Championing LGBTQ issues in K-12 education since 1990 Our mission is to create safe and affirming schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

50+ Messages / Page

  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
December 16, 2025 at 3:50 PM

Help power our student network

Dear John,  Every day, GLSEN hears from students who’ve found their voice and a sense of belonging because of supporters like you. Your generosity helps students find community, confidence, and safety. DONATE Through local chapters, inclusive curriculum, and programs like the National Student Counci…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
December 15, 2025 at 8:13 PM

Help defend trans kids - RSVP for our Zoom briefing tonight!

Marjorie Taylor Greene just struck a deal to fast-track her anti-trans bill, H.R. 3492, to a full House vote on Wednesday, December 17.  If it passes, this bill would ban gender-affirming care for trans youth, criminalize doctors, and give the federal government power to go after families seeking c…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
December 9, 2025 at 10:23 PM

See what your support makes possible

Dear John,  Because of supporters like you, GLSEN’s impact is reaching further than ever. Your generosity is changing classrooms—and changing lives—across the country. SUPPORT LGBTQ+ STUDENTS 25 chapters across 16 states engaged more than 10,000 students, educators, and families. 1,156 schools recei…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
December 8, 2025 at 4:31 PM

We met our match, but there’s still more to do.

Dear John, Thank you to those who helped make this Giving Tuesday extraordinary! Your generosity helped us reach our match goal with HOLLISTER. The first $15,000 was matched one-to-one. We are grateful to HOLLISTER and each of you who made this happen.  As the end of the year approaches, if you have…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
December 3, 2025 at 9:32 PM

Thank you for showing up for LGBTQ+ youth

Dear John, Thank you to those who helped make this Giving Tuesday extraordinary! Your generosity helps GLSEN reach students in more than a thousand schools—providing resources, training, and community to create safer, more inclusive classrooms. There is still time to join us! DONATE The movement you…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
December 2, 2025 at 9:31 PM

There’s still time to make your Giving Tuesday gift and help LGBTQ+ students

Dear John, Thousands have joined GLSEN today to support LGBTQ+ students—and we’re so close to reaching our Giving Tuesday goal. Your gift can still help us to receive a $15,000* match from Hollister. That would make a big difference in our ability to help LGBTQ+ youth.   DONATE If you haven’t given…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
December 2, 2025 at 4:03 PM

It’s Giving Tuesday! Stand with LGBTQ+ students today!

Dear John, It’s Giving Tuesday—a day to turn generosity into action for LGBTQ+ youth across the country. Hollister is once again offering a matching grant for the first $15,000* we receive during Giving Tuesday. Won’t you help us meet and surpass this match?   DONATE Your gift will:Help build safe, …
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
December 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday—your support means everything

Dear John, Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, a day when people everywhere come together to lift up the causes they care about most and now your gift will count even more.   We are delighted to announce that Hollister is once again offering a special matching grant for the first $15,000* of our Giving Tues…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
November 25, 2025 at 2:10 PM

With gratitude for you this Thanksgiving

Dear John, As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for you.  Your support makes it possible for GLSEN to create schools where LGBTQ+ students feel safe, affirmed, and celebrated for who they are. Every policy we advance, every educator we train, and every…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
November 19, 2025 at 9:43 PM

GLSEN condemns Trump’s attack on The Department of Education

Yesterday, the Department of Education said that it will move several of its offices to other federal departments, an effort aimed at dismantling the agency that ensures equitable access to education for all students.   The Office for Civil Rights is one of the offices that has already had their st…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
November 11, 2025 at 2:09 PM

This giving season, LGBTQ+ students need you more than ever

As we head into this giving season, please remember that LGBTQ+ students need your support now more than ever. Across the country, too many young people are facing increased hostility and isolation at school, yet your generosity can make a real difference. SUPPORT TODAY Every gift helps GLSEN trai…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
October 30, 2025 at 1:14 PM

October reminds us why visibility and your support matter

While Pride Month in June often takes the spotlight, October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to honor our community. Throughout these past few weeks, we’ve celebrated International Lesbian Day, National Coming Out Day, and Spirit Day. These moments honor our stories, our courage, and our power to l…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
October 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM

Activate Your Donor-Advised Fund for Safer Schools

National Estate Planning Awareness Week (October 20–26) is the perfect time to take an important step that protects your loved ones and ensures a lasting impact for LGBTQ+ students nationwide.  As attacks on inclusive education and LGBTQ+ visibility continue to rise, your commitment to GLSEN helps …
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
October 9, 2025 at 3:03 PM

Activate Your Donor-Advised Fund for Safer Schools

Did you know that more than $250 billion sits unused in Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) across the U.S.? Today, on National DAF Day (October 9) we invite you to put those resources to work protecting LGBTQ+ youth.  DONATE WITH A DAF These dormant resources could change countless lives, but they only do…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
October 8, 2025 at 2:47 PM

GLSEN National Student Council Applications are open!

