GLSEN Respect Awards NYC 2024 Program Journal – April 29, 2024

April 29, 2024

Gotham Hall

NEW YORK CITY

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

GRADUATE SPONSOR

SENIOR SPONSORS

JUNIOR SPONSORS

SOPHOMORE SPONSORS

FRESHMAN SPONSORS

Matthew Schaab

Christopher C. Strazzella

PARTNER SPONSORS

Pair Eyewear

Mateo Cruz, Ph.D.

Nickelodeon

As of 4/22/24

As we gather to celebrate The Respect Awards, we recognize that this occasion signifies more than an annual fundraising event. It’s a moment to honor the students, advocates, and corporate allies who embody GLSEN’s core values, striving to create a world where every student can learn and grow in environments free from bullying and harassment.

For over three decades, GLSEN has stood at the forefront of creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Today, our commitment remains unyielding, even in the face of increasingly hostile legislative challenges, with over 475 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced this year alone.

Despite the onslaught of hateful bill introductions, there’s a glimmer of hope: the collective efforts of advocates like you have prevented the majority of these discriminatory bills from becoming law.

With a network exceeding 2 million members, including students, families, educators, and advocates dedicated to fostering safe school environments, our impact extends far and wide. Through initiatives like GLSEN’s Rainbow Library, we have provided over 76,000 LGBTQ+ affirming books, reaching more than 6.1 million students.

By supporting GLSEN tonight, you’re not just raising funds; you’re raising hope.

Together, let’s serve as catalysts for change and work towards a world where every LGBTQ+ student can go to school and learn without fear of bullying, knowing they are valued and respected.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Melanie Willingham-Jaggers (they/she) GLSEN Executive Director

THANK YOU TO OUR HOST COMMITTEE

EVENT

CO --CHAIRS

Wilson Cruz

Imara Jones

Jon Tilli

HOST COMMITTEE

Joseph Carozza

Mateo Cruz, Ph.D.

Patrick Driscoll

Kaia Ferari-Muñoz

Avery Lipman

Monte Lipman

Stan Ponte

Matthew Schaab

Christopher C. Strazzella

Connect

WELCOME

Peppermint

Host

Via. L

GLSEN National Student Council

Imara Jones

GLSEN Board Vice Chair & Event Co-Chair

Jon Tilli

GLSEN Board Member & Event Co-Chair

MOVEMENT LEADER AWARD

Brad Baumoel

Presented by Anthony Rapp

Wilson Cruz

GLSEN Board Chair & Event Co-Chair

STUDENT ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Sophia T.

Eris R.

GLSEN National Student Council

Melanie Willingham-Jaggers

GLSEN Executive Director

Stan Ponte

Event Host Committee Member

Performance by

The Scarlet Opera

Nathaniel G.

GLSEN National Student Council

VISIBILITY AWARD

Republic Records

Presented by Billy Porter

Scar R.

GLSEN National Student Council

ADVOCATE AWARD

Marcia Gay Harden

Dessert Reception to Follow

PROGRAM

We are proud to support GLSEN!

HOST

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint’s star continues to rise thanks to her smashing success as the first out trans contestant to be cast on RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 9) where she finished as runner-up in one of the series’ mosttalked-about finales. Soon after, her talent led her to become the first trans woman to originate a principal musical role (Pythio) on Broadway in the hit Head Over Heels.

Recent projects include; recurring role in the 2023 Netflix series, Survival of the Thickest with comedian Michelle Buteau, guest starred in Hulu’s hit rom-com movie, “Fire Island” alongside Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang, Joel Kim Booster & Margaret Cho, co-starring in OUTtv’s “Call Me Mother” drag competition series, co-hosting Amazon Prime talk show “Translation,” guest starring in seasons one & two of Amazon’s “Harlem,” hosted (New York & San Francisco) and presented (Los Angeles) at the 2020 & 2022 GLAAD Media Awards, hosting/moderating Black Queer Town Hall and Town Hall podcast with co-creator Bob The Drag Queen, guest appearance on Ryan Murphy’s Emmy award winning series “Pose,” a recurring role on the CBS series “God Friended Me” and a guest role on the Fox scripted drama “Deputy.”

Peppermint, who is the ACLU’s first-ever Artist Ambassador for Trans Justice has raised six-figure sums for prominent LGBT rights groups, partnered with MAC Cosmetics’ “M.A.C. AIDS Fund” and is involved in the HIV Vaccine trials network. She partnered with RuPaul Drag Race Winner Sasha Velour for a college speaking tour that focused on the challenges faced by transgender and non-binary people in today’s political climate among various other topics. Peppermint takes every available opportunity to speak at universities and to various communities on the issues.

Peppermint was nominated for a 2022 GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Online Journalism category for her contribution to the Discovery+ “Legendary” series. Previous honors include: GLAAD Media Award nomination alongside Lady Gaga & Kehlani for Outstanding Music Artist (2021), “Best Songwriter” by World of Wonder’s Wowie Awards 2020, Conde Nast’s “Queeroes” award (2018), Variety’s prestigious “New Power of New York” list, and was named one of Out magazine’s “OUT100” portfolio of the most influential LGBTQ+ people of the year.

