Let us share with you how we got started as a chapter:
In 1994, a teachers group made up of gay and lesbian educators in the Albany region met informally to network, socialize and discuss LGBT issues. In 1995, one of the members of this group ran across GLSTN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Teacher Network) on the internet, presented the idea to others, and invited Kevin Jennings to speak to the group. Though several joined GLSTN at the national level, and one attended the Northeast Regional GLSTN Conference, there was not enough of a commitment to form a local chapter at this time.

In Dec. 1996, a teacher from Saratoga called together those interested in forming a local GLSTN chapter, and from January to March, a steering committee met to guide the group until elections were held in April. After elections, steps were taken to become chartered by GLSTN, while participating in conferences and local activities. On Nov. 6, 1997, GLSEN NY Capital Region became officially recognized as a GLSEN chartered chapter.

And now here we are all these years later. Our chapter is proud to host monthly YouthPride meetings for area teens as well as the annual Breaking the Silence rally at The Egg and many other community events.

Letter From GLSEN New York Capital Region

Nationally, GLSEN works to ensure safe schools for ALL students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. There are over 40 Chapters around the country, which work closely with the national staff of GLSEN to implement programs, and to keep national staff informed of local events. The work that chapters do covers a variety of subjects and issues, from public policy to teacher training to supporting students and educators around the country.

Chapters like ours play an important role in bringing GLSEN�s programs and visions to local communities. While some chapters have full-time or part-time staff, most are entirely volunteer-based. We�re always looking for new volunteers to help us ensure safe schools for all students.

Please check out our area website to find out more about our work here in the Capital Region and to learn about how you can get involved in local and national events.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions that are not answered on this site. Thank you for you interest and we�re looking forward to hearing from you.