By: Susan Oser
NFBPWC Advocacy Team LGBTQIA+ Lead

Over the past year, we learned about the various communities and the flags that they represent.  While there are many more to focus on, there are a lot of websites out there that can educate you on those flags that may have been missed.  They include such websites as https://www.hrc.org/resources/lgbtq-pride-flags and https://rcsgd.sa.ucsb.edu/education/flags. 

A major focus for this year will be various organizations around the country or even the world that help, support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.  It’s a great way to learn about these organizations and perhaps invite them to your next meeting or for special speaking engagements.  The more we learn about these organizations the more we can network and offer the support they need via an ally or more.

Recently, there has been an uptick in various state capitols and cities proposing as well as passing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, especially focusing on the transgender community.  They are the most vulnerable within the spectrum with transgender youth facing the most hatred and bullying currently.  It is vitally important for our organization as well as other allies to listen, learn, and speak up for this community as well as all LGBTQ+ individuals.  They need our voices more than effort as we begin to prepare for next year’s presidential election season.  Because of the impact these laws have, and the inequality faced, going forward, this section of the LGBTQ+ advocacy column will be devoted to highlighting those bills and bring awareness to just what kind of situation the transgender community especially is facing.  There will also be good news as well to share because there always needs to be a silver-lining among the clouds.

Organizations of the Month:

Transgender Law Center, Trans Lifeline, Stand with Trans, The Trans Justice Funding Project, Transcend the Binary

Transgender Law Center – Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world in which all people are free to define themselves and their futures. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation.

Trans Lifeline – Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.

Stand with Trans – Stand with Trans is saving lives one person at a time, one day at a time. We help trans youth build resilience, confidence and find hope for a future filled with joy. Founded in 2015 by a passionate mom, the organization continues to grow, serving an international population of families.

The Trans Justice Funding Project – TJFP moves money to trans-led grassroots group and projects with trust and no strings attached. We center trans justice in the US and US territories and honor and amplify the ways our communities organize, create and shift culture, commit their love and care, and fight like hell for trans liberation.

Transcend the Binary -We support trans/gender diverse folks and their families in developing a pathway to achieve their health and wellness goals.

Why highlight?

Source(s):

https://protecttranshealth.org/ 

https://translifeline.org/ 

https://standwithtrans.org/ 

https://www.transjusticefundingproject.org/ 

https://www.transcendthebinary.org/ 

FYI Positive LGBTQ+ for October:

If you don’t think writing to your state or federal congressperson makes a difference and writes back to you, check out what happened when a letter was written to Rashida Tlaib concerning LGBTQ+ issues:

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for contacting my office regarding transgender rights. I share your commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and autonomy of all people, regardless of their gender identity.

I want to assure you that I stand firmly in support of transgender rights and the right to access gender-affirming care. It is deeply troubling to witness attempts to criminalize and strip away the fundamental rights of transgender individuals, particularly when it comes to their healthcare decisions. 

The principles of patient autonomy and individual healthcare choices are cornerstones values of our democracy, which is why I have backed several significant pieces of legislation to support our transgender residents:

H.R.697 - Justice for All Act of 2023: This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or race-related characteristics in schools, businesses, federally funded programs, and other settings. It also provides statutory authority for and expands the types of civil actions that may be brought for violations. You can read more on the bill here: https://tlaib.house.gov/posts/tlaib-re-introduces-justice-for-all-act-restoring-original-intent-expanding-protections-of-civil-rights-laws 

H.R.15 - Equality Act: This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. The bill definessex to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

H.R.4422 - Global Respect Act:This bill imposes visa-blocking sanctions on foreign persons responsible for or complicit in violating the human rights of individuals due to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. The President must report and periodically update a list of foreign persons responsible for such human rights violations and apply sanctions accordingly.

H.Res.269:Recognizing that it is the duty of the Federal Government to develop and implement aTransgenderBill of Rights to protect and codify the rights oftransgenderand nonbinary people under the law and ensure their access to medical care, shelter, safety, and economic security.