HONOREE

MARCIA

GAY HARDEN

Advocate Award

Academy Award-winning and Tony Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden has forged an incomparable body of work, and like a chameleon she transforms into each character she plays. Her critically lauded performances are myriad – from glamorous Ava Gardner in Sinatra, to artist Lee Krasner in Pollock (winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress), to the down-and-out Celeste in Mystic River (Oscar-nominated in the same category) – and her versatility has been praised in other films such as Miller’s Crossing, The First Wives Club, Meet Joe Black, Mona Lisa Smile, The Hoax and Used People. Harden stars opposite Skylar Astin in the hit CBS mother/son dramedy So Help Me Todd and will also be returning in her Emmy Award-nominated role on the critically acclaimed drama The Morning Show on Apple+ with Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.

Additional award winning and nominated TV performances include starring in the Netflix comedy series Uncoupled for which she was nominated for a 2022 Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series; a three-season run as Dr. Leanne Rorish in the CBS drama Code Black, for which she was nominated for a People’s Choice Award as Favorite Actress in a New TV Series; a 2009 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her role in The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler; and an Emmy nomination for her guest appearance on Law and Order: SVU in 2007.

Harden has chosen a life away from mainstream Hollywood, moving between independent and studio films, and between television and theatre. In 2011 she reprised the role she originated on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning play God of Carnage, earning a Best Actress Tony Award. She also received a Tony nomination for Angels in America (for which she won the Drama Desk and Theatre World Awards).

Harden is a longtime supporter of LGBTQ+ equality. She has become a fierce and vocal advocate for the community in the face of rising antiLGBTQ+ legislation across the country, which stems from her experience raising her three queer children. Her knowledge and experience from raising them is what drives her as an LGBTQ+ activist, which Harden “always will be.”

HONOREE

REPUBLIC RECORDS

Visibility Award

A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic Records has been recognized by Billboard as the industry’s #1 label over the last 10 years. It is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Anitta, Ariana Grande, Billy Porter, Conan Gray, Daddy Yankee, Drake, Eddie Vedder, Florence + the Machine, Glass Animals, Greta Van Fleet, Jack Johnson, James Bay, James Blake, Jimmy Fallon, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Kid Cudi, Kim Petras, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, Miranda Lambert, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Noah Kahan, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Shania Twain, Stephen Sanchez, Stevie Wonder, Swedish House Mafia, Tainy, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Twice, TXT, ZAYN and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Federal Films, HYBE, Imperial, JYP, Lava Records, Republic Records: Kids & Family, Republic Nashville, Universal Arabic Music, Uptown Records, Victor Victor, Wicked Money Family, XO, Young Money, among others. Additionally, Republic Records recently relaunched famed record label Mercury Records.

HONOREE

BRAD BAUMOEL

LGBTQ+ Advocate & Community Leader Movement Leader Award

Brad Baumoel has 35 years of financial industry & leadership experience. After graduating college, Brad joined Accenture. Then, in 1993, Brad joined JPMorgan Chase. For over 30 years, at JPMorgan Chase, Brad has led globally diverse teams and been responsible for large scale and transformative programs and businesses in Global Finance, Private Banking and Consumer & Community Banking.

Brad came out as a gay man at work 10 years into his professional career. Since 1998, Brad has led many aspects of JPMorgan Chase’s LGBTQ+ agenda. Brad was one of the first leaders of their PRIDE Business Resource Group and he’s held several other leadership roles such as in their LGBTQ+ Executive Forum and Global Technology LGBTQ+ Network. Externally, Brad helped launch and lead OPEN Finance, an external network of LGBTQ+ Financial Services leaders, driving equity and inclusion, across the Finance industry.

In 2021, Brad established and built-out JPMorgan Chase’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, a first of its kind business, where he’s now leading their unified, global team and strategy for LGBTQ+ employees, clients, businesses and communities.

HONOREE

SOPHIA T.

Student Advocate of the Year

Sophia is a senior at The Bryn Mawr School for Girls in Baltimore, MD and currently serves on the GLSEN Board as a state-wide youth representative. She has been engaged in the LGBTQ+ community as an activist who wants to help create inclusive and accessible spaces across all educational environments.

She is proud of her collaboration with the Johns Hopkins nonprofit “The Violet Project” to establish a sex education club at her school, where she implements gender inclusive language and curriculum and utilizes a peer to peer model of education. This club has successfully fundraised to donate menstrual hygiene products to Baltimore youth struggling with period poverty.

Sophia is committed to continuing her mission of inclusive and accessible education and resources for the LGBTQ+ community.

