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

NEW

April 29, 2024 Gotham Hall

CIT K R O Y

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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

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

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WELCOME

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.

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 to free Wi-Fi: Network Name: GLSEN NY Password: Respect2024

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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 5

PROGRAM

WELCOME

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Star 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.

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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

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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)

David Colley

John H. Simonds* and Dan Swilley

Kaia Ferari

Kevin Brockman and Dan Berendsen

Michael and Susan Gelman

Tides Foundation

Matthew Gromada

Donald Abram Miller*

Addie Guttag

GEMS Foundation

Luke Hall Mr. David Hish and Mr. Adam Keplinger

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

Brent Joseph

Joseph L. Arena and Dr. Thomas D’Eletto

Diving for Life

Robert Greenblatt

Mr. Curtis L. Pendergrass

Eugene Kapaloski

Stan Ponte

Noah Roskin-Frazee Ted Snowdon and Duffy Violante

Elizabeth Stribling-Kivlan and Rebecca Cleary

The Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation

Marjorie and Joseph Walsh

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

Marcy Shaffer and R. Russell Meyer*

Anonymous

Ms. Alison Smith

Andrew Bly

Erik Gensler

Jerry E. Magar, Jr.

Barbara Gittings*

Dean Pitchford and Michael Mealiffe

David Johns

David and Meredith Rusoff

Tim Kilbourn

Barbara Webster

Wesley McDonald

Esta Rose Fund

Ken Prag

The Sank Family Foundation Inc.

Pritchard Foundation

Wilson Cruz

Jonnie Sproul

David Lapham and Clark Mitchell

George C. Brafford*

Dolotta Family Charitable Foundation

Annette Bening

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

Matthew Schaab and Joe Pinto

Anonymous

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

Jennifer Antin

Anonymous

Chely and Lauren Blitzer-Wright

Christopher Elmore

Daniel Grooms

Ronald Ansin* and Jim Stork

James McNamara and Francisco Laguna

*Deceased 21

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:

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HONOR SOCIETY (CONT’D) Idina Menzel

Leslie C. Brtek and Cathi Lamberti

Carlo Steinman

Dr. John R. Cook*

Talia A. Stein

Brendan Culligan

Todd Tiemann

Ms. Allison S. Dendy

Kevin Williamson

Robert P. Denny

The Mo and Cher Willems Foundation

Philip Diamond

David Clancy

Mark Dukes

Sherry Cola

Griff Field

Noah Cyrus

Michelle Fredstrom

Ulysses De Santi

D. Grant Gilbert

Margo Dichtelmiller

Mr. Bruce Gillispie

Tiyale Hayes

Lisa Graustein

Peter C. Miller

Adam Harpool

Andrew Pickering

Anthony O. Heilbut

Daniel Pitout

Sara Hill

Brett Ratner

James Hoffman

The Little Lebowski Urban Achievers Fund

David Hogan

Elliott Zivin and David Tisdale

David and Vicki Huebner

WMDLLC

Michael Hughes and Marty Fung

Ruth and David Waterbury

Paul and Chris Irwin-Dudek Joshua Kempner

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

Steven and Gale Kohlhagen

Anonymous

Lisa Kohn

Lorrin Brown

David Lehn

Amy Astley and Mimi Snow

Carol Leister

Mr. Neil E. Beecher

Kristen LoPrell

Kathleen Behrens

Kelsey Louie

Daniel Burnstein and Martin Martinez

Frank Loulan and Richard Pearce-Moses

Lawrence Cacciatore

Trish McAleer and Rob Baynes

Penny and Bruce Castleman

Michael L. Miller

Chris Ciompi

Timothy J. Moshier

David Clancy

Leslie W. O’Loughlin

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HONOR SOCIETY (CONT’D) Susan and Curt Parnes

Abraham Higginbotham and Steven Petrarca

Dan Peternell

Winnie Holzman-Dooley

Milo Pinkerton and Virgil Taus

Alana Huszar

Robert E. Putney, III

Joyce Koons

Edward H. Richard

Kelly Lake

Paul Rosenfeld

Christopher Linn and Jose Montalvo

Eileen Ryan

Keith McNutt

Sheila and David Schiferl

Amita Mehta

Miriam Sexton

Jordon Moblo

Mr. Benjamin Short

Alan Pilest

David Silva

Keith Powell and Kevin Martin

Mr. Ben Stein

Jon Pollock

Geoffrey W. Tuba

Samuel Ramsey

Judy K. Underwood, Ph.D.

