GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students. We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Our mission focuses on developing school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community.
GLSEN works locally through our 36 Chapters in 25 states to train 5,000 students, educators, and school personnel each year. Chapters also support more than 4,000 school-based clubs, commonly known as Gay-Straight Alliances. GLSEN has built a network of over 13,000 educators across the country. And our groundbreaking research project, GLSEN’s National School Climate Survey, which began in 1999, remains the nation’s only report on school climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) middle and high school students.
Honored by the White House as a “Champion of Change” and as one of the top three national LGBT nonprofits by Guidestar/Philanthropedia, GLSEN focuses its efforts on the support and opportunities provided by these four pillars:
SAFETY. Every school in the country should have an LGBT-inclusive anti-bullying policy, with school staff trained and prepared to enforce that policy.
RESPECT Elementary school curricula should reflect the reality of children with LGBT parents and convey an LGBT-inclusive message of respect for all; middle and high school social studies and history curricula should include information about LGBT people, history, and events.
HEALTH School counseling, and health supports and curricula, including physical education, should be accessible to all students regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
LEADERSHIP Leadership opportunities should be accessible to all students. We will continue to point to the growing body of accomplishment of GLSEN student alumni as they emerge as effective and engaged leaders. We welcome your continued support to ensure that every school is a place where every child learns to respect all people.
For more information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.