SPECIAL GUEST

BILLY PORTER

Billy Porter is a Grammy, Emmy, and 2x Tony Award winner. Porter began his music career in 1997 with the release of his self-titled (aka Untitled) debut album which spawned the Top 10 “Bubbling Under” single, “Show Me,” and the monster ballad, “Love Is On The Way,” which also appeared at the pivotal moment in the film, “First Wives Club.” He went on to release “At the Corner of Broadway + Soul” (2005), “Billy’s Back on Broadway” (2014), and “The Soul of Richard Rodgers” (2017) featuring Pentatonix, India.Arie, Leslie Odom Jr. and Cynthia Erivo, among others. Porter scored his first #1 with “Love Yourself” in 2019 on the US Dance Club Songs Chart. He followed that up with his 2020 reimagining of the legendary Buffalo Springfield anthem, “For What It’s Worth,” and a fierce collab with The Shapeshifters on “Finally Ready.” 2021 saw Porter covering Juliet Roberts club classic “Caught in The Middle” for Red Hot + Free, which supports underserved communities afflicted with HIV/AIDS. He was also enlisted by multiplatinum international superstar Jessie J for “I Want Love.” And he delivered a magical turn on Earth, Wind, and Fire’s iconic “Shining Star” as Fab G, the Fairy Godmuva, in the 2021 remake of “Cinderella.” Porter is a veteran of the theater (Miss Saigon, Angels in America, Grease), and a two time Tony(r) winner, including “Best Leading Actor in a Musical” for Kinky Boots in 2013 and “Best Musical” as a producer for A Strange Loop in 2022. He has also received a GRAMMY® for the Kinky Boots Official Soundtrack in the category of “Best Musical Theater Album” in 2014. Porter took home the EMMY(r) Award for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series” in 2019 for his work as Pray Tell on Pose, making history as being the first openly gay man to do so. Time Magazine named him one of the “100 Most Influential People” of 2020. Billy released his highly anticipated memoir, “Unprotected,” in October 2021. His directorial film debut, “Anything’s Possible,” dropped Summer 2022 to much acclaim. Billy returns to music, his first love, with the magnum opus The Black Mona Lisa out now. The album boasts the title track “Black Mona Lisa” and features fan favorite singles “Children,” “Baby Was A Dancer,” “Stranger Things,” “Fashion,” and “Broke A Sweat.”

SPECIAL GUEST

WILSON CRUZ

Board Chair

Award-winning Actor, Producer, Activist, “Actorvist,” and Humanitarian Wilson Cruz was recently named Board Chair of GLSEN, the nation’s largest organization championing LGBTQ+ issues in K-12 education. He appeared on the Netflix series THIRTEEN REASONS WHY and in Hulu’s 2020 GLAAD Award Winning original animated kids’ series THE BRAVEST KNIGHT. He is also the Executive Producer of the critically acclaimed docuseries, VISIBLE: OUT ON TELEVISION, on Apple TV+ which investigates the importance of TV as a medium that has shaped the American conscience, and how the LGBTQ movement has shaped television.

Receiving the Emery S. Hetrick Award from the Hetrick-Martin Institute for Outstanding Contributions to LGBTQ Youth, for his role as Rickie Vasquez on the ABC series MY SO CALLED LIFE, Wilson became the first openly Gay actor playing an openly Gay role on series television. He also starred as Angel in the West Coast premiere of the award-winning musical RENT which earned him both The Ovation and Drama League awards before his reprisal of the role on Broadway.

Cruz accepted GLAAD’s 2022 Vito Russo Award and the Make A Difference Award from the Matthew Shepard Foundation. He has also received the Rand Schrader Distinguished Achievement Award from the Los Angeles LGBTQ Center, the Liberty Award from Lambda Legal, the Visibilidad Award from GLAAD, the Fusion Achievement Award from Outfest, the Latino Spirit Award for Achievement in Entertainment and Advocacy from the California Latino Legislative Caucus, the Harvey Milk Equality Award, the Lincoln Aston Public Service Award, Aston-Brooks Award, and the Advocate Award from AdColor.

He previously served as the Director of Entertainment Industry Partnerships and National Spokesperson for GLAAD and devotes considerable time supporting other LBGTQ organizations and political allies.

Wilson is a first generation American of Puerto Rican descent.

GLSEN NATIONAL STUDENT COUNCIL SPEAKERS

ERIS R.

Pronouns: they/them, Alabama

Eris R. (they, them) is a Black nonbinary activist residing on Muscogee/Creek land, also known as Montgomery, Alabama. Their biggest passion is dedicating their life fighting for liberation and accessibility in all areas. They are the president of their high school Gender-Sexuality Alliance and heavily involved with other organizations surrounding Adolescent Reproductive Health. Most of their advocacy involves BIPOC liberation, LGBTQ+ Rights, Sexual Health, and the intersectionality of all three. They hope to spread their unique voice as a queer Christian advocate and empower young activists to initiate change in their communities. In moments of self care, you’ll find them listening to Beyoncé’s new album, collecting fidget toys, or styling the thrifted clothes in their wardrobe. After graduation Eris looks forward to continuing their activism as a sociology major at Wayne State University.

VIA L.