Trans rights are human rights. Rest assured, I will continue to work tirelessly to protect life-saving healthcare for transgender youth and adults alike.

Thank you again for reaching out to me on this crucial matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future with any other concerns you may have. My door is always open to you. 

Sincerely,

Rashida Tlaib

Member of Congress

The following is an overview of or anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the news:

Anti-Trans Legislative Risk Assessment Map: New Adult Map

This map shows the 2-year risk for anti-trans laws. For the first time, included in this release is a new adult map showing the risk for trans adults in the United States. https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/anti-trans-legislative-risk-assessment?r=k9h1j&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email 

If you have any news or leads on anything related to LGBTQ+ news, issues, and organizations, please contact Sue Oser at soser@nfbpwc.org 

Happy BPW International Anniversary 2023!

BPW International was founded 93 years ago today in Geneva. BPW members can be found in 111 countries worldwide. We are a professional network of incredible women, full of expertise and rich in achievements. Congratulations to us all!

#BPWDay#bpwdirectory 

#bpwinternational#professionalnetworking

(Source:  https://www.facebook.com/bpw.international)

Mentoring Report

By: Valentina Solarin, NFBPWC’s Mentoring Chair, mentoring@nfbpwc.org 

Mentoring Program Application

We're excited to announce another session of the Mentoring Program! The NFBPWC Mentoring Program matches members with each other and facilitates a mentor/mentee relationship.

Open to all members at any point in their career, mentor/mentee pairs meet virtually to discuss various topics ranging from skills, strategy, equity, and more.

We have a plethora of expertise among our members. Become a mentor!

There are equal numbers of members who are yearning to find someone to learn from and gain an understanding of something. What do you want to learn?

Vocalize an area of interest in an application so the Mentoring Program Team can find a mentor to assist you.

1. THE FIRST STEP is to submit an application HERE to the Mentoring Committee and explain your goals with the program. 

2. The Mentoring Committee with then partner you and coach you through launching your mentoring relationship!

Our goal is to have every local or virtual Affiliate take part in the mentoring program.  We encourage each Affiliate to have a member serve as a liaison to assist in empowering members to participate as either a mentor or mentee.

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

Tell us about your mentoring expertise/skills in an area OR tell us what you would like guidance in.

Application: Apply by clicking on the registration button on this page.   You must be logged into the membership database to apply. In the log in field, enter your email and password, then click the LOGIN button. If you do not remember your password, click the FORGOT PASSWORD link next to the LOGIN button. Enter your email address to receive a reset password link via email.

STEP 2: APPLICATIONS ARE REVIEWED AND MATCH ATTEMPTS MADE

New matches will be asked to have an initial meeting to confirm:

1. there is a good fit,

2. goals can be established for a successful outcome, and 

3. a time-frame for the mentoring process can be achieved. 

STEP 3: COMPLETE THE MENTORING AGREEMENT

Mentor/Mentee teams are required to document their goals and agreed-to time-frame.

STEP 4: CHECKPOINT

The Mentoring Program Chair will contact the participants at random points to check on their progress and ensure that teams are working.

STEP 5: EVALUATIONS

Mentor/mentee teams submit evaluations of the process. This is invaluable feedback for the program as we move forward to determine future processes.

International Relations Chair Report By: Sandra Thompson, NFBPWC’s International Chair, international@nfbpwc.org

This is a reminder about the UK event that is coming up on September 6.

BPW United Kingdom has a series of talks on Wednesdays.  The following is one that they have that is coming up in September that might be of interest to you.  This might be an opportunity for us to help our BPW sisters in the Ukraine.

United Kingdom BPW Speaker Events: ‘Wednesday Talk’ 
Speaker: Victoria Filatova and Jo Kinsey, BPW UK President Talk Title: ‘Van for Chernihiv’ Ukraine Project 

Date: Wednesday 6th September 2023 Time: 7pm London Time or 11 a.m. Pacific, Noon Mountain, 1 p.m. Central and 2 p.m. Eastern.  

