LGBTQ+

Part of what the LGBTQ+ liaison does is provide education and awareness about the community. Hopefully, these links and information will help.

What to focus on for 2026

As we start 2026, it’s important to keep watch on all forms of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and the mid-terms.

If there is someone you believe we should highlight who is either an LGBTQ+ leader in the community or who supports the community, please let me know. Today the community is targeted more than ever and when one marginalized community is hurt, we all are hurt.

Please remember that this section is not only a source of information on the LGBTQ+ community but an area of

education. If you have a topic you would like to learn more about, please do not hesitate to contact me at soser@nfbpwc.org.

In addition, if you are interested in collaborating on a presentation, having me speak at your meetings, etc., please let me know and I’ll be happy to do so.

Hoping for a wonderful 2026.

Remember to take care of and honor the LGBTQ+ folks in your life.

Susan Oser
Advocacy LGBTQ+ Lead

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GOOD NEWS
YouTube phenom Ms. Rachel says LGBTQ+ people are welcome in her classroom https://tinyurl.com/248t6k4m

HOLIDAYS

January 20 MLK Day

January 20-24 No Name-Calling Week January 22 Trans Prisoners Day of Action and Solidarity

January 27 Holocaust Remembrance Day January 29 Brazilian National Day of Transgender Visibility

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

You can participate in “Fighting for Our Pride in the 2026 State Legislative Session.”

January 14 at 8:30pm ET/5:30m PT. Register today at: https://tinyurl.com/p4h43jkc

IN HONOR OF THIS MONTH’S THEME: WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AND VISION

• Information on Congresswoman Sarah McBride: https://mcbride.house.gov/about
• Miss Major Griffin-Gracy: https://theoutwordsarchive.org/interview/miss-major-griffin-gracy/?blm_aid=313930753
• Meet Tracee McDaniel: https://boldjourney.com/meet-tracee-mcdaniel/?blm_aid=313930753
• Caitlin Clark and the 'young and turnt' bring a new vibe to Team USA: https://tinyurl.com/bdbmecpf

IMPORTANT LGBTQ+ HOTLINES & RESOURCES FOR ALLIES TOO

• 100 Organizations Supporting Trans People in All 50 States—donations welcome: https://tinyurl.com/3vdz89e5
• Ali Forney Day Center: 212.206.0574
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 800.342.AIDS (2437), Spanish 800.344432
• TDD service for the deaf: 800.243.7889. All lines available 10:00am to 10:00pm EST, Monday through Friday.
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender National Hotline: 888.843.4564
• GLBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): 800.246.7743
• Guide to Being an Ally to LGBTQ+ People: https://tinyurl.com/ycy8eezz
• Journalist Resource Series: Guide for Reporting on Anti-Trans Violence:
• https://tinyurl.com/53cbmkj8National Runaway Switchboard: 800.RUNAWAY (786.2929)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.8255
• Transgender Michigan: 855-345-TGMI (8464)
• Trevor Project: 866.488.7386

Summary and Update on EME v Donald Trump

This case is a challenge to the Military Selective Service Act (MSSA), 50 U.S.C. § 3801 et seq., which requires male citizens to register for the draft but bars women from doing so.

On April 3, 2025, Equal Means Equal (EME), a nonprofit advocacy group, and a female Massachusetts resident filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

They sued President Donald Trump, the Acting Director of the Selective Service System, and the Selective Service System, alleging violations of the Equal Rights Amendment and the Fifth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. Judge William G. Young was assigned to the case.

Represented by the Women’s and Children’s Advocacy Project, the plaintiffs alleged that the individual plaintiff’s attempt to register for the Selective Service had been rejected solely because of her gender and that two EME members had faced similar denials.

They argued that the categorical exclusion of women from Selective Service registration violated the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which they claimed became the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution upon Virginia’s ratification in 2020.

The plaintiffs maintained that the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1981 decision in Rostker v. Goldberg, which upheld the male-only draft registration, no longer controlled because it predated both the ERA’s ratification and significant changes in military policy permitting women to serve in combat roles.

They further alleged a violation of the Fifth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, arguing that denying women the right to register served no compelling government interest.

The plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief. They requested a judicial declaration that the exclusion of women from draft registration was unconstitutional under both the ERA and the Fifth Amendment.

They also sought to enjoin the federal government from continuing to enforce the male-only registration requirement, alleging that the policy stigmatized women and deprived them of equal civic obligations and opportunities.

On June 17, 2025, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss. They argued that the court lacked jurisdiction, that the plaintiffs’ claims under the Administrative Procedure Act were unripe, and that the constitutional claims failed as a matter of law. The motion to dismiss also disputed the plaintiffs’ characterization of the ERA’s ratification status. The court established a briefing schedule, ordering plaintiffs to file their opposition by July 17, 2025.

In their opposition, the plaintiffs reiterated their core arguments that the Military Selective Service Act violated the ERA and the Equal Protection Clause.

They also asserted that this lawsuit, brought by women on behalf of constitutional questions at issue and distinguished it from other cases pending at that time, such as Valame v. Biden. They further argued that the court should apply strict scrutiny instead of intermediate scrutiny, which they claimed had long enabled unequal treatment of women.

A hearing on the motion to dismiss was scheduled for November 17, 2025. It did not happen. Latest update was held on December 8, 2025

Notice of Supplemental Authorities re: 8 Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim (Holland, Liam) (Entered: 12/08/2025).

Motion to Continue Motion Hearing to 3/3/2026 by Equal Means Equal (Murphy, Wendy) (Entered: 12/10/2025).

Judge William G. Young: Electronic Order entered granting 27 Motion to Continue Motion Hearing to 3/3/2026 by Equal Means Equal. (KB) (Entered: 12/10/2025).

Electronic Notice Resetting Hearing on Motion 8 Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim.

Motion Hearing reset for 3/24/2026 02:00 PM in Courtroom 18 (remote only) before Judge William G. Young.

Counsel of record will receive a video conference invite at the email registered in CM/ECF. You will find access information here in the March issue.

Congressional Updates from the Alice Paul web site

The Equal Rights Amendments were introduced in the House and Senate during March—Women’s History Month. Representative Pressley’s Bill HJ Resolution 80 now has 215 co-sponsors, including Rep. Bobby Scott We still have three members –Adam Grey, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Henry Cuellar whose signatures are needed. Newly sworn in Rep. Adelita Grijalva (AZ) is expected to join the sponsors.

Senator Murkowski’s Bill SJ Resolution 38 and cosponsor, Senator Mazie Hirano, are working together to secure more members. The Senate bill is a companion bill to the House Resolution and the two bills share the same name: a joint resolution establishing the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

REMEMBER: ERA IS ALREADY THE LAW OF THE LAND.

Three Key Points to share:

1. The ERA as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is a formality, not something needed to make it valid. President Biden’s action confirmed what we already knew. The the amendment fully met all the constitutional requirements with Virginia’s ratification on January 27, 2020.
2. Time limits are arbitrary. The are not mentioned as part of the amending process in the Constitution.
3. The fight is now about Awareness and Education. We must ensure that people know the ERA is the law of the land, protecting people from gender-based discrimination in all aspects of life, from reproductive healthcare to workplace equality.

Keep sharing these statements and be positive!

Nancy Werner
Advocacy ERA Lead
2022-2026

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

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

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

Will We See YOUR Name in 2026?

The future of NFBPWC isn’t waiting. It’s being written by those of us who dare to lead, to serve, and to believe in the power of collective progress.

We take a moment to pause and celebrate the milestones, both great and small, that shaped our journey in 2025. But celebration is only half the story.

Let us look ahead with anticipation toward a future that calls for courage and new voices at the table. The question isn’t just what have we done, but who will rise next?

Will we see your name in nomination in 2026? Here is to stepping forward together.

Wishing you joy, peace, and happiness. May your days be filled with warmth and cheer.

ANGIE JACKSON-WILSON
Nominations Chair

December Reflection

As the year is coming to an end, the Lifelong Leadership & Learning (L3) Committee invites all NFBPWC members and friends into a moment of reflection, gratitude, and forward vision. This season reminds us to pause, celebrate all that we’ve accomplished, and anticipate the impact we are preparing to create.