Pronouns: she/her, Florida

Via L. (she, her), a Jewish lesbian high school senior, currently lives on the land of the Calusa people, known today as Naples, FL. Via is motivated by passions for literature and social justice. Driven by a curiosity about the current state of Florida’s commitment to diversity in schools, she has been working on a two-year research project studying inclusivity and intersectionality in Florida elementary school literature—a project that she is continuing with the goal of journal publication. She is also a youth leader in her local chapter of the GLSEN organization. She recently spoke as a panelist on a webinar from the Anti-Defamation League entitled “A Resurgence of Censorship: Understanding Book Banning in the South.” She also lectured at a 2022 GLSEN conference with a presentation entitled “Forbidden Queer Lit: A History of LGBTQ+ Fiction.” At her own school, she helps run the human rights and political advocacy group (Prism Club), Banned Book Club, and Psychology Club. Via also is the Diversity, Inclusivity, and Equality Coordinator for her school’s Ambassador program, works as an editor for the school literary magazine, and participates in several honor societies.

GLSEN NATIONAL STUDENT COUNCIL SPEAKERS

SCAR R.

Pronouns: he/they, Idaho

Scar R. is a trans-masc non-binary advocate living in a small conservative town on Shoshone Bannock land in Idaho. Their advocacy focuses predominantly on LGBTQ+ issues, working with the ACLU of Idaho’s LGBTQ+ working group, refounding their school’s GSA, holding teacher workshops about LGBTQ+ issues, and leading several LGBTQ+ protests/rallies. They also bounce into the areas of other political advocacy. They currently work for the Idaho Democrats as a Fall Campus Fellow and are running several initiatives to stop book bans in Idaho. Their passion for advocacy comes from experiencing oppression and witnessing the suppression of minority voices first hand through living in a strongly conservative community. In their free time, Scar engages in photography, film, and graphic design. These passions have led to many achievements, most notably getting 10th in the Adobe National Championships. They hope to utilize these artistic skills to lift up underprivileged communities not only in Idaho but nationally as well. Scar hopes to pursue a career where they can intertwine their identity, their advocacy, and their art for the betterment of society.

NATHANIEL G.

Pronouns: he/him, Arizona

Nate G. is a 17-year-old youth activist and high school senior from Phoenix, Arizona. He lives and advocates on the traditional lands of the O’odham Jewed and Hohokam people who have stewarded it for generations. His activism is fueled by the belief that everyone deserves to be welcomed and included, driving his passions for youth entrepreneurship, creative writing, education policy, and civic engagement. He holds roles in various local and national organizations, such as Director of The Cactus Flower Initiative for Youth Entrepreneurship, Maricopa County Youth Poet Laureate, Intern for The Borgen Project and Turn Up Activism, Education Commissioner of the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission, Civic Innovator Fellow for Civics Unplugged, and as a member of GLSEN’s National Student Council. In his free time, Nathaniel can be found reading or writing poetry, exploring Wikipedia, baking, and creating Spotify playlists featuring artists like Mac Miller, Lana del Ray, and boygenius. He plans to study business, public policy, and creative writing in college, and aims to publish a poetry book and to research the impact of youth entrepreneurship on economic mobility in disadvantaged communities.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE

THE SCARLET OPERA

Fusing the grandeur of the theatre with the raw energy of rock and roll, The Scarlet Opera – a five piece band hailing from Los Angeles – offers an escape into the throes of love, lust, glamour, and passion. Formed as ‘Perta’ in 2016 and reborn in 2022, The Scarlet Opera is led by lyricist and frontman Luka Bazulka, whose authentic narrative and vocal prowess are matched only by the musical talents of band members Colin Kenrick [keyboard], Daniel Zuker [bass], Justin Siegal [drums], and Chance Taylor [guitar]. The band’s origins are tied to one fateful night when Colin, upon witnessing Luka perform an inspiring solo vocal set, enlisted long time friends and seasoned musicians Daniel, Chance, and Justin to provide a new dimension to what was already brimming with potential. Word of packed venues and a captivating live show soon drew the attention of SB Projects and Republic Records, who turned to hit songwriter and producer David Stewart [BTS, Jonas Brothers] to collaborate, inspire, and further ignite an already growing fire. With the release of their debut EP Comedy, latest single “That Kind Of Woman”, and more music and tour dates on the way for 2024, The Scarlet Opera is poised to make their mark.

SPECIAL GUEST

ANTHONY RAPP

Anthony Rapp has been acting professionally since he was nine years old, and has been a proud, publicly out activist for more than 30 years. He is best known for originating the role of Mark in Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning RENT, and for appearing as Star Trek ’s first openly gay officer, Commander Paul Stamets, on Trek Discovery. He has performed many other roles in theatre, film, and television, but his proudest work these days is being the proud father, with his husband Ken Ithiphol, of two wonderful sons, Rai and Keony.

