your smiling faces in Chicago!

In Solidarity and Pride,
Stacy & (she/they)Frank (he/him/his)

ZONE 4

Elise Sotello [CA] & Joe Bento [WA]
zone4@nea-lgbtqc.org

Hey everyone! I hope you’re having a great school year!
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-Director of the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus, alongside my amazing colleague Elise Sotello 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). Please know that I’m here to support you and am always happy to answer questions.

What’s Happening in Our States?

Do you have LGBTQ+ initiatives, events, or advocacy happening in your state that others should know about? Share them with me so we can spotlight them for the whole caucus community.

WEA LGBTQ+ Educator Conference

On November 1, 2025, WEA held its first LGBTQ+ Educator Conference! The WEA LGBTQ+ Caucus was on the planning committee, and we had around 150 attendees from all over the state. This conference came about because Nicole, one of our LGBTQ+ Caucus Co-Chairs, submitted an NBI at last year's State RA and it passed!

Our keynote speaker was State Senator Claire Wilson, an out member of the State Legislature.

We had many great sessions throughout the day. The NEA LGBTQ+ Cadre presented two sessions. Toni Smith from Georgia presented, "The Intersections of Race, Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation" and "Supporting Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Non-Conforming Students." was presented by C. Scott Miller.

Other sessions included "Advocacy in Your District and School Board Policy", "How to Protect and Organize Queer Educators in Our Locals", "Queer Books and the Law", "Model Contract Language for LGBTQ+ Educators", and "LGBTQ+ Implicit Bias Training "

We closed the day with a planning session where attendees reflected on what they learned and did some action planning on next steps they could take in their locals or schools to create change for LGBTQ+ educators and students.

It was a great day for learning and being in community. We look forward to hosting more LGBTQ+ Educator Conferences!
Our final session of the day was a planning session. We wanted our attendees to think about what they learned and do some Action Planning on what next steps they could take in their locals or their schools to create change for LGBTQ+ educators and students.

It was a great day for learning and being in community. We look forward to hosting more LGBTQ+ Educator Conferences.

Growing Membership at State RAs

Some states allow caucuses to sell memberships at their State RA. If yours does — or if you’d like to explore that option — please reach out! Elise and I are open to traveling to support Zone 4 caucus work at your state RAs.

Let’s Connect

We’d love to hear from LGBTQ+ Caucus leaders in Zone 4 to discuss what’s happening in your states and how we can grow membership together.

Elise and I will also be reaching out directly to connect with leaders soon.

In the meantime, feel free to email me with any questions, ideas, or updates. Let’s keep building our caucus stronger than ever.

Wishing you a great school year,
Joe, Zone 4 Co-Director

It’s an honor to represent Zone 4, and I had the privilege of attending the Caucus’s Mid-Year Meeting in Washington, DC, in January.

Some of the things we worked on included a five-year strategic plan, plans for each zone, our budget, debriefing the 2025 LGBTQ+ Social Justice & Leadership Conference, discussing the upcoming Robert Birle Dinner, this summer during the RA in Denver, and much, much more.

Speaking of the Robert Birle Dinner, a goal of our Caucus is to get attendees from all 50 states to attend. In Zone 4, we are looking for members from Montana, New Mexico, and Oregon to buy tickets to our wildly popular dinner and dance. If you are from one of those states and on the fence about attending, here is your sign to make it happen before the event sells out.

Overall, the Mid-Year Meeting was an invigorating weekend to connect with like-minded LGBTQ+ educators from across the nation and to join together in our mission to advocate for all LGBTQ+ members and students.

In Pride and Solidarity,
Elise, Zone 4 Co-Director