Hey John,  We’re excited to announce an incredible opportunity for student leaders across the country - applications are now open for the 2025-2026 GLSEN National Student Council (NSC)!  The NSC is a place for LGBTQ+ high school students to cultivate their leadership potential, amplify their voices,…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
October 6, 2025 at 12:45 PM

It's Banned Books Week and we're launching the 2025-2026 Rainbow Library!

Hello John,  It's National Banned Books Week! As we raise awareness about the impact of censorship on LGBTQ+ stories and voices, we want to highlight our brand new Rainbow Library Book Lists for the 2025-2026 school year. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RAINBOW LIBRARY At GLSEN, we believe representation mat…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
September 30, 2025 at 2:21 PM

Last chance: Your gift doubles for LGBTQ+ youth!

Dear John, We are so close to meeting our A&F Challenge goal! The deadline is almost here and GLSEN still needs you!  By midnight tonight, September 30th, every donation made through our A&F Challenge page will be doubled by Hollister. That means your support can go twice as far to create sa…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
September 25, 2025 at 2:21 PM

Time is running out: Your gift can still be doubled!

Dear John, We’re almost through our A&F Challenge goal! But thousands of LGBTQ+ students are still waiting for safer, more inclusive classrooms. DONATE TODAY That’s where you come in. Every dollar donated through GLSEN’s A&F Challenge page will be matched, up to the campaign deadline.  When…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
September 10, 2025 at 2:15 PM

What one student told us about GLSEN

Dear John, A high school junior recently shared:  “Over the course of GLSEN’s program, I’ve recognized that I do have power in the world. I may be living in a place where I don’t seem to have any, but GLSEN has shown me that I am allowed to fight back, I am allowed to openly be me, I am allowed to f…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
August 28, 2025 at 12:45 PM

Together, we can write the story for LGBTQ+ students

Dear John, Imagine walking into school on the first day and seeing a book that reflects your identity or a teacher who proudly creates space for all students to be themselves. That moment of recognition and belonging is life-changing. DONATE TODAY GLSEN helps make that moment possible. From training…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
August 21, 2025 at 2:16 PM

Back to School, Back to Advocacy

Dear John, A new school year should bring excitement, not fear. But for far too many LGBTQ+ students, “back to school” means walking into classrooms where their identities are erased, their books are banned, and their safety is at risk. DONATE TODAY That’s why GLSEN is here. We’re equipping educator…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
August 19, 2025 at 5:45 PM

Heading Back to School with GLSEN

 Hello John,  Whether you're a teacher, student, parent, or a supporter, GLSEN is here to help you kick off the new school year informed and ready to make the most of it!  Right now, we're fighting back against censorship and discriminatory policies that make going back to school much harder for LGB…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
August 13, 2025 at 2:55 PM

Leaving a lasting legacy during National Make-A-Will Month

As back-to-school season continues, LGBTQ+ students across the country are returning to classrooms that don’t always feel safe. GLSEN is working to change that with help from advocates like you. 🏳️‍🌈  National Make-A-Will Month is the perfect opportunity to plan ahead, protect your loved ones, and …
  GLSEN · [email protected]
August 5, 2025 at 3:01 PM

Back-to-School looks different for everyone

While LGBTQ+ students gear up for a new school year, meeting teachers, reconnecting with friends, and stepping into new routines, GLSEN is working to ensure their classrooms are places of safety, affirmation, and possibility.  And just as students prepare for what’s ahead, August is also National M…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
July 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM

Summer Shouldn’t Mean Silence for LGBTQ+ Youth

Our Work Doesn’t Stop. Even When School’s Out. For many LGBTQ+ students, summer isn’t just a break from school. It’s a break from safety, community, and visibility. Without affirming educators or LGBTQ+ inclusive environments, too many young people are left feeling isolated and unsupported. DONATE …
  GLSEN · [email protected]
July 15, 2025 at 6:44 PM

LGBTQ+ Students Still Need Us This Summer

Pride is Year-Round. So Is the Need. While most school years may be over, the challenges LGBTQ+ students face don’t take a summer break. At GLSEN, we know that summer can be an isolating time for many young people, cut off from affirming spaces, supportive educators, and the safety of school-based r…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
June 25, 2025 at 3:46 PM

Be a part of our short film!