GUEST DJ

BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT

Bright Light Bright Light is a Wales-born artist, producer, composer and DJ, currently based in NYC. He is known for notably being the first – and to date, only – unsigned artist to perform on Graham Norton’s BBC One TV show, for opening for Cher on her world tour, regular tea dance events around NYC, and a slew of colorful and infectious pop collaborations, production credits, and/or touring slots alongside Elton John, Jake Shears, Andy Bell, Ellie Goulding, Sam Sparro, Jujubee, Initial Talk, and many more. Over the years his music has been heralded by the likes of Billboard, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Paper Magazine, USA Today, The Line of Best Fit, The Guardian and more. On TikTok and Instagram, his mashups have won him a legion of fans, where his encyclopedic musical brain weaves songs of all genres in and out of each other.

PAST BOARD MEMBERS

Through their willingness to serve on GLSEN’s National Board of Directors, the following individuals have advanced GLSEN’s critical mission over the past three decades. We express our sincerest gratitude to these passionate ambassadors for their service to our organization and to the LGBTQ+ youth across the nation. They have truly left a lasting legacy that will continue to impact our community.

Adam Okoye

Aidan Grennell

Alberto Rojas

Andrew Graham

Ann Acrey

Ann Simon

Anne Gable

Anthony Collerton

Anthony Tenicela

Arthur Coleman

Ashleigh Pfriem

Barbara A. Frankel

Beth Applegate

Betty Lark Ross

Betty Lark Ross

Blake T. Franklin, Esq.

Bob Chase

Brenda Freiberg

Brett Peterson

Brian Graden

Carlos Saavedra

Casey Hoke

Cathy Tanelli

Charles E. Todd

Chip Sullivan

Christie Hardwick Vianson

Christine Landon

Christopher Shyer

Claire Zeppieri

Constance Boland

Courtney Snowden

Cynthia Armine

Daniel Duty

David Huebner

David Melancon

David Silva

David Waterbury

David H. Dancer

De Palazzo Tamayo

Deann Sweeper

Deborah Dagit

Deborah J. Keating

Debra Esparza

Dick Barbieri

Dominique Morgan

Donna Crocker

Ed Pierce

Elizabeth Ann Stribling-Kivlan

Elliott K. Fukui

Eric Nilson

Erik Stegman

Erika Karp

Ernest B Van Seasholes

F. Bennett Cushman

Name

Frieda K. Takamura

Gail Lopes

Grant F. Peterson

Harvey Makadon

Jackie Duncan

James Johnson

Jane Harper

Janeane Vigliotti

Jascie Williams

Jeffrey C. Quinn

Jessica Toste

Jim Fielding

Joan Countryman

Joanne E. McCree

John I. Wilson

Jon Buchmeyer

Jordan Karp

Joseph McCormack

Joseph C. Steffan

Joshua Lamont

Joyce Koons

Judy Corman

Karen E. Brown

Katharine Boraz

Kathryn Rafter

Kathy Fleming

Keith Powell

Kevin Boyer

Kevin Brockman

Kim Reed

Kirk Bell

Kudzi Chikumbu

Kyra Sedgwick

Larry Miller

Leif Mitchell

Leslie C. Brtek

Linda Bagley

Loan Tran

Lou Alexander

Louis Thomas

LZ Granderson

Madelaine Adelman

Martin Pfeiffer

Martin Seldman, Ph.D.

Mary Bonauto

Mary Gentile

Mary Jane Karger

Matthew Stuczynski

Michael Balaban

Michael Lombardo

Michael Manthei

Michel Mercure

Michele Green, Esq.

Michele C. Meyer, Esq.

Michelle Scales

Mitch Heller

Nancy Daby

Nathan Triplett

Nydia Sahagún

Pamela and Paul Ness

Patricia Evert

Patricia A. Pollok

Patricia Warren

Patrick Moran

Paul Cothran

Paul Ness

Philip Lovejoy

Raquel Seidel

Rebekah Robinson

Reid Williams

Ric Weiland

Richard Nicholas

Rick Gomez

Rick Moran

Rob Saltzman

Robbie Rogers

Robby Gregg

Robert Chlebowski

Robert Sanborn

Rocío Inclán

Rohini Anand

Ryan A. Pedlow

Sean Adcroft

Jared Nayfack

Sirdeaner L. Walker

Steve Epstein

Steve Salee

Steven Fuchs

Steven Kohlhagen

Steven Person

Stuart Harrison

Susan Karlin

Susan J. Webb

Talia A. Stein

Thomas D. Kraemer, Ph.D.

Timothy A. A. Stiles

Todd Spiewak

William Durant-Emmons

Yashar Hedayat

Zita Arocha-Smith •

HONOR SOCIETY

Summa Cum Laude ($50,000-$249,999)

John H. Simonds* and Dan Swilley

Kevin Brockman and Dan Berendsen

Tides Foundation

Donald Abram Miller*

GEMS Foundation

Magna Cum Laude ($25,000-$49,999)

Joseph L. Arena and Dr. Thomas D’Eletto

Robert Greenblatt

Eugene Kapaloski

Noah Roskin-Frazee

Ted Snowdon and Duffy Violante

The Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation

Senior ($10,000-$24,999)

Anonymous

Andrew Bly

Jerry E. Magar, Jr.

