Page 12 - Work Force November 2023

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‘Representation matters:’ Caucus highlights need for allies, awareness
From left to right, LGBT Committee Chair Chantalise DeMarco listens LGBT Committee Member Robert Schweit speaks at the podium.
CSEA LGBT Committee member Valarie Massulik discusses important issues during the LGBTQ Caucus.
12 The Work Force
November 2023
BUFFALO — A crowded room can
states where legislation has been
be a source of frustration at many
proposed, but unlike other states, it conferences, but for those organizing
has stalled in our state’s legislature. our union’s annual LGBTQ Caucus at
In 2022, there were 174 anti-trans this year’s Annual Delegates Meeting,
bills introduced in state legislatures it was a sign of progress.
across the United States, 26 of which Not only were members of the
were signed into law in 13 states. LGBTQ+ community represented, the
While calculations for 2023 are
room was also packed with
not final, Wilke noted that the
l
e
g
allies who were there
l
e
g
number of anti-trans bills
to support the CSEA
M
introduced in the U.S. members belonging
this year has seen a
to that community.
tremendous increase. The LGBTQ Caucus
The common point is an annual
made by a number of gathering that has
committee members grown steadily
was that these attacks since its inception.
underscore the need “Even though you
to show compassion. may not be a member
b
e
DeMarco noted that
of this constituency
o
,
there is a higher-than- group, it’s about the
average rate of suicide in the o
representation,” said CSEA
trans community.
,
Statewide LGBT Committee Chair
Committee members noted Chantalise DeMarco. “Representation
that there may be ways on the job matters.”
that we can show compassion and The strong attendance allowed
act as allies. One activist noted many CSEA activists to hear a
that they helped a colleague who timely and important update from
ran into hurdles while trying to
CSEA Senior Counsel Eric Wilke,
complete a name change with the staff advisor to the statewide LGBT
state Department of Motor Vehicles. Committee, regarding attacks on the
CSEA-represented colleagues were transgender rights being carried out
able to assist with the process and via proposed legislation in a number
the situation has been used as an
of states. New York is one of those
example of how the DMV can better
assist individuals going through this process, the activist noted.
With discussion about issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community complicated by the circulation of inaccurate information, longtime committee member Bess Watts noted that it’s important that people seeking to learn more about issues lean on trusted, reliable sources. Watts recommended local Pride
at Work chapters, the nonprofit Human Rights Campaign, and a book called “The Savvy Ally: A Guide
for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate,” by Jeannie Gainsburg. DeMarco noted that statewide LGBT Committee members are open to feedback on how they may better assist people in our union struggling with related issues.
DeMarco added that in the Central
LGBT Committee Member Ashley Holt discusses important issues.
From left to right, CSEA LGBT Committee member Bess Watts discusses important issues, as Committee members Valarie Massulik and Livia Agosto listen.
State Education Depar tment (Albany)
Local 1st Vice President Tracy Snow makes a point during the caucus.
CSEA LGBT Committee Chair Chantalise DeMarco makes remarks during the LGBTQ Caucus.
Region, there were workshops offered to help members recognize the signs of someone dealing with suicidal thoughts. Furthering awareness is one way we can support fellow members of our union family.
“These are real-life issues,” said DeMarco.
— Jessica Ladlee