We are calling on you!  We are proud to be collaborating with Crowdsorcery on a new film, called Portraits of Pride. Documenting the joy, struggle, and strength of the Pride movement across the nation, this film will be made entirely from submitted footage from people like you.  From parades to per…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
June 24, 2025 at 2:20 PM

At GLSEN Pride is Protest. Pride is Power. Pride is Action.

As Pride Month comes to a close, our work is far from over. LGBTQ+ youth still face harassment, censorship, and discrimination in schools across the country. The attacks don’t stop on July 1 and neither do we. DONATE TODAY We need your support to keep going through the summer, into the next schoo…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
June 12, 2025 at 3:03 PM

This Pride, Rise Up for LGBTQ+ youth with GLSEN

Pride. Resistance. Celebration. Protest. Community. Joy. Pride is all of this and more. At GLSEN, we know that Pride isn't just parades and rainbow flags. It’s a declaration: our LGBTQ+ youth deserve safe, affirming schools where they can learn, grow, and thrive. DONATE TODAY In 2024 alone, over 5…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
June 10, 2025 at 3:09 PM

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️📚 Celebrate Pride, Support Students – Shop with Purpose

This Pride, Your Purchase Has Power Pride Month is a time for joy, visibility, and action and your support can go further than ever. When you shop with GLSEN’s Pride Partners, you’re not just picking up limited-edition merch, you’re investing in a future where every student regardless of gender ide…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
June 4, 2025 at 3:01 PM

United for Pride with GLSEN

Pride. Resistance. Celebration. Protest. Community. Joy. DONATE TODAY Pride is more than one month of celebrations and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. It's a protest and a fight for equality. It's collaboration and support across other marginalized communities.  It's for our future and our saf…
  GLSEN Events · [email protected]
June 3, 2025 at 1:29 PM

Help us kick off NYC Pride with Jennifer Holliday and Big Freedia!

  Kick off NYC Pride and celebrate Juneteenth with us on Wednesday, June 18th from 6pm to 9pm!   Overlooking New York City’s Central Park in Deutsche Bank’s beautiful rooftop terrace, you’ll hear about our mission from our Executive Director, Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, be treated to special perfor…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
May 23, 2025 at 5:31 PM

We need your help to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ students

HELP CONNECT LGBTQIA+ YOUTH TO OUR VIRTUAL NATIONAL SCHOOL CLIMATE YOUTH FOCUS GROUPS!  Throughout June, GLSEN is organizing conversations with LGBTQIA+ youth across the country as part of our 2024 National School Climate Survey. GLSEN’s research has proven to be a powerful tool in advocating for b…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
May 22, 2025 at 2:08 PM

Protect your future—and our history—this Pride

Dear John,  As Pride Month approaches, we invite you to take a step that both honors LGBTQ+ history and strengthens your peace of mind. Through our partnership with FreeWill, you can create or update your will completely free of charge in as little as 20 minutes.Making a will ensures your wishes are…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
May 21, 2025 at 7:29 PM

🌈🏳️‍⚧️📚 GLSEN Pride Activities for You!

There’s lots of ways to show your Pride this June! Dear John,  It’s almost June which means it’s almost Pride Month and we want to be sure you know all the ways to be United for Pride with GLSEN. Show your Pride  Be sure to check out GLSEN’s Resource Hub which has amazing assets for students, educat…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
May 16, 2025 at 2:03 PM

United for Pride: Rise Up for LGBTQ+ Youth

Dear John,  Pride month is just around the corner!   This year, in spite of the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment from some of our nation’s political leaders and our society’s deepening cultural divide, we want to shed light on our community’s strength, power, and perseverance.   Pride began as a …
  GLSEN · [email protected]
May 6, 2025 at 3:01 PM

Give Hope for Inclusive Education

Dear John,  Over the years, GLSEN has been fortunate to be backed by champions like you who believe in our mission of promoting safe and inclusive schools for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.  Today, I'm reaching out to ask for your conti…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
April 29, 2025 at 8:42 PM

GLSEN Steps Up to Protect Inclusive Education

Dear John,  Since January, the Trump administration has added fuel to extreme efforts to undermine inclusive education and silence LGBTQ+ students and their families. GLSEN will not rest until every student has access to a safe, affirming, and inclusive school environment. SUPPORT GLSEN'S WORK TOD…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
April 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Last Chance to Vote for GLSEN in CREDO’s Campaign!