Dean Pitchford and Michael Mealiffe

David and Meredith Rusoff

Barbara Webster

Esta Rose Fund

The Sank Family Foundation Inc.

Wilson Cruz

David Lapham and Clark Mitchell

Annette Bening

Matthew Schaab and Joe Pinto

Junior ($5,000-$9,999)

Anonymous

Christopher Elmore

Ronald Ansin* and Jim Stork

*Deceased

David Colley

Kaia Ferari

Michael and Susan Gelman

Matthew Gromada

Addie Guttag

Luke Hall

Mr. David Hish and Mr. Adam Keplinger

Brent Joseph

Diving for Life

Mr. Curtis L. Pendergrass

Stan Ponte

Elizabeth Stribling-Kivlan and Rebecca Cleary

Marjorie and Joseph Walsh

Dolotta Family Charitable Foundation

Marcy Shaffer and R. Russell Meyer*

Ms. Alison Smith

Erik Gensler

Barbara Gittings*

David Johns

Tim Kilbourn

Wesley McDonald

Ken Prag

Pritchard Foundation

Jonnie Sproul

George C. Brafford*

Sophomore ($2,500-$4,999)

Anonymous

Jennifer Antin

Chely and Lauren Blitzer-Wright

Daniel Grooms

James McNamara and Francisco Laguna

The Rainbow Library is a GLSEN program fighting book bans that sends LGBTQ+ affirming text sets to schools across the country — for free.

Any full-time staff member at a K-12 school in a participating state or county is welcome to request a Rainbow Library. All types of K-12 schools are eligible: district, magnet, charter, and independent. Each school that applies will be eligible for one Rainbow Library text set, and sets are provided on a first-come, first served basis. Throughout the event, you will see titles from the Rainbow Library program on display.

Over 6,700 schools in 33 states participate in GLSEN’s Rainbow Library, reaching over 6.1 million students!

For more information or to support GLSEN’s Rainbow Library Program, scan here:

HONOR SOCIETY (CONT’D)

Idina Menzel

Carlo Steinman

Talia A. Stein

Todd Tiemann

Kevin Williamson

The Mo and Cher Willems Foundation

David Clancy

Sherry Cola

Noah Cyrus

Ulysses De Santi

Margo Dichtelmiller

Tiyale Hayes

Peter C. Miller

Andrew Pickering

Daniel Pitout

Brett Ratner

The Little Lebowski Urban Achievers Fund

Elliott Zivin and David Tisdale

WMDLLC

Ruth and David Waterbury

Freshman ($1,200-$2,499)

Anonymous

Lorrin Brown

Amy Astley and Mimi Snow

Mr. Neil E. Beecher

Kathleen Behrens

Daniel Burnstein and Martin Martinez

Lawrence Cacciatore

Penny and Bruce Castleman

Chris Ciompi

David Clancy

Leslie C. Brtek and Cathi Lamberti

Dr. John R. Cook*

Brendan Culligan

Ms. Allison S. Dendy

Robert P. Denny

Philip Diamond

Mark Dukes

Griff Field

Michelle Fredstrom

D. Grant Gilbert

Mr. Bruce Gillispie

Lisa Graustein

Adam Harpool

Anthony O. Heilbut

Sara Hill

James Hoffman

David Hogan

David and Vicki Huebner

Michael Hughes and Marty Fung

Paul and Chris Irwin-Dudek

Joshua Kempner

Steven and Gale Kohlhagen

Lisa Kohn

David Lehn

Carol Leister

Kristen LoPrell

Kelsey Louie

Frank Loulan and Richard Pearce-Moses

Trish McAleer and Rob Baynes

Michael L. Miller

Timothy J. Moshier

Leslie W. O’Loughlin

HONOR SOCIETY (CONT’D)

Susan and Curt Parnes

Dan Peternell

Milo Pinkerton and Virgil Taus

Robert E. Putney, III

Edward H. Richard

Paul Rosenfeld

Eileen Ryan

Sheila and David Schiferl

Miriam Sexton

Mr. Benjamin Short

David Silva

Mr. Ben Stein

Geoffrey W. Tuba

Judy K. Underwood, Ph.D.

