Dear GLSEN family,

We wake up today facing unnerving uncertainty and bracing for what comes next. The results of the election remain unclear, and some are trying to sow greater confusion at a frightening time.

Just think of every child and every teacher who had to go back to school today. Far too many voters cast their ballots in support of those responsible for the hateful, bullying attacks of the last four years. Whatever the outcome, that reality is almost too much to bear. We know that LGBTQ+ students, especially BIPOC and transgender LGBTQ+ youth and youth with disabilities have already suffered repeated blows to their mental health and sense of safety. They all need us now.

Today is a day that requires us to act. Can we count on you to support GLSEN as we continue the fight? There are a few ways to take action today to make schools safer for LGBTQ+ students. [[link removed]]

The good news is that we -- all of us who are part of GLSEN -- have already accomplished so much, even over the past four years, making sure that more and more LGBTQ+ students have access to life-changing supports in school. Together, we have created a community built on our collective commitment to action for LGBTQ+ youth, and a better future for them and for us all. We may not feel ready in this moment, but I promise you that we are the ones we have been waiting for.

Here are three simple things you can do right now, in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ youth and educators who had to go right back to school today. With each of these actions, you will help build the power of this network, leverage our past victories, and power our next wave of momentum:

1. Remind school systems everywhere that LGBTQ+ students and educators in our schools are protected from discrimination by federal law, and they must be safe -- today and every day. [[link removed]] In June, the Supreme Court made this crystal clear.

2. Send a message to thank educators for holding the line for their LGBTQ+ students over these last four brutal years. [[link removed]] When you thank a teacher, they'll receive GLSEN tools to sustain their life-saving efforts.

3. Give to GLSEN to sustain this network and help us be ready for the work ahead. [[link removed]] Every one of you has helped us build to this point. Please help us sustain our power. 

Again, thank you so much for all you have done already as a member of the GLSEN family. Whether you are a student, parent, educator, or policymaker, or simply one of the hundreds of thousands of concerned people who have joined GLSEN to make K-12 a place of respect and affirmation for every student, and to play a role in ending anti-LGBTQ+ bias and violence for good, you are part of a powerful community poised to show up for LGBTQ+ youth.

This election is not over until every vote is counted. Whatever comes in the days and weeks ahead, together we will hold the line in our schools.

With gratitude and in solidarity,

Eliza Byard
Executive Director
(she, her, hers)

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

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