GLSEN Inc.

GLSEN Inc. is a prominent US nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a safe and affirming educational environment for all students, particularly focusing on the LGBTQ community. It aims to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

Overview

GLSEN was founded in 1990 in Boston, Massachusetts, and has since grown to become a leading national education organization. It is headquartered in New York City and operates with an office of public policy in Washington, D.C. The organization is known for its extensive work in promoting LGBTQ cultural inclusion and awareness in K-12 schools across the United States.

Mission and Activities

GLSEN's mission is to ensure that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive education. It achieves this through several initiatives and programs:

• Chapters and School-Based Clubs: GLSEN supports over 39 chapters across 26 states. These chapters train thousands of students, educators, and school personnel annually and support more than 4,000 registered school-based clubs, commonly known as gay–straight alliances (GSAs), to address bullying and harassment in their schools.

• Annual Events: GLSEN participates in several annual "Days of Action," including a No Name-Calling Week in January, a Day of Silence in April, and an Ally Week in September.

• Research and Resources: GLSEN conducts significant research, such as the National School Climate Survey, which documents the experiences of LGBT youth in schools biennially. The organization also develops educational resources like the documentary "Out of the Past" and publications like Just the Facts about Sexual Orientation and Youth.

• Policy Engagement: GLSEN engages in policy advocacy to ensure legislation supports safe and inclusive educational environments. It has been recognized as a "Champion of Change" for its work in preventing bullying and promoting LGBTQ inclusivity.

Financials and Governance

GLSEN operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, with contributions being the primary source of revenue. The organization maintains a strong governance structure with a diverse board of directors, consisting of leaders from various industries and backgrounds. The board ensures inclusive recruitment and conducts regular assessments of its performance and the chief executive's leadership.

Recognition and Impact

GLSEN has been recognized as one of the top LGBTQ nonprofits in the United States for its significant contributions to the LGBTQ community. It partners with leading educational and mental health organizations to advance LGBTQ inclusivity in schools nationwide. Through its work, GLSEN has helped shape policies and practices that protect LGBTQ students and ensure they have safe and supportive environments to learn and grow.