Melvyn Vader and Robert Henderson

Wayne Welch

Dr. Peter J. Welch

Karsonya Wise

Wayne J. Zahner

Hitter Family Foundation

The Wheeler Family Fund

Tino Chow

Willis Emmons and Azch Durant-Emmons

Nancy Hamilton

Wayne Hempe

Abraham Higginbotham and Steven Petrarca

Winnie Holzman-Dooley

Alana Huszar

Joyce Koons

Kelly Lake

Christopher Linn and Jose Montalvo

Keith McNutt

Amita Mehta

Jordon Moblo

Alan Pilest

Keith Powell and Kevin Martin

Jon Pollock

Samuel Ramsey

Jennifer Rhorer

Tracey Russell

Scott Shapiro

Philip Siebert*

Michael Thayer

Theberge Family Fund

Russell Vance

Daniel Verdeja

Edgar Villanueva

Tiffany Williams •

WEILAND SOCIETY

The Weiland Society was established to recognize individuals who have created gifts to GLSEN through tax-wise planned giving. Gifts made by Weiland Society members enable GLSEN to plan long-term for the programs, activities, and advocacy that will help us realize our vision of ending anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and harassment and providing a safe school and learning climate for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Anonymous (6)

Joseph L. Arena and Dr. Thomas D’Eletto

Howard Auerbach and Andy Baker

Julian T. Baker*

Michael D. Balaban

William J. Barnise*

Edward Becker

Kevin Beer and Gregory Cason

Richard Bennett and Jeffrey Berns

Stephanie K. Blackwood

Chely and Lauren Blitzer-Wright

Constance Boland and Gary Cutler

Robert Bole and Artenzio Diorio

Bryan Bridges and Dotan Limon

Martin Brook and Eileen MacMillan

Matthew Brown

Robert M. Browne*

Leslie Brtek and Cathi Lamberti

Marvin Burke and Wallace Hutchins

Eliza Byard and Eva Kolodner

David Carney

Frank D. Carson

Rhonda Chattin

Michael B. Collins*

John Cook* and Waverly Cole*

*Deceased

John Cooke*

Marilyn Copeland

Douglas E. Cowan

Steve Crowston

Robert W. Davidson

Richard A. Davis

Richard C. de Long

Don S. Disner

Harry Drasin

Michael F. Driscoll*

Zach and William Durant-Emmons

Robert G. Egge

Cristy F. Elkins

Maia Ettinger and Donna Daniels

Patricia M. Evert

Elaine Phyllis Fine*

Family of Charles Fishburn*

Susan L. Foulds

Vincent Gambino*

Mary Gentile and Mary Jacobsen

Denis Gerdes and Charles Gerretson

Barbara Gittings*

Thomas Gladwell and Andrew Reynolds

William Gootee and James Golob

Brian Graden

WEILAND SOCIETY (CONT’D)

Dane Grams

Allen Greenstein*

Roger S. Haase

John Hannigan

Christie Hardwick and Jane Harper

Bern Hartman

Leonard Helfrich

Mitchell Heller and Jim Morrison

Harold Bryan Hill*

Rand Hoch

James G. Hoffman

John R. Hoffman

John Neral and Richard Huffine

Paul and Chris Irwin-Dudek

Kevin Jennings and Jeff Davis

Robert Wilson Johns*

Calvin Johnson*

Richard Kagan

Arnold Kantrowitz*’

Fred S. Karger

Mary Jane and Tom Karger

John P. Kefferstan

Mark Kennedy*

Jon Kiehnau

Herb King*

David W. Knapp*

Danielle F. Knight

Joyce Koons

Thomas Kraemer and J. Adam Miller

Leonard W. Kraisel

Kay Lahusen*

Amy Lai and Carrie Borows

Pam, Robert, and Joshua Lamont

Alba Adelaide Lavino*

Tory Lea and Margaret Penney

F. Elliot Leonard and Roger Marsly

Mr. Edward & Dr. Barbara-Ann Levine

Joseph A. Levy*

David C. Lohse

Maxwell Lowe

Peter McKown and Kenneth Heng

Mark R. McMahon

Rory Michaels

Dee A. Michel

Donald Abram Miller Trust*

Anne Millman

Pamela and Paul Ness

Pieter Noomen

Michael Nutt and Yaniv Dabach

Ian L. Patrick

Vincent J. Patti

Ryan Pedlow

Grant F. Peterson*

“Sally” Sarah Pick

Rodger Pitcairn

Kathryn Rafter

Thomas C. Ragan

Patsy Rogers

Elizabeth Rowell

Mr. Howard A. Rubenstein

Robert Saltzman and Edward Pierce*

William Santee*

Mary Savarese

Kay and Timothy Schermerhorn

WEILAND SOCIETY (CONT’D)

