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 2023

Accurate 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 2022

For 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