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GLSEN

For more than two decades, the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network has been the driving force behind systemic change in K-12 schools that have made it safer to be an LGBT student, sponsoring gay-straight alliances and empowering students and faculty to come out as allies and create safe spaces for LGBT youth. Since 2001, Eliza Byard has been a driving force behind GLSEN, and she has served as its executive director since 2008. Under her leadership, GLSEN has earned the trust of every major educational and youth service in the country, and schools nationwide have adopted its original intervention strategies, including its Safe Space Campaign, No Name-Calling Week, and Day of Silence.

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News

Democratic Governors ‘Rise Up’ to Join in Support of LGBTQ+ Youth

Together, local and state leaders are expressing the urgency to care for LGBTQ+ young people in all communities.

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Schools

Dolly Parton & Miley Cyrus Song About Acceptance Deemed Inappropriate by School

The song’s title, “Rainbowland,” seems to be the source of the problem.

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Voices

A Vote to Defend Education and LGBTQ+ Youth Will Protect Democracy

Inclusive public education is the foundation of democracy.

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News

LGBTQ+ Topics Rarely Discussed in Schools, New Study Finds

The conservative claim that LGBTQ+ topics are being taught in school is not only false, but the reality is damaging the kids that they claim to want to protect.

Democratic Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York next to a group of school children, next to Rep. Ritchie Torres.
Politics

Democratic Lawmakers Introduce LGBTQ+ & Women’s History Education Bill

New York Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Ritchie Torres, and at least 50 House Democratic co-sponsors introduced the LGBTQI+ and Women's History Education Act today.

GLSEN
Youth

The New Head of GLSEN on How She'll Protect Queer Kids

Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, the youth-oriented LGBTQ+ organization's new executive director, enters her job at a critical time.

Melanie Willingham-Jaggers
News

GLSEN Names First Black, First Nonbinary Executive Director

Melanie Willingham-Jaggers will lead GLSEN through a new chapter in its work to create safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQ+ students.

Eliza Byard
Youth

Eliza Byard Steps Down as GLSEN Executive Director

The former filmmaker has advocated for the rights of LGBTQ+ students for decades.

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Youth

Report: Most LGBTQ+ Students Verbally Harassed in School

New findings from GLSEN show that anti-LGBTQ+ harassment and bullying remain distressingly common.

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television

Jennifer Beals Gives Moving GLSEN Award Speech About LGBTQ+ Inclusion

The star of The L Word: Generation Q was honored with GLSEN's Champion award for her activism and support of LGBTQ+ youth. 

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Youth

Day of Silence Goes Virtual But Stays Visible

LGBTQ youth will still draw attention to silence and erasure, then break the silence with a livestreamed rally.

Rosario Dawson
Politics
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Rosario Dawson on GLSEN, Her First Pride

Daredevil actress Rosario Dawson speaks at the GLSEN gala about the organization, her first Pride, and her friend the activist Chloe Dzubilo.

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Sports
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'Battle of the Sexes' Actress Who Plays Margaret Court Responds to Controversy

Jessica McNamee weighed in on whether the stadium honoring the anti-LGBT tennis icon should be renamed.

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Religion

Hate Group Launches Antigay Day of Dialogue

The anti-LGBT group Focus on the Family organized the event in response to GLSEN's 'sexual activism in classrooms.'

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Youth

LGBT Students, Teachers Embrace Day of Silence

Rainbow duct tape and vows of silence covered Twitter today in honor of GLSEN's annual Day of Silence.

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Arts & Entertainment

Every Middle, High School Gets Kit to Help LGBT Students

GLSEN says it has distributed 100,000 Safe Schools Kits to aid educators in guiding LGBT youth through academic and social challenges.

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Families

Do Your Taxes Pay For Anti-LGBT Policies In Schools?

A lack of transparency among private schools receiving state funding allows anti-LGBT policies to proliferate, an author suggests.

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film

Redbox Picks Up 'Bridegroom' Despite Rule Against Documentaries

The president of Redbox announced that all 44,000 of its kiosks will stock gay-themed documentary Bridegroom.