For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Today's Pride Month profile is Bess Watts.
Throughout her many years of service to the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), an affiliate of AFSCME, Bess Watts earned a reputation as a fighter and a strong voice for LGBTQ rights in Rochester, New York. She also fought for two decades to advance women's rights and the rights of working people. Watts began her career as an interlibrary loan specialist and senior clerk at Monroe Community College before working her way up to several leadership positions, including president of the Monroe County local of CSEA and as president of the Pride At Work Finger Lakes Chapter.