Quentin S. Schneider*

Brian P. Schumann

Arnold T. Schwab*

Norman and Ronald* Selander-Carrier

Martin Seldman and Kelly Rae Reineke

Robert Seletsky

Anne Simon and Donald Heller

John H. Simonds* and Dan Swilley

Maria T. Spagnola

William G. Sprague*

Michael D. Stone*

Elizabeth Ann Stribling-Kivlan

John L. Sullivan

E. Tauber*

Charles E. Todd

Darrell L. Tucci

Henry P. van Ameringen*

Larry Vincent*

Dotty Wade* and Nancy Lyons*

Jon Walden* and Ron Estes

Darryl Warner

Peter Waterloo and John Taylor

Richard W. Weiland* and Mike Schaefer

Matthew and John West

Robert Wilde*

Walt Witcover*

James Wozniak*

Rabbi Barbara Zacky

Nicole Zakorchmeny

Linda D. Zwiren •

GLSEN STAFF

State & Local Policy Manager

Rindala A. Alajaji

Federal Policy Manager

Rebecca Amadi

Arizona Operations and Member Coordinator

Genevieve Benham

Senior Manager, Events & Experiences

Luke Blankenship

Community Mobilization Manager

Damon Carbajal

Director of Events & Experiences

Michael Chavez

Director of Public Policy

Brian Dittmeier

Finance Associate

Rina Duran Begum

Associate Director of Philanthropy

Alexander Earles

Deputy Executive Director for Communications & Marketing

David Eng-Chernack

Director of Operations

Aaliyah Feliz

Director of Finance

Carolina Flores

Education Programs Manager

Jamond Foree

Director of Communications and Public Voice

Madison Hamilton

Controller

Hasan Inal

Deputy Executive Director for Development

Paul Irwin-Dudek

Education Associate

Farris Johnson

Associate Director of Corporate Partnerships

Leah Kartun

Marketing Communications Manager

Scott Knettle

Sr. Major and Individual Giving Officer

Steve Mancuso

New Mexico Managing Director

Erica McDowell

Digital Engagement Manager

Amanda Miley

Youth Programs Manager

Nelle Mills

Interim Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Power Building

Jacqueline Misla

Director of Research Institute

Shweta Moorthy

Digital Engagement Associate

Ansel Nolting

Director of Corporate Partnerships

Brigid Palcic

Senior Accounting Manager

Stephan Peters

Senior Education Programs Manager

Michael Rady

GLSEN Kansas Statewide Organizer

Will Rapp

Executive Assistant

Danielle Rice

Development Associate

Jacqueline Schweiger

Youth Engagement Manager

Rebecca Semik

Arizona Director

Carol Tappenden

Federal Policy Manager

Bonnie Washick

Director of Community Mobilization

Nicole Townsend

Director of Institutional Partnerships

Danielle Vazquez

Policy Research Manager

Bonnie Washick

IT & Operations Manager

Lee Wertz

Finance, Administration & HR Assistant

Tayshana Williams

Executive Director

Melanie Willingham-Jaggers

Director of Youth Programs

k.jones

School Climate Research Manager

Yu-Chi Wang

GLSEN BOARD MEMBERS

Chair

Wilson Cruz – Actor, Producer CBS

Vice-Chair

Imara Jones – TransLash, Creator

Treasurer

Malachi Garza – Solidaire Network, Strategy and Innovation Director

Clerk/Secretary

David Clancy – CAA,VP Regional Lead –Human Resources

BOARD MEMBERS

Connor Franta – Creative Director, Author, Entrepreneur, and Humanitarian

Amita Mehta – Amita Mehta Possible (AMP), LLC, Business Strategist and Career Transition Coach

Matthew Schaab – JPMorgan, Managing Director

Hon. Mauree Turner – Oklahoma State Representative

Karen M White – National Education Association, Deputy Executive Director

Wayne Hempe – TBWA Chiat\Day, Chief Financial Officer

Mateo Cruz, Ph.D. – Bentley University, Assistant Professor of Management

Christopher C. Strazzella – Goldman Sachs, Global Head of Engineering Recruiting

Jon Tilli – Deutsche Bank, Director in FIC Financing, Global Chair of dbPride

Randall Tucker – Mastercard, EVP Chief Inclusion Officer

NATIONAL STUDENT COUNCIL

The National Student Council (NSC) is a dynamic and empowering youth leadership program for high school students, proudly sponsored by GLSEN. The NSC is a platform for LGBTQ+ youth to cultivate their leadership potential, amplify their voices, and actively contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable environments for all students.

The NSC plays a pivotal role in providing feedback on GLSEN’s processes, programs, resources, and overall strategy. As youth representatives, the students offer their unique perspectives and insights, ensuring that GLSEN’s initiatives remain relevant and impactful. NSC members are passionate about social justice and actively seek to deepen their knowledge and practice around racial justice, gender justice, and disability justice.

This year’s NSC cohort is reflective of GLSEN’s mission to center youth experiences and leadership. GLSEN’s Youth Programs staff have refreshed the NSC program accordingly to ensure that each student is a developed leader, expert, and powerful social change agent for LGBTQIA2S+ students.

NSC students inform GLSEN’s campaigns and days of action; develop youth-led and adult-supported projects; self-select into dozens of external opportunities to advocate nationally for change (e.g., panels at the Department of Education, articles in Teen Vogue and other major outlets, and much more). The NSC also have the opportunity to build power with other youth leaders in our chapters and across the country by 1) developing new resources that are responsive to the most urgent needs of students across the country, and 2) directly connecting with students who are new to GLSEN, and supporting them in finding their own place in the movement to realize safe schools for all students.

With the invaluable support of our partners and generous supporters like you, the National Student Council is able to remain a constant force for social change.

To learn more, visit https://www.glsen.org/nsc

CONNECT WITH GLSEN ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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