Celebrating our Growth & our Community

This year, L3 delivered leadership trainings, skill-building workshops, and intergenerational conversations that strengthened confidence,

reinforced capability, and built connections nationally and internationally. We honor every woman who showed up to learn, lead, and support our collective growth. Your participation and feedback motivate us to continue the work within our committee.

Anticipate A Bold 2026 Ahead

The year ahead will bring new leadership modules, expanded mentorship opportunities, interactive learning circles and deeper collaboration across committees, clubs, federations, and affiliates, as well as other leadership and learning organizations.

L3 remains committed to equipping women at every stage of their journey with tools to rise, lead, and create lasting impact.

A Season of Purpose

As we celebrate the progress made, we also anticipate the future we will step into together, carrying forward the lessons, momentum, and shared purpose that have shaped our journey this year.

May the holidays bring you gratitude, clarity, and renewed purpose — and may 2026 find each of us ready to grow and for more information about the L3 program, visit the NFBPWC website or email L3chair@nfbpwc.org

Nicole Mpouli
Lifelong Leadership & Learning Chair
2025-2026

L3 Salutes Nancy Werner

Our national president calls her “Sparkles”. If you know Nancy, you will understand why.

The Lifelong Leadership & Learning (L3) Committee is proud to highlight one of NFBPWC’s most dedicated and longstanding members, Nancy Werner, a woman whose commitment to service, education, and advocacy embodies the spirit of our organization.

Nancy’s BPW journey began at a very young age, and she’s been a member for 54 years!

Her early passion for empowering women evolved alongside a fulfilling 35-year career in education, where she influenced generations of learners with her love of knowledge and her deep belief in opportunity.

In 2018, Nancy transitioned into her family’s business, Ironton Telephone/ Global Company, where she serves as the board’s recording secretary and treasurer. Her leadership, attention to detail, and steady presence continue to strengthen the foundation of the company, just as they do within BPW.

Her contributions to NFBPWC are both extensive and inspiring. Nancy served as NFBPWC Vice President of Advocacy (2018 –2020), championing policy awareness, civic engagement, and the advancement of women’s rights. She is also a charter member of the PA Affiliate Chapter, established in 2012, where she continues to serve today as recording secretary.

Most importantly to us, Nancy joined the Individual Development program in 2005 which evolved into what we know today as the L3 program. Her commitment to her local group and to national initiatives reflects a deep passion for service that spans decades.

Beyond her professional achievements, Nancy’s life is rooted in family. She has been married to her husband Fred for 54 years, and together they are the proud parents of two children who now reside in Massachusetts with their five grandchildren. Nancy makes her home in East Greenville, Pennsylvania, nestled northwest of Philadelphia — a community she loves and continues to support.

Nancy Werner represents the essence of BPW: leadership, longevity, purpose, and heart. We celebrate her dedication, her service, and the powerful example she sets for women across generations.

Nancy’s favorite color is pink. Could you tell?

Notes from the chair:

Happy Holidays to anyone who celebrates or does not celebrate. My gift to the committee members is another month of rest with committee business being handled via email. We will be starting our meetings back up in January, with a few surprises to come to make the committee even better. In the meantime, remember your own self-care and self-love by making your doctor’s appointments, getting some rest, and enjoying your time with your family and friends.

A Nutrient-Packed Spin on Basic Avocado Toast:

Want to add avocados to your diet, but tired of the same approach? This is a creamy, fiber-rich twist on your classic avocado toast.

The combination of avocado and beans delivers healthy monounsaturated fats and soluble fiber, two nutrients proven to help lower LDL cholesterol. It’s also satisfying, inexpensive, and easy to customize with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Plus, even if you don’t like beans, it’s unlikely that you’ll taste them, meaning you get all the nutritional benefits hidden in an enjoyable meal.

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 1 ripe avocado

• ½ cup canned white beans (rinsed and drained)

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Pinch of salt and pepper

• Red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil

• 2 slices whole-grain or sourdough bread

• Optional: poached egg

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mash the avocado and white beans together with lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth but slightly chunky.

