Advocacy LGBTQ+

Since anti-transgender rhetoric and actions seem to be on everyone’s mind in the current political climate, it’s important to keep the information and education flowing and going on this issue and how communities and LGBTQ+ groups are fighting back. Part of what NFBPWC’s LGBTQ+ liaison does is provide education and awareness about the community. Hopefully, these links and information will help.

Note on the holidays

If you have a friend or family member that needs a place to celebrate the holidays, please open your heart and doors to them. This can be a very difficult time for the LGBTQ+ community.

Some heartwarming and encouraging stories in honor of this month’s theme: Celebrate and Anticipate

• Robert De Niro’s trans daughter gushes over his “nonstop” support: “He’s very good at being a dad” https://tinyurl.com/yssdy2ft
• “Happiness looks fantastic on her”: Here’s what parents wish folks knew about their trans kids https:// tinyurl.com/3rwcnyvs
• This supportive dad wanted to stand up for his trans kids,so he did something truly surprising https:// tinyurl.com/mr4sz9u7

Good LGBTQ+ News

• Over 60,000 women signed a letter in support of trans women and calling out “false feminism” https:// tinyurl.com/39ep64zy 
• An “incredibly proud mama” asked for help renaming her trans daughter. The internet melted https:// tinyurl.com/3pfw5juy
• HRC Honors Frances Thompson, a Black Transgender Hero https:// tinyurl.com/yzfutep6

Victory in Michigan!

After hours of testimony, Michigan’s State Board of Education approvednew state health education standards—its first update since 2007—by a 6–2 vote. The revised standards expand objectives related to LGBTQ+ relationships, gender identity, and other essential areas of student health and well-being.

Throughout the process, school board members faced waves of harmful rhetoric and misinformation, yet remained committed to evidence-based, inclusive education.

PFLAG members and supporters in Michigan sent nearly 300 messages to the Board, chapter presidents from Detroit and Plymouth testified, and five chapters joined PFLAG National in submitting written comments in support of the updates.

Here is the message they sent, “PFLAG National and PFLAG Michigan chapters in Detroit, Great Lakes Bay Region, Manistee, Monroe, and Plymouth/Canton applaud the State Board of Education for adopting inclusive updates to the Michigan Health Education Standards Framework. LGBTQ+ youth are facing growing challenges in schools from outside actors—from book bans to classroom censorship to efforts to erase their identities. The Board’s decision to strengthen lessons on inclusion, mental health, consent, and decision-making sends a powerful message of respect and support for LGBTQ+ students and their families. We are deeply grateful to the Board members for their leadership, and to our PFLAG chapter members in Michigan whose advocacy helped make this important vote possible.” It was signed by Katie Blair, PFLAG National Vice President, Advocacy.

Transgender Michigan’s Helpline

This is one of the helplines listed each month in our reminder of places you can share with those who might need help.

Their message:

Do you need someone to talk to? Do you wish you could talk to another transgender person? In times like these, the help line is even more crucial. You are not alone!

Our team, led by our Executive Director Rachel Crandall Crocker, LMSW, ACSW, is ready to take your calls if you have questions, concerns, or if you just need to vent. Call us toll free on 855-345-TGMI (855-345-8464).

Susan Oser
Advocacy LGBTQ+ Lead

Last month I asked you to tell us about your memories of allies in your work lives.

This one is from Sharon Simmons, BPW CO and WA.

A Real-Life Genie in the Classroom

A great ally and real first mentor was Mrs. Gold, who looked like a tiny version of Barbara Eden, the star of the 1960s television hit I Dream of Jeannie.

So cute.

She taught ninth grade speech at Centennial Jr High in Boulder CO.

Mrs. Gold had us do impromptu speeches in front of an auditorium full of students. We had to go onto the stage and pull a slip from a bowl and discuss whatever topic was on that piece of paper.

I did OK on debates about guns, birth control, etc.

Things I was already passionately interested in. Then, one day, I got on the stage and pulled a slip that said SAILBOATS.

Excuse me? What?

I stood in shock as she started her stopwatch! I know nothing about sailboats or any other boats. I froze. Can you image? Me, freezing. First time I’d ever had stage fright!

She said, if you don’t know, make it up or talk about the fact that you don’t know. Holy cats!

I got through it, shaking and sweating. Mrs. Gold told us we would encounter this kind of thin in life. She said, “If you want to speak publicly, be ready for anything!!”

I still think of her to this day! She wanted me to stay in touch. Life got away from me, but I won’t ever forget that little blonde in high heels with her hair up perfectly every day.

If I could find her, I’d say, “I still know nothing about sailboats, but I know a lot about public speaking. Thanks so much!!”