Dear John,

2020 is requiring us all to dig deep — as teachers, parents, students, and everyone who cares about the future for LGBTQ+ youth. As a parent and an advocate, I know how challenging it is to absorb the daily news and stay focused on what matters for our children and our future. 

In the midst of it all, there’s something important to help us stay strong: We’re all part of this GLSEN community. Together, over nearly 30 years, we have been able to accomplish things for LGBTQ+ students in K-12 education that they told us were impossible. Thank you.

This week is GLSEN’s Solidarity Week — a time to celebrate the interconnections between our communities, and learn how best to come together for change on behalf of all LGBTQ+ students. As that work continues, there’s one thing we know from three decades holding the line for LGBTQ+ youth — the 2020 elections will determine LGBTQ+ rights for generations to come.

Don’t doubt the power of your vote. Take a moment to make sure you are registered. 

The coming days will be jam-packed with public debate, and tomorrow night many will tune in to hear Vice Presidential candidates talk about what they are willing to fight for. 

Stepping back from the frenzy, let’s remember this — it’s up to us to use our voting power and announce loud and clear we fight for the next generation of LGBTQ+ students. Let’s use our votes to advocate for LGBTQ+ youth of color and trans and non-binary students. 

Make sure you're registered today!

Whether you’re a student, teacher, parent in a LGBTQ+ family, or an ally — all the roles we play in supporting LGBTQ+ youth are so crucial right now. And never forget all we’ve accomplished together across generations of advocacy for LGBTQ+ students. 

Now we must come together, to show up and vote — for ourselves and a future that centers our LGBTQ+ communities.

Thank you for all of the power we have built together — let’s make our voices heard!

Thanks,
Eliza Byard
Executive Director
(she, her, hers)