Women’s Commission report presented by Lisa Armstrong to the CPUSA National Committee meeting of July 12, 2026.

During Women’s History Month, we published a pamphlet titled Standing in Solidarity with Women and Queer People. We held an online panel discussion to raise awareness about the pamphlet called “Communist Women and LGBTQ+ Struggle in History and Today.” The video has nearly 650 views at this time. We have received positive feedback about the pamphlet, which was distributed during Pride Month — including at parades and festivals.

We are fighting an administration that uses the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Education to investigate a historically women’s college for not discriminating against trans women enough. The right wing is seeking to drum up attacks by cis women blaming trans women for their problems in myriad ways. As communists, we know these divisive tactics cannot be ignored. We strengthen the unity of the working class by respecting its multiplicity.

We are fighting an administration that dismantles diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in the government to tear down pivotal civil rights gains for women and men of color seeking union jobs with good benefits. In the military — a governmental institution the administration claims to revere — the reprisals against the advancement of people of color and women are changing its personnel entirely, as documented in the mainstream media. We are fighting an administration that has punished prominent Black women in leadership positions in our unions, government, and legal apparatus since its very first days in 2025.

As the midterms approach, we have two emphases: first, forming women’s committees within our clubs and districts; and second, amassing practical support for midterm election campaigns at the state and national level. We encourage YCLs, clubs, and districts to form women and LGBTQ+ committees. These committees provide a starting point to address any vestiges of sexism and misogyny that drag down our strength as a Party and the dignity of our members. They can build women’s leadership in clubs and districts, in their unions, and in their coalitions. They can foster a healthy environment that welcomes queer comrades and women of color into the Party.

Second, these committees can coordinate important coalitional campaigns in neighborhoods and states during the upcoming months before the midterm elections. In the 2024 elections, clubs and districts fought against anti-trans bills on the ballot and joined coalitions fighting for state constitutional amendments supporting reproductive health and abortion rights. In these upcoming elections, clubs and districts may decide to join pro-immigrant actions to denounce sexual violence against immigrant women in detention, or union struggles for equity and dignity on the job.

The Women’s Commission would like to hear about these campaigns as they develop in our clubs and districts. We plan to connect these local struggles and winning coalition methods across the country to better share activist knowledge among comrades. Currently, the Women’s Commission is gathering materials—including readings, lectures, research, and other resources—to support our political work locally and nationally

Image: Fred Barr / CPUSA