To register for the event please copy and paste the link below into your browser: Van for Chernihiv Ukraine Project 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/van-for-chernihiv-ukraine-project-tickets-674390368747?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Tickets: Join us to hear more about this project that has been granted funding from BPW International to buy a vehicle to help distribute humanitarian aid in Chernihiv, Ukraine. 

BPW UK President Jo Kinsey has worked with Amelie LeClerc from BPW France and together they have secured funding totaling €25,000 or $27,815. Next, they aim to raise further funds to fill this with useful items needed to help people, with the help of BPW Chernihiv member Victoria Filatova and Yulia Zayka. Victoria will be joining this webinar to explain how the funds will be used, and what day to day life is like for Ukrainian women. You can hear in the media what life can be like, but UK is honored to welcome Victoria who will share her first-hand knowledge. This webinar is open to all, and friends of BPW UK are welcome.

Regional News 

St. Kitts held readiness workshops on how to be prepared for the workplace.

Concordia held a panel discussion International Women’s Day promoting technology for women and girls.

Canada held their Annual General Meeting in August.

International Dates to remember:   Latin America Regional Conference will be held September 6 to 10, 2023 in Santiago, Chile.  

BPW International Congress which will be held in Mar del Plata, Argentina November 17 to 21, 2024.

September Highlights in US Women's History

Celebrate Anniversary of the Signing of the Constitution – Constitution Day September 17th 

Celebrating Women & Democracy Kit 

September Highlights in US Women’s History

• September 12, 1910 – Alice Stebbins Wells, a former social worker, becomes the first woman police officer with arrest powers in the U.S. (Los Angeles, CA)

• September 14, 1964 – Helen Keller receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom along with 4 other women: Dr. Lena Edwards, Lynn Fontainne, Dr. Helen Taussig, and Leontyne Price

• September 14, 1975 – Elizabeth Ann Seton is canonized and becomes the first American-born saint, founded the first U.S. Order of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph

• September 20, 1973 – Billie Jean King defeats Bobby “No-Broad-Can-Beat-Me” Riggs in the battle of the sexes tennis match

• September 25, 1981 – Sandra Day O’Connor is sworn in as the first woman U.S. Supreme Court Justice

• September 26, 1971 – Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-New York) announces she will enter the Democratic presidential primaries

• September 26, 1973 – Capt. Lorraine Potter, an American Baptist minister, becomes the first woman U.S. Air Force chaplain

• September 29, 1988 – Stacy Allison becomes first American woman to reach the summit of Mt. Everest

(Source:  https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/september/)

Engage with NFBPWC on Social Media

Organization Page: https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC/

Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC/

Organization Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nfbpwc

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2l_ciIxLyvbu1dbBOsV9Tg

https://www.instagram.com/nfbpwc_usa/

Public Relations Committee Report
By: Suzette Cotto, NFBPWC Public Relations Chair

Save the Date

Rapid Response Committee Report By: Susan E. Oser, NFBPWC Rapid Response Committee Chair

Elections and issues heating up.

As we get into the throws of thinking about next year’s presidential election as well as a lot of local elections that will be happening this year and next year, many major issues will be on the voting ballot.  Which of those issues are happening in your city and what issues are you responding to? 

A few organizations out there on the local level have a rapid response team covering issues of concern.  Have you joined to learn about what they do?  If so, how can that be of help to NFBPWC?

Please connect with Sue Oser at rapidresponse@nfbpwc.org if you have any ideas on topics that should be focused on and discussed as we get into the big election cycle.

Immediate Past President Report

By: Sandra Thompson, NFBPWC’s Immediate Past President

Burbank Members Gloria Salas, Sandy Thompson and Janet Diel along with members from Zonta receive a proclamation from Burbank Mayor Constatine Anthony for Women’s Equality Day. It was nice for our city to recognize this important day. 

