What is GLSEN?
GLSEN is the Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network. Its purpose is to ensure safe schools for LGBT+ students so they receive an education free of harassment and bullying regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression in grades K-12.
There is a widespread need for GLSEN: As 82% of LGBTQ+ students experienced first hand harassment or bullying in their school and thirty percent of them report missing school because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable. Over half of all LGBTQ students of color experienced in-person victimization based on race/ethnicity.
How Does GLSEN WORK?
GLSEN works through a national network of educators, students and local GLSEN chapters. To do this, they activate supportive educators, advocate for an inclusive and affirming curriculum, pass and implement policies to ensure that LGBTQ students can learn and thrive, and support student-led clubs and Gay-Straight Alliances.
The vital Day of Silence takes place yearly in April. It’s led by students to stop bullying and harassment. Particularly this year, with 800 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced, this Day of Silence is called No Day of Silence: Rise UP and Take Action!
This No Day of Silence is on April 12th. Started by the University of Virginia students in 1996 as a classroom assignment, it spread to other campuses. Today is the last day to order official Day of Silence gear such as T-shirts, stickers, buttons, posters, etc.
Here’s How To Help
- You can organize an event.
- Promote programs that eliminate bullying and open up diaglogue.
- Take a vow of silence to demonstrate how bullying silences the victims.
- Make your school a supportive and encourage environment for learning.
- Show your support for the LGBT+ community by using #National Day of Silence on Social Media.
At the end of the day, plan on breaking the silence with a rally (if authorized by the school) to bring attention to ways your school and community can become more inclusive. By helping their LGBTQ children with activities for this important day, parents can demonstrate that they are also invested in better futures for their kids, not only in schools, but in their communities.
When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need To Know
For more detailed advice, see book, co-authored with a mother of a gay son and a psychiatrist, Jonathan L. Tobkes, M.D.