Jennifer Rhorer

Melvyn Vader and Robert Henderson

Tracey Russell

Wayne Welch

Scott Shapiro

Dr. Peter J. Welch

Philip Siebert*

Karsonya Wise

Michael Thayer

Wayne J. Zahner

Theberge Family Fund

Hitter Family Foundation

Russell Vance

The Wheeler Family Fund

Daniel Verdeja

Tino Chow

Edgar Villanueva

Willis Emmons and Azch Durant-Emmons

Tiffany Williams •

Nancy Hamilton Wayne Hempe

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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)

John Cooke*

Joseph L. Arena and Dr. Thomas D’Eletto

Marilyn Copeland

Howard Auerbach and Andy Baker

Douglas E. Cowan

Julian T. Baker*

Steve Crowston

Michael D. Balaban

Robert W. Davidson

William J. Barnise*

Richard A. Davis

Edward Becker

Richard C. de Long

Kevin Beer and Gregory Cason

Don S. Disner

Richard Bennett and Jeffrey Berns

Harry Drasin

Stephanie K. Blackwood

Michael F. Driscoll*

Chely and Lauren Blitzer-Wright

Zach and William Durant-Emmons

Constance Boland and Gary Cutler

Robert G. Egge

Robert Bole and Artenzio Diorio

Cristy F. Elkins

Bryan Bridges and Dotan Limon

Maia Ettinger and Donna Daniels

Martin Brook and Eileen MacMillan

Patricia M. Evert

Matthew Brown

Elaine Phyllis Fine*

Robert M. Browne*

Family of Charles Fishburn*

Leslie Brtek and Cathi Lamberti

Susan L. Foulds

Marvin Burke and Wallace Hutchins

Vincent Gambino*

Eliza Byard and Eva Kolodner

Mary Gentile and Mary Jacobsen

David Carney

Denis Gerdes and Charles Gerretson

Frank D. Carson

Barbara Gittings*

Rhonda Chattin

Thomas Gladwell and Andrew Reynolds

Michael B. Collins*

William Gootee and James Golob

John Cook* and Waverly Cole*

Brian Graden

*Deceased 25

WEILAND SOCIETY (CONT’D) Dane Grams

Pam, Robert, and Joshua Lamont

Allen Greenstein*

Alba Adelaide Lavino*

Roger S. Haase

Tory Lea and Margaret Penney

John Hannigan

F. Elliot Leonard and Roger Marsly

Christie Hardwick and Jane Harper

Mr. Edward & Dr. Barbara-Ann Levine

Bern Hartman

Joseph A. Levy*

Leonard Helfrich

David C. Lohse

Mitchell Heller and Jim Morrison

Maxwell Lowe

Harold Bryan Hill*

Peter McKown and Kenneth Heng

Rand Hoch

Mark R. McMahon

James G. Hoffman

Rory Michaels

John R. Hoffman

Dee A. Michel

John Neral and Richard Huffine

Donald Abram Miller Trust*

Paul and Chris Irwin-Dudek

Anne Millman

Kevin Jennings and Jeff Davis

Pamela and Paul Ness

Robert Wilson Johns*

Pieter Noomen

Calvin Johnson*

Michael Nutt and Yaniv Dabach

Richard Kagan

Ian L. Patrick

Arnold Kantrowitz*’

Vincent J. Patti

Fred S. Karger

Ryan Pedlow

Mary Jane and Tom Karger

Grant F. Peterson*

John P. Kefferstan

“Sally” Sarah Pick

Mark Kennedy*

Rodger Pitcairn

Jon Kiehnau

Kathryn Rafter

Herb King*

Thomas C. Ragan

David W. Knapp*

Patsy Rogers

Danielle F. Knight

Elizabeth Rowell

Joyce Koons

Mr. Howard A. Rubenstein

Thomas Kraemer and J. Adam Miller

Robert Saltzman and Edward Pierce*

Leonard W. Kraisel

William Santee*

Kay Lahusen*

Mary Savarese

Amy Lai and Carrie Borows

Kay and Timothy Schermerhorn

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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 •

