GLSEN

GLSEN is a national organization dedicated to ensuring that K-12 schools are safe and inclusive for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Founded in 1990 by Kevin Jennings, GLSEN has worked tirelessly to promote LGBTQ+ rights and provide resources for LGBTQ+ youth, educators, and parents. GLSEN has collaborated with organizations such as the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, and Human Rights Campaign to advance its mission. GLSEN's work has been recognized by Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi, among other prominent politicians and advocates.

● History

GLSEN was founded in 1990 by Kevin Jennings, a teacher and activist who recognized the need for a national organization to address the issues faced by LGBTQ+ students in K-12 schools. In the early years, GLSEN focused on providing resources and support for LGBTQ+ educators and students, including the development of curriculum and professional development programs. GLSEN has worked with organizations such as the National Association of School Psychologists, American School Counselor Association, and National Association of Secondary School Principals to promote safe schools and inclusive education. GLSEN's history is closely tied to the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement, with key events such as the Stonewall riots, March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation, and Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act influencing its work. GLSEN has also been shaped by the work of LGBTQ+ activists such as Harvey Milk, Bayard Rustin, and Sylvia Rivera.

● Mission_and_Objectives

GLSEN's mission is to create a world where every K-12 school is a safe and inclusive place for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. GLSEN's objectives include providing resources and support for LGBTQ+ students, educators, and parents, as well as advocating for policies and practices that promote safe schools and inclusive education. GLSEN works closely with organizations such as the National Center for Transgender Equality, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, and PFLAG to advance its mission. GLSEN's work is guided by the principles of social justice, equity, and inclusion, and is informed by the work of educators and researchers such as Diane Ravitch, Jonathan Kozol, and Linda Darling-Hammond. GLSEN has also been influenced by the work of LGBTQ+ organizations such as the Trevor Project, GLAAD, and Lambda Legal.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

GLSEN offers a range of programs and initiatives to support LGBTQ+ students, educators, and parents. These include the GLSEN National Student Council, which provides a platform for LGBTQ+ students to take leadership roles and advocate for safe schools and inclusive education. GLSEN also offers professional development programs for educators, such as the GLSEN Safe Space Kit and the GLSEN Educator Resource Guide. Additionally, GLSEN provides resources and support for LGBTQ+ parents and families, including the GLSEN Family and Community Resources guide. GLSEN has partnered with organizations such as the National Association for Multicultural Education, Teach For America, and New Teacher Project to develop and implement its programs. GLSEN's programs have been recognized by organizations such as the American Educational Research Association, National Council of Teachers of English, and National Science Teachers Association.

● Research_and_Publications

GLSEN conducts research and publishes reports on issues related to LGBTQ+ students and safe schools. GLSEN's research has focused on topics such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ students, as well as the impact of inclusive curriculum and safe space policies on student outcomes. GLSEN has published reports such as the National School Climate Survey and the GLSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey, which provide data and analysis on the experiences of LGBTQ+ students in K-12 schools. GLSEN's research has been cited by organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health, and American Psychological Association. GLSEN has also collaborated with researchers and academics from institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Los Angeles to conduct its research.

● Chapters_and_Affiliates

GLSEN has a network of chapters and affiliates across the United States, which provide local support and resources for LGBTQ+ students, educators, and parents. GLSEN chapters and affiliates are located in states such as California, New York, Texas, and Florida, and are supported by organizations such as the California Teachers Association, New York State United Teachers, and Texas State Teachers Association. GLSEN chapters and affiliates work to promote safe schools and inclusive education in their local communities, and often partner with local organizations such as PFLAG chapters and LGBTQ+ community centers. GLSEN has also collaborated with national organizations such as the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, and Human Rights Campaign to support its chapters and affiliates.

● Awards_and_Recognition

GLSEN has received numerous awards and recognition for its work, including the National Education Association's Human and Civil Rights Award and the American Psychological Association's Award for Outstanding Contributions to Psychology. GLSEN has also been recognized by politicians such as Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi, who have praised the organization's efforts to promote safe schools and inclusive education. GLSEN has received funding and support from foundations such as the Gill Foundation, Arcus Foundation, and Ford Foundation, and has partnered with corporations such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple to advance its mission. GLSEN's work has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, and has been recognized by organizations such as the National Association of School Psychologists, American School Counselor Association, and National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Category:LGBTQ+ organizations