Hi John,
GLSEN works hand-in-hand with students every day. Students who remind us how critically important—and challenging—middle and high school years can be.
Many of us remember what it feels like to be unsure of our place in the world at that age. To be scared that no one will understand who we are. To wonder if it ever gets better.
John, your gift today will show today’s students they are not alone.
They are not alone in fearing walking into school and not knowing if they will be bullied for trying to live as their most authentic selves. So many of us have experienced that too.
They are not alone in being rejected by a parent based on who they want to take to the Prom. In feeling powerless when adults make decisions that affect their lives. So many of us have experienced that too.
Your gift will empower students caught in the crossfire of hateful and discriminatory laws. It will allow a new generation to rise up—to thrive and not just survive.
If there were one thing I wish I could tell every one of the 8 million LGBTQ+ students in this country, it would be that many of us felt the same way they do. You are not alone.
And if there were one thing I would tell our supporters: please join GLSEN in making sure that every LGBTQ+ student feels loved and supported in their schools and communities.
