Hi John,
2022 has been difficult to say the least. Through countless attacks against LGBTQ+ students and educators, GLSEN is still on the frontlines to ensure LGBTQ+ students are safe and seen in the classroom and beyond. With changes in the political landscape of our country, GLSEN remains as resilient as ever, and we’re here to celebrate the work we’ve done with the help of our countless students, educators, advocates, and supporters, through our first in-person Respect Awards in three (!!) years.
This Monday, May 16th, we are celebrating the introduction of our new Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers in their first public event. We're also thrilled to honor Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski with the Champion Award, Leyna Bloom with the Gamechanger Award, and Nickelodeon with the Corporate Ally Award. This special evening will bring together stories from our brave educators and student leaders, who are all integral in creating safe and inclusive school environments for LGBTQ+ students.
We’ll also be honoring the people on the ground doing the work that directly leaves an impact on LGBTQ+ students across the country. First, we’re thrilled to announce our Educator of the Year Alex Quinto, a school counselor for Largo Middle IB World School in Pinellas County, Florida. Through providing a safe and welcoming space for students, faculty, and families, we’re proud to honor Alex as a safe haven for his community, especially during the attacks on LGBTQ+ people in his home state.
We’re also excited to announce GSA of the Year MS 442. MS 442 is a GSA from Brooklyn, New York including neurodivergent and neurotypical, trans and cisgender, queer and straight ally 6th-8th grade students who have come together with the goal of making their school community a safer, more welcoming, and inclusive place for all.
We’ll be sharing updates throughout this week leading up to the awards on Monday. Learn more about the awards here.
We can’t wait to celebrate over 30 years of accomplishments and progress, in person and virtually.