2. Toast your bread until golden.

3. Spread the avocado-bean mixture on each slice.

4. Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a light drizzle of olive oil.

5. Optional: if you want a little extra protein, you can poach an egg and add to the top of the toast.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/22zemjeh

“Saving medicine to save lives”

Each year, $11 billion worth of unopened, unexpired prescription medication is thrown away — but one organization is working to redistribute it to low-income communities in the US instead. Sirum, a nonprofit social enterprise, makes individuals and organizations aware of what they can donate and disperses unused medicine to those who need it most. “Getting medications to the millions of people who need it to live a healthy life, saving medicine to save lives — that is something we can do today,” said co-founder Kiah Williams in a 2020 TEDTalk video.

Sources:

https://tinyurl.com/mrx83re5

https://tinyurl.com/ycxcf7b4

Other articles related to the theme of Celebrate and Anticipate:

Guilty of Ageism Toward Yourself? Why You Should Stop Saying “I’m Too Old” https://tinyurl.com/4y84ft4n

Mental health, money, and modern life: The pressures squeezing women and how they're re-thinking well-being https:// tinyurl.com/yjsz7th5

Why it's good to be nostalgic: Study suggests you may have more close friends https://www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2025/03/250313130819.htm

Susan Oser
Health Chair

The theme this month is Celebrate and Anticipate. This pairing honors what has been, while looking forward to what will be.

So, I would like to Celebrate all of those you supported our Absent Tea Fundraiser. Your support to help continue the work of our organization is greatly appreciated. We don’t have the final figures as to how much was raised, but I should be able to report it next month. And if you did not have the opportunity to make a donation during the event, we will happily accept your donation at any time.

This is the first time we have done this, and it was wonderful to see the support. We also had a lovely evening get-together. We discussed tea, wine, and various other things.

I would also like to Anticipate looking forward to what we will accomplish next year. We are working on developing next year’s budget for presentation at the January 2026 Board of Directors meeting.

But we also want to Anticipate all the victories that will move us forward as am organization next year and beyond.

Happy holidays to all!

Sandy Thompson
Finance Chair

As 2025 Draws to a Close...

Let us take a moment to celebrate our accomplishments, however small they may seem. In a year marked by both challenge and change, we have stood together. Each step forward has contributed to the strength and spirit of NFBPWC. As we look ahead, may we carry this momentum into 2026 with renewed purpose and unwavering hope. A brighter future is not only possible, it is already taking shape through our collective action.

Angie Jackson-Wilson
Bylaws and Resolutions Chair

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

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

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

Leadership & the Value of Competitive Elections

Leadership within NFBPWC isn’t reserved for the loudest voice in the room, it’s built by those willing to serve, listen, and shape the future. Running for a leadership position is more than a personal milestone; it’s a commitment to our mission, a chance to influence direction, and a powerful way to ensure that diverse voices are heard at every level of our organization.

Whether you're a seasoned member or just beginning your professional journey, stepping into leadership, or nominating someone who inspires you, is a vital act of advocacy. The nomination process is straightforward but deeply meaningful. Members may nominate others or self- nominate by submitting a name, a brief statement of qualifications, and a willingness to serve. Transparency is key: nominations are shared openly and have clear deadlines and criteria, so every candidate has equal footing.

Competitive elections are not about rivalry, they’re about choice. They energize our Federation, spark dialogue, and invite fresh perspectives. When multiple candidates run, members are empowered   to evaluate platforms, ask questions, and vote with

intention. This process fosters accountability, encourages innovation, and ensures that leadership reflects the evolving needs of our community.

Too often, potential leaders hesitate, waiting to be tapped on the shoulder or not wanting to run against a colleague or friend. Let’s change that. Let’s normalize self- nomination, celebrate courage, and create a culture where running for office is seen as an act of service, not self- promotion. Competitive elections should be the norm, not the exception, because when more people run, more people engage, and NFBPWC thrives. 

So, if you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I could…” this is your sign: You absolutely can. And your voice matters.

ANGIE JACKSON-WILSON
Nominations Chair
2024-2026