Thanks to Deb Schuster for sharing this bit of history.  We can be very grateful to the women of Colorado.

This is the Women's Bank building at 821 17th (Seventeenth) Street in downtown Denver, Colorado; the brick structure has stone trim, arched windows and doors.

Up until 1974, many women needed to have a male co-signer to open a bank account or acquire a line of credit. So, eight women came together to change that by opening their own U.S. Women's Bank!

Carol Green, Judi Wagner, LaRae Orullian, Gail Schoettler, Wendy Davis, Joy Burns, Beverly Martinez, and Edna Mosely founded the bank's board by each pitching in $1,000.

On July 14, 1978, people stood in line on 17th Street in downtown Denver to deposit their checks. The bank took in $1 million dollars that day.

The bank also offered classes and got involved with the community. They financed rejected projects including the Tattered Cover Book Store and Wynkoop Brewing Company.

The Women's Bank continued until 1994 when it was sold to the Colorado Business Bank. Many of the founding women continued on with successful careers!

This bit of history reminds us of why we do what we do and we can never go back!

scream

so that one day

a hundred years from now

another sister will not have to

dry her tears wondering

where in history

she lost her voice

-Jasmin Kaur

ERA Team Report

By: Nancy Werner, NFBPWC Advocacy Team ERA Lead 

EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT-E.R.A. IS BIG TIME in the News

Advocacy –Equal Rights Amendment.  “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex” needs to be placed into our Constitution. While most states have laws prohibiting discrimination of any kind based on sex, proponents of the E.R.A. say laws can be reversed or eliminated. Having a Constitutional Amendment would cement those rights. 

Seneca Falls or BUST- Yes, Denice Robinson and I, of the PA Affiliate, traveled to the 100^th ERA Convention historical event, leaving on July 20 from Harrisburg, PA. We took the scenic Route 15 that parallels the Susquehanna River into southern New York. We had booked lodging in Geneva, NY, only a short distance to the south of Seneca Falls. (The town was quite full of guests.)  

The Generation Ratify and the Columbia Law School’s ERA were our hosts. Generation Ratify has over 13,000 students in high schools and on college campuses across the country. We learned that they had been planning this event for a very long time.  On July 21-22, we participated in the two-day event.  Sitting in the First Presbyterian Church of Seneca Falls was quite an inspirational moment as Alice Paul was remembered. Only 21 years old at the time, the Woman’s Party and she were so hopeful that they thought her amendment would only take 10 years to travel through Congress. 

The program on Friday was jammed back. We were introduced to the team that put so much work into the planning. Kathy Kelly, Esq., author of Ordinary Equality, and Rosie Couture, Co-Founder of Generation Ratify and student at Harvard College, shared the front of the church with a host of dynamic guests. We met Belan Yeshigeta, Co-Founder of Generation Ratify and student at Columbia, Ting Ting Cheng, Director of the Columbia Law’s School ERA Project, and from Nevada, U.S. State Representative Susie Lee. Each spoke from the podium where Alice Paul once stood. The church was full of many Generation Ratify students. Maybe about 150 plus and the rest were the activists who still want to see the Equal Rights Amendment passed. (That would be Denice and myself.) Each speaker gave an individual view on what is happening and ideas to help the ERA move forward.

Another impressive moment was the breakout groups hosted by the Generation Ratify members. One was called, “Organizing for Equality: Direct Action 101” and the other was named, “The Best Way to Protect Abortion & LGBTQIA rights? Federal and State levels.”   The presentations were power points with discussions and input from the participants. What was learned was how well the Generation Ratify students are informed. Six weeks prior to the event they held weekly zooms to update their members on the ERA. They knew the information and came prepared to discuss. They took copious notes as they were all expected to return with information to their high school or college Generation Ratify groups. Let’s just say, they came to make a statement. Alice would have been so proud.

