GLSEN is an education organization creating safe schools for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

GLSEN is the only national organization that brings together a wide variety of people who actively care about ending homophobia in the schools. Everyone (regardless of occupation or sexual orientation) is welcome to get involved with GLSEN.

What Does GLSEN Do?

GLSEN combats the harassment and discrimination leveled against students and school personnel.

GLSEN creates learning environments that affirm the inherent dignity of all students, and, in so doing, teaches them to respect and accept all of their classmates- regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

GLSEN Believes that the key to ending anti-gay (and LGBT) prejudice and hate-motivated violence is education. And it's for this reason that GLSEN brings students, educators, families and other community members - of any sexual orientation - to reform America's educational system.

What is GLSEN Washington State's Mission Statement?

GLSEN Washington State strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. We believe that such an atmosphere engenders a positive sense of self, which is the basis of educational achievement and personal growth.

Since homophobia and heterosexism undermine a healthy school climate, we work to educate teachers, students and the public at large about the damaging effects these forces have on youth and adults alike. We recognize that forces such as racism and sexism have similarly adverse impacts on communities and we support schools in seeking to redress all such inequities.

GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community. We welcome as members any and all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or occupation, who are committed to seeing this philosophy realized in K-12 schools.

Letter From GLSEN Washington

Many people call or email me asking about ideas for their clubs. What can we do until the Day of Silence in April? Besides sponsoring the Day of Silence (which is April 16th, 2010) GLSEN offers many activities and events for students to keep engaged for the entire year.

September: During this back to school month, it may be hard for high school students to feel like they fit into school. Especially incoming 9th graders or others entering high school for the first time. GLSEN has a "Safe Space Kit" that can be purchased or downloaded from www.glsen.org.This "Safe Space Kit" is designed for educators to help make their classrooms "Safe Spaces" for all students. GSA clubs can take the lead and "train" teachers on how to create safe environments.

October: During October is National LGBT History Month. Last month's email I gave an email with a variety of information about prominent LGBT people in American history. October is also when GLSEN sponsors Ally Week. (www.allyweek.org) Ally Week is a time for GSA clubs to find their Allies in school. Allies are people who are friends or supporters.

November: During November we remember our Trans community by recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance. It raises awareness about crimes against Transgender People. You can visit the GSA Network to find out facts and resources to help celebrate the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

January: During January GSA Clubs can plan a No Name Calling Week. Information and Resources can be found at www.nonamecallingweek.org. No Name Calling week is usually the last Full Week of January.

January we also celebrate Dr. MLK Jr Organizing weekend. MLK Organizing Weekend in Honor of Bayard Rustin is a student-led action focusing on coalition-building strategies that Bayard Rustin used to assist fellow activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., to create social change. MLK Organizing weekend is going to be held on January 16-18, 2010. Information and resources can be found at www.dayofsilence.org/mlk.

As you can see there is a variety of activities and events that can be planned in your school! If you would like to request a training or have us come speak to your students please feel free to email me at joe@glsenwa.org. We look forward to working with you this year!

Joseph R Bento
GLSEN Washington State
Washington State GSA Network
Interim Director