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GLSEN STAFF

State & Local Policy Manager Rindala A. Alajaji

Associate Director of Corporate Partnerships Leah Kartun

Federal Policy Manager Rebecca Amadi

Marketing Communications Manager Scott Knettle

Arizona Operations and Member Coordinator Genevieve Benham

Sr. Major and Individual Giving Officer Steve Mancuso

Senior Manager, Events & Experiences Luke Blankenship

New Mexico Managing Director Erica McDowell

Community Mobilization Manager Damon Carbajal

Digital Engagement Manager Amanda Miley

Director of Events & Experiences Michael Chavez

Youth Programs Manager Nelle Mills

Director of Public Policy Brian Dittmeier

Interim Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Power Building Jacqueline Misla

Finance Associate Rina Duran Begum

Director of Research Institute Shweta Moorthy

Associate Director of Philanthropy Alexander Earles

Digital Engagement Associate Ansel Nolting

Deputy Executive Director for Communications & Marketing David Eng-Chernack

Director of Corporate Partnerships Brigid Palcic

Director of Operations Aaliyah Feliz

Senior Accounting Manager Stephan Peters

Director of Finance Carolina Flores

Senior Education Programs Manager Michael Rady

Education Programs Manager Jamond Foree

GLSEN Kansas Statewide Organizer Will Rapp

Director of Communications and Public Voice Madison Hamilton

Executive Assistant Danielle Rice Development Associate Jacqueline Schweiger

Controller Hasan Inal

Youth Engagement Manager Rebecca Semik

Deputy Executive Director for Development Paul Irwin-Dudek

Arizona Director Carol Tappenden

Education Associate Farris Johnson

Federal Policy Manager Bonnie Washick

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GLSEN BOARD MEMBERS Director of Community Mobilization Nicole Townsend

Chair Wilson Cruz – Actor, Producer CBS

Director of Institutional Partnerships Danielle Vazquez

Vice-Chair Imara Jones – TransLash, Creator

Policy Research Manager Bonnie Washick

Treasurer Malachi Garza – Solidaire Network, Strategy and Innovation Director

IT & Operations Manager Lee Wertz

Clerk/Secretary David Clancy – CAA,VP Regional Lead – Human Resources

Finance, Administration & HR Assistant Tayshana Williams Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers

BOARD MEMBERS

Director of Youth Programs k.jones

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

School Climate Research Manager Yu-Chi Wang

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

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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 32

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CONGRATULATES MONTE LIPMAN

AVERY LIPMAN

JOE CAROZZA

VISIBILITY AWARD RECIPIENTS

CONNECT WITH GLSEN ON SOCIAL MEDIA See GLSEN’s impact in real time. Our social media platforms are a great way to learn about our recent research, policy updates, upcoming events, student takeovers, and more!

Follow us and join the GLSEN network of educators, students, parents, and allies across the nation and all around the world.

Use #GLSEN to join the conversation.

Scan the QR code to see all of GLSEN’s social media accounts:

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Text “RESPECT” to 243-725

Join GLSEN’s Dean’s List Donate monthly so GLSEN can count on your reliable support. glsen.org/deanslist

Become an Honor Society Member Make an investment of $1,200 or more toward creating safe and affirming schools for all students. glsen.org/honorsociety

Remember GLSEN in Your Estate Plans Give a planned gift that leaves a lasting impact on LGBTQ+ students nationwide. glsen.org/Weiland

GLSEN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and contributions are fully tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Tax ID: 04-3234202 36

Give at Your Workplace Sign up for payroll deductions through your workplace and designate GLSEN as the recipient.

Double or Even Triple Your Gift to GLSEN Make your gifts go even further through a company match. glsen.org/matching-gifts

Other Ways to Give Make a tax-efficient gift through stock, a Donor Advised Fun, or cryptocurrency. thegivingblock.com/donate/glsen

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