Dear John,  There’s still time to make a difference for LGBTQ+ students – but not much! Voting for GLSEN in CREDO Mobile’s campaign closes at the end of this month, and we need your support to secure a share of $30,000 in funding. Voting is free, quick, and makes a real impact.  How to Vote: Visit …
  GLSEN Events · [email protected]
April 16, 2025 at 2:11 PM

Kickoff NYC Pride with GLSEN!

  GLSEN and Deutsche Bank invite you to kick off NYC Pride and celebrate Juneteenth at Pride Above The Park on Wednesday, June 18th from 6pm to 9pm. Join us as we bring together GLSEN supporters for an evening overlooking Central Park!   You’ll hear about our mission from GLSEN’s Executive Director…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
April 8, 2025 at 2:01 PM

Turn Tax Season into Impact Season with GLSEN!

Dear John,  With the tax day deadline approaching, you may be thinking about ways to make the most of your contributions. At GLSEN, we offer you an opportunity to do just that. By supporting our mission, you are not only creating positive change in the lives of students across the nation but you co…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
April 4, 2025 at 12:46 PM

Today is Day of (No) Silence!

Hi John, Day of (No) Silence is today!   Whether you're a student, educator, parent, activist, or ally, today is your opportunity to show your support for LGBTQ+ students across the country.  Head to glsen.org/DayOfNoSilence to discover the wide range of tools, resources, and opportunities for you …
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
April 2, 2025 at 6:10 PM

Vote for GLSEN to Help Us Secure Crucial Funding!

Dear John,  We’re excited to share a unique opportunity for you to support GLSEN in a simple yet impactful way, and no donation is required!  This April, GLSEN is one of three organizations featured in CREDO Mobile’s monthly voting campaign. CREDO Mobile, a company that has donated over $95 million…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
March 27, 2025 at 12:32 PM

You stand with our youth — and we stand with you

Dear John,  There has never been a more vital time to empower safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ+ students. Thanks to supporters like you, we’re building a future where all students feel included and celebrated. We’re so grateful to count you as part of this movement.  Today, we want to help you …
  GLSEN · [email protected]
March 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM

How to Participate in Day of (No) Silence

Hi John, Day of (No) Silence is coming up!  Join us on the week leading up to April 4th by Rising Up and using your voice in protest against the daily erasure, mistreatment, and marginalization of LGBTQ+ students.  🔔 Register to receive updates and resources leading up to Day of (No) Silence.  Don'…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
March 11, 2025 at 2:01 PM

Help Us Fight Discrimination in Education

Dear John,  Our conviction at GLSEN remains unshaken: every student deserves a learning environment free from bullying and discrimination. A staggering number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced this year threatens this right, shining the spotlight on the urgent need for our collective action.  The wel…
  Melanie Willingham-Jaggers · [email protected]
March 5, 2025 at 2:45 PM

Get ready for Day of (NO) Silence April 4th!

Hi John,  Join us for the full week leading up to Day of (NO) Silence on Friday, April 4th!  Day of Silence originated over 30 years ago as a student-led silent protest against the daily mistreatment and marginalization of LGBTQ+ students.  It is now more important than ever for the voices of our mo…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
March 4, 2025 at 7:18 PM

Alert: McMahon Confirmed as Education Secretary

Dear John,  Last evening, Linda McMahon was sworn in as the new Secretary of Education. She is now the Cabinet-level official charged with enforcing federal civil rights laws in schools.  But as she stepped into the role, McMahon already has taken action to start reviews of all programs at the Depa…
  GLSEN · [email protected]
February 27, 2025 at 2:46 PM

You Can Change a Life Today

Dear John,  Every day, LGBTQ+ students across the nation face challenges that can feel overwhelming. But together, we can make a real difference. Your support empowers GLSEN to create safe and inclusive schools where every student can thrive. DONATE TO GLSEN TODAY Join other supporters in standing …
  GLSEN · [email protected]
February 21, 2025 at 2:50 PM

One Month In, Trump’s Education Department Fails LGBTQ+ Students

Dear John,  One month into the new administration, Donald Trump is already weaponizing the federal government to silence diversity in schools. With so much focus on his misguided plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, GLSEN is raising the alarm about how the Department’s tools to enfor…