During lunch, Denice and I felt like movie stars. What?? Guess I was startled that these young students wanted to interview us. Questions - What was it like 50 years ago? What did you do during the early 1970’s? Were you on a college campus? Did you have marches? I could only share my activism on my college campus. Yes, we had marches and rallies. We were united and then I graduated as an educator in 1971. But I soon learned of an organization called the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. that was supporting the ERA amendment. I even showed my red, white, and blue pin that stated, “ERA Is for Everyone.” I was 22 years old. Those pins were sold to our many NFBPWC members and worn proudly. Looking back to those years, I couldn’t believe 50 years had passed and we were now the senior mentors. But we did spread the word about NFBPWC.  

We returned from lunch to three breakout groups. Again, they were led by the Generation Ratify leaders. Gender Justice, Voting Rights and Organizing for State/Local ERA action, Intergenerational and Cross Movement Coalition Building and Faith Organizing Workshop. Amazing topics and the strategies that were shared in the discussions were well prepared. Everyone was welcomed into the talks.

Our Friday keynote speakers were Senator Pat Spearman, President of the Pro Tempore of the Nevada Senate, and U.S. Representative Cori Bush, Founder of the Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment. She represents the state of Missouri. Both were dynamic in their presentations and shared their plans for the ERA to make the U.S. Constitution. When Cori shared that this would be the last generation to stand up and pass the ERA, the church went wild. Those young people were up on their feet and giving it their all. Must say, these two women have “spunk” and the charisma to make it happen.

In the back of the First Presbyterian Church is a group photo of the attendees at the July 21, 1923, gathering. So, to commemorate this date, the entire group went out in front of the church to do a retake for the 100-year ERA Anniversary Photo. Our group was a little bit larger, but they had the traffic stopped, boom crane in place and Denice and I sure hope we can find ourselves in the photo. 

Now, there were 2 more events that evening. A March was held down one street. There were banners and lots of activity. The New York NOW, Rochester NOW and Women’s March of Seneca Falls led the march and everyone took part.

Finally, at 8:00 p.m. Cori Bush and Generation Ratify had a birthday party. It was to celebrate the birth of the modern youth-led movement for the ERA with a birthday cake, party games and feminist fun! But it was also the birthday of Cori Bush!  Thought that was special.

Now that was Day 1. I was exhausted as the heat of the church was not pleasant. I kept wondering how hot it was 100 years ago when the women wore the long dresses and buttoned blouse. We did receive green fans when we came in the early morning, but they didn’t do the work of a real fan.  Denice and I arrived in our white jackets and pants with green tops. We looked the part of the ERA leaders. But those jackets were NOT needed. The younger people were not affected by the summer heat. They were still going strong and enjoying every minute. Generation Ratify did quite a lot for many students who were helped with financial aid to fly to Seneca Falls. Some received hotel rooms, but the majority were sleeping on the church floor in their sleeping bags. It was engaging to see so much energy all around us. I will leave Day 2 for next month. I need to get my wind as Day 2 was just as empowering as Day 1. 

Repeat Information- Feminist Majority has put out the sign your signature to the ERA. Everything you need to know is right there. Https://www.sign4Era.org  As Eleanor Smeal of the Feminist Majority has shared that our society is now a virtual society. We will be able to reach more individuals and provide the evidence that Americans support the ERA. 

Please pass it to all your family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Your name will be logged and any new information on the ERA will come your way via your email. This is the communication that we have been waiting for. If you wish to applaud the creators, the 4 Rhode Scholars of Hunter College are to be congratulated. 

Keep going to our NFBPWC One Click System and use it. We appreciated every “yes” vote for the ERA back in late April. If your Senator (s) voted in favor, please tell them. But maybe this wasn’t the case and you saw a “no” from your Senator(s). Tell them what you are thinking. Let them know that you support the ERA. It looks like the Legislative Process is our way to travel to see the ERA become our 28^th Amendment to the Constitution.  Don’t forget the https://www.sign4era.org/