GLSEN Austin

GLSEN (pronounced "glisten") is the leading organization working to improve K-12 school climate for LGBTQ youth by building the evidence base for action through our research; training educators and other school professionals to be LGBTQ competent; empowering local advocates in 44 GLSEN chapters across the country; and harnessing the power of student leadership to make change. Friday, April 12 was the GLSEN Day of Silence, a national, youth-led day of action when tens of thousands of LGBTQ students and their allies take a vow of silence for the duration of the school day to represent the silencing effect of anti-LGBTQ bullying and harassment. This is one example of the ways GLSEN activates over 1 million young people each year.

At GLSEN, we want every student, in every school, to be valued and treated with respect, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We believe that all students deserve a safe and affirming school environment where they can learn and grow.

We accomplish our goals by working in hallways across the country -- from Congress and the Department of Education to schools and district offices in your community -- to improve school climate and champion LGBT issues in K-12 education.

•    We conduct extensive and original research to inform our evidence-based solutions for K-12 education.

•    We author developmentally appropriate resources for educators to use throughout their school community.

•    We partner with decision makers to ensure that comprehensive and inclusive safe schools policies are considered, passed and implemented.

•    We partner with dozens of national education organizations to leverage our shared expertise into creating great schools and better opportunities for every student.

•    We empower students to affect change by supporting student-led efforts to positively impact their own schools and local communities.

Every day GLSEN Austin board members work to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together, we can transform our nation’s K-12 schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve.