GLSEN IN THE NEWS
GLSEN is leading the national conversation on inclusive, affirming, and safe public education.
Now is our moment to defend democracy. Our nation is at an inflection point, and we must use our power at the ballot box to usher in champions of equality, education, truth, and democracy.”
— Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, GLSEN Executive Director Advocate, January 2023Accurate and inclusive lessons not only affirm LGBTQ+ students, but also give non-LGBTQ+ students clear information about the diverse world around them and help prepare all young people to navigate and contribute to a multicultural society.”
— Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, GLSEN Executive Director SPLC, Fall 2022For more than 30 years, GLSEN has been the leading national organization working to create safe, supportive and LGBTQ+inclusive K-12 schools and learning environments for all students.
We are proud of our recent accomplishments outlined in this impact report, but I want to share with you that right now, our work has become immeasurably harder.
With more than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced this year alone, there is a clear attempt to erase LGBTQ+ people, our history, and our lived experiences.
Now is the time to come together and Rise Up for LGBTQ+ youth.
They need us to stand with them, to help stem the tide of hate that is flowing.
They need us to take action on their behalf in the places they cannot, like the voting booth.
They need to know there is a community that supports LGBTQ+ young people in public ways.
In response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, GLSEN developed partnerships to make sure that over 70 million people saw LGBTQ+ supportive billboards across that state.
In response to books being banned, GLSEN started Rainbow Library where we send teachers and librarians LGBTQ+inclusive books — reaching millions across the country.
And now, as a community of advocates, educators, students, allies, and leaders, we all must Rise Up for LGBTQ+ Youth as a collective power.
When I was a student, visibly Black, and obviously, to most, queer, I didn’t always have the words to articulate my vision for the future, because I hadn’t seen what a future for people like me could be like.
Because of your support, I get to work with others to protect and build a future that includes all of us.
Thank you for all you do. You have been a part of our success in the past and we are grateful for you standing beside GLSEN and helping us succeed in the future.
In solidarity,
Melanie Willingham-Jaggers (they/she) GLSEN Executive Director
K YOU
THAN
YOUR SUPPORT IN ACTION
With your gift, together we can transform our nation’s K-12 schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve — one free from bullying and harassment.
GLSEN NAVIGATOR
GLSEN works at the federal, state, and local levels to advance intersectional equity for LGBTQ+ youth in K-12 education systems. The landscape of LGBTQ+ rights and policies differ state to state, and our interactive Navigator outlines which states and territories are most impacted by discriminatory learning environments.
NATIONAL STUDENT COUNCIL
Support GLSEN’s youth leadership and engagement program. Members of GLSEN’s National Student Council are high school students who dedicate their time, passion, and commitment to the safer schools mission while also elevating the voices of marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community.
FREEDOM FELLOWSHIP
Support GLSEN’s fellowship program. GLSEN’s Freedom Fellowship is intended for young adults ages 18 to 25 years old. Focusing on their geographical region, Freedom Fellows learn, organize, and mobilize chapters in support of GLSEN’s mission.
CHAPTER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Support GLSEN Chapter Leadership. With more than 40 GLSEN Chapters across the country, GLSEN’s Chapter Leadership Institute helps deepen our capacities for local organizing to build schools and communities that celebrate, serve and affirm all young people.
In honor of the over 2 million LGBTQ+ youth who exist in the United States, we rise up and engage affirming communities across the country to show 2 million displays of public support.
WHAT IS RISE UP?
1 The Rise Up Resolution. We are working with Members of Congress on the upcoming introduction of GLSEN’s Rise Up for LGBTQ+ Youth Congressional Resolution.
2 The Rise Up Pledge is for educators, parents, school staff, and allies across the country.
• I pledge to advocate for safe learning environments where young people, their teachers, and school staff are free from the violence of racism, transphobia, homophobia, sexism, ableism, and all forms of systemic oppression.
• I pledge to advocate for LGBTQ+ affirming books, resources, and curriculum in schools.
• I pledge to rise up against hateful anti-LGBTQ+ bills and rhetoric.
3 The Rise Up Merchandise. Whether it’s wearing a button or shirt, putting up a yard sign, or sharing a digital poster, we are creating symbols of hope that can spread the word far and wide to show we are here, and we will rise up for LGBTQ+ youth. Visit glsen.org/riseup today!
CRITICAL STATE SPECIFIC DATA
GLSEN’s latest state-specific data allows advocates, educators, administrators, and policymakers to evaluate school climate in their individual state, and to advocate for safer and more inclusive school environments for LGBTQ+ students across the nation.
• 97% of LGBTQ+ students in Texas heard homophobic remarks at school.
• More than 60% of LGBTQ+ students in Texas experienced verbal harassment.
• 35% of LGBTQ+ students were prevented from using their name or pronoun in their school.
View your state’s data today: maps.glsen.org
GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH
GLSEN’S NATIONAL SCHOOL CLIMATE SURVEY
GLSEN’s National School Climate Survey is the flagship report on the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in our nation’s schools. Policy makers, advocates, and activists across the country rely on the report’s findings to make the case for research-informed change — all the way from local school boards to the White House.
Our recent study shows that over the last two years:
• Students in schools with many supportive staff members reported feeling safer than those with fewer supportive staff.
• LGBTQ+ students in schools with a comprehensive anti-bullying/harassment policy were less likely to hear anti-LGBTQ+ remarks from peers and staff.
• LGBTQ+ students who have LGBTQ+-related school resources report better school experiences and academic success.
WAYS TO GIVE
Make a difference today. Your support helps schools and communities across the country reduce victimization of LGBTQ+ youth and sets the course for a safer, more equitable future.
ONE-TIME OR MONTHLY DONATION
Make a one-time contribution or a monthly recurring gift to help cultivate safe and supportive learning environments.
MAKE A MAJOR GIFT
For an annual contribution of $1,200 or more you can become a member of GLSEN’s Honor Society and help steward GLSEN’s vision and work towards creating safer schools for all.
FUNDRAISE FOR GLSEN
By fundraising for GLSEN on our peerto-peer platforms or your own personal giving page, you help ensure schools are safe and affirming places for students.
WILLS AND PLANNED GIVING
Remember GLSEN in your will, trust, or annuity by joining the Weiland Society.
HONORARY + MEMORIAL DONATION
Show your appreciation for the people in your life, mark a milestone, or commemorate the life and memory of a loved one.
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
Become a proactive corporate advocate for LGBTQ+ Students.
STAY IN THE LOOP!
For more GLSEN news, subscribe to our email newsletter at glsen.org and follow GLSEN on social media.
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