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John,

Since I reached out a week ago, the depth of the COVID-19 pandemic we face has become starkly clear. Entire states are shut down to slow the pace of infections. Millions of students are home from school indefinitely, and some districts are now planning to be closed for the remainder of the school year.

GLSEN is rising to meet the challenge, protect LGBTQ students from harm, and strengthen our movement. With our immediate safety measures in place, our community is now focused on what we can do. We must engage students, educators, and policymakers in learning, training, and acting to change all of our K-12 schools for the better.

Our Education & Youth Programs team members have been meeting virtually with teachers this week and are humbled by their dedication to their students and the creative bravery with which they’re facing this shift to virtual schooling. One middle school teacher from San Antonio, TX held back tears as she talked about the joy of finally being able to meet virtually with her GSA for the first time that day, stating ,“Our FriGays meetings with the kids are the same, just virtual now. Planning for a virtual Day of Silence is exactly what we need right now."

Sadie Redfern from GLSEN’s Educator Advisory Committee, who teaches fifth grade in Laveen, Arizona, commented that the change to online teaching is tough, especially for younger students and students who need additional support to focus when in person.

Even in this new reality and with these new challenges, there are crucial needs and important opportunities squarely in our wheelhouse. We are reallocating our time and resources accordingly.

There is the imperative to connect LGBTQ students with each other and with opportunities to act. GSA student clubs are one of the single greatest engines of youth advocacy in our country - and the ability to act is a cornerstone of student resilience. Allied educators are also an incredible source of power, ingenuity, and inspiration for the future, and they need our support as well.

--- GLSEN chapters are hosting virtual GSA meetings to keep these engines of advocacy running, and ensure that LGBTQ students don’t fall prey to social isolation.

--- We are hosting weekly virtual GSA meet-ups at the national level.

--- The Day of Silence and “Breaking the Silence” end-of day events on April 24 will be completely digital.

--- We are hosting online professional development for educators in all 50 states, sowing the seeds of affirming practice and connecting GSA advisors and other allied educators to share best practices across the country. 

This is a moment to build and strengthen the base of our movement for greater safety, equity, and affirmation for every LGBTQ student in every school.

There is a role for each of you, as well. And I am so encouraged by how you have answered the call. Last week, more than 1,000 of you took action, contacting members of Congress to fight for crucial supports for poor and marginalized students in this pandemic, and urging Idaho Governor Brad Little to veto one of the worst anti-transgender bills we have seen this cycle, currently sitting on his desk. Thank you for showing up for LGBTQ students.

Some have asked what you can do right now to show up for GLSEN and our mission to transform K-12 education. Here are some ways we’d really appreciate your help:

--- Take action with us. We promise to focus your energy and attention where they can do the most good. If you haven't already, click here send a message now urging Idaho's Governor to veto legislation discriminating against transgender students! [link removed]

--- Stay connected and help build this movement for the day schools reopen. Do you have friends and colleagues who should be part of the GLSEN Team? Forward this email to let them know about this next phase of our work.

--- Tell us what you are doing! If you are a student, an educator, or an advocate, what are you doing right now to respond to this crisis and take care of your community? Please respond via this link - your stories inspire us! act.glsen.org/onlineactions/BH0FFjQ5kket_N43cyP0MA2

Most of all, stay safe, take care, and thank you.

Eliza Byard
Executive Director, GLSEN

GLSEN Inc. | 110 William Street | 30th Floor | New York, NY 10038| 212-727-0135| [email protected] [[email protected]]
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