Hi John,

First off, I want to thank you all for such a warm welcome to this community 😊 I feel like we’re pen pals, and I am now committed to being both overly emotional and hugely invested in each one of you!

A few quick shout-outs:

• Nancy, I would love your pecan pie recipe. (I cannot bake, but my twin sister can, and she owes me for taking up too much womb real estate).
• Pat, it’s so nice to meet another overly emotional Pisces! (One day, we will take over the world—while softly sobbing).
• And Sandy, even though you’re an Aries with a Scorpio rising, I adored your reply. (I am a city girl, but maybe one day I can also become a country woman).

Okay, now that I’ve gabbed/gossiped, let’s get into it:

2022 Sucked. But We Didn’t! Not Even in the Slightest!

Pisces are known to be as melodramatic as whiny waves from a sappy sea.

But I think even the most commonsense Capricorn would agree that 2022 has been a tough—and often terrifying—year for gender justice.

I’m proud of how we handled it. But not at all surprised.

Because the National Women’s Law Center was built for this moment. For 50 years, we’ve given voice to women's rage—turning hurried whispers into desperate shouts, and finally, a rallying cry for justice and change.

2022 was no different.

You raised your voice alongside us, and together, we accomplished so much thanks to your continued support despite even the most catastrophic odds.

We invite you to read this personal message from our President and CEO, Fatima Goss Graves, reflecting on our wins from this past year.

Must-Do's:

• Call on legislators to pass the SAFER Act—which would finally restore civil rights’ protections in schools.
• Congress is deciding whether to fund (or cut) child care. Tell them to invest in families—before it’s too late.
• In 2023, we expect even more states to ban or severely restrict abortion. Your donation can help us fight back against attacks on our rights.

Must-Reads:

• LGBTQ+ rights are under unrelenting attack:
  • Right now, the Supreme Court is deciding whether businesses can discriminate against LGBTQ+ customers—using the B.S. excuse of “free speech.”
  • Another load of B.S.? A LGBTQ+ teacher was fired for posting about his engagement on Facebook.
  • And a trans student was kicked off her softball team. The reason? None, of course, except blatant bigotry. 
• The sexist and racist wage gap is robbing Latinas and Native women of over $1.1 million. How do we stop it from getting worse?
• Ever heard of “Hell Houses”? They’re spreading anti-abortion propaganda—and traumatizing children.
• The new contraband on college campuses? Emergency contraception.
• Two years after the COVID-19 crisis, women are resilient but not recovered. We won’t stop making noise until they are.

• You know when you get a Dum-Dum, and there’s a mystery flavor. That’s what this recommended read is. Could be cherry, could be fruit punch, but will be rewarding either way.

Frivolous Fun

I get insecure sometimes! (Remember, I’m a Pisces).

My self-esteem solution? Turning on Taylor Swift’s new song ✨Bejeweled✨ It may sound like a unicorn projectile vomiting… but it makes me feel like an overflowing bottle of champagne.

If you’re looking to lift your spirits too, why not also celebrate NWLC’s legacy and watch the incredible speeches from our 50th anniversary gala!

It’s the Holiday Season!

I’m feeling fun, festive, and frightened… as I brace myself for discussing gender justice with my less-than-just relatives. If you’re feeling the same, I might suggest hiding in the bathroom, or this feminist guide to fighting with your family.

Good luck in battle, and I sincerely hope you all have a restful and joyful holiday season.

I’ll catch you in the New Year 😊

Gemma Simoes Decarvalho
she/her/hers
Writer and Editor
National Women’s Law Center