GLSEN Orlando

Nationally, GLSEN works to ensure safe schools for ALL students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. There are over 35 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.

• Students in Florida report that the word "gay" has been used in a negative way

• 9 in 10 students report hearing other homophobic remarks regularly in school

• 9 in 10 students report-hearing classmates make negative remarks about how someone expresses their gender

• 32% of student’s report hearing school staff make negative remarks about someone's gender expression

• 25% report hearing school staff make homophobic remarks

• 8 in 10 students report verbal harassment based on sexual orientation and 2 in 3 from gender expression

• Nearly 40% report being physically harassed based on their sexual orientation and 1 in report being physically assaulted

• 60% of those harassed or assaulted never reported the incidents to school staff and 56% never told a family member.

• Out of those who did report incidents to school staff, only 36% report intervention from school staff.

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.