LGBTQ+ TEAMSTERS
FALL 2023 PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
President’s Message
Chris Fuentes, President Teamsters LGBTQ+ Caucus
The Teamsters LGBTQ+ Caucus is on a roll! This past year we have seen so many Teamster firsts;
• First Officially recognized Teamster participation in PRIDE events, from coast to coast.
• First Human Rights & Diversity Director Anthony Rosa LU-202 and Asst. Dir. Ruben Torres LU-237 flew to LA, presented 2 checks, helped build the float, distributed First ever
HRDC PRIDE T-shirts and marched!
• Second year Western SVP, MPTV Division Director Lindsay Dougherty LU-399 marched in LA PRIDE, Lindsay and as GST of LU-399, provided financial support for LA and ABQ PRIDE events.
• First recognition by national HRDC leadership of International Transgender Day of Visibility.
• First time HRDC designated the month of June as “PRIDE MONTH” [ Director Anthony Rosa]
• Appointment of our first Transgender Board members and First Transgender Acton Commitee.
• First Regional representation on the Board of Directors, making the Teamsters LGBTQ+ Caucus truly national, [soon to be international: Canada and Puerto Rico].
• New website, linked directly to Teamsters National website under the HRDC Division.
• First advanced Social Media coordination and cross platform presence.
• First Official support and recognition by our national leadership, General President Sean M. O’Brien has also advocated full support for the LGBTQ+ Caucus from divisional Directors: Fierce Leadership.
There are so many additional advancements in the works. I would first like to recognize our Regional Directors; Northeast Director, Kim Vargas LU 1150, Southeast Director and Treasurer, Evette Avery LU 728, Midwest Director, Elbe Leib LU 135, Southwest Director, Doraifay Estrada, LU 399, Political Director, Andrew Rivas, LU 533. We are looking for a Northwest Director, if you would like to step up and help lead our caucus into the future, please contact us with a letter of introduction: teamsterslgbtqcaucus@gmail.com
We are organizing the first ever LGBTQ+ ‘Spirit of Equality Awards’ [Working Title] to recognize leaders who have advanced Solidarity, Equality and Respect for LGBTQ+ workers and our community at large. Recipients to be nominated and voted on by our membership, Union Leaders, Political Leaders, Corporate Leaders, Trailblazers and Special Recognition Awards of Merit. Our plans for this event are in the works – we’ll keep you posted. Check our website, follow/like us on; Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, email us at: teamsterslgbtqcaucus@gmail.com
Our plans for a summer 2024 conference and LGBT Labor Rally in Washington DC are taking shape, we encourage your support and input, if you have ideas or would like to volunteer, please reach out, step up, we need everyone’s help if we are to realize our ambitious progressive agenda.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the Teamsters LGBTQ+ Caucus, please tell a friend and encourage your allies to join our caucus, it’s easy with our one-stop online membership registration.
In Unity, With Gratitude and Respect,
Chris Fuentes