Who We Are & What We Do
Our Chapter: GLSEN Los Angeles
As the Los Angeles chapter of GLSEN, we are here to make every K-12 school in Los Angeles County safe, inclusive, and affirming. We serve students and educators in public, private, charter and parochial schools in Los Angeles County, across 88 cities and 78 school districts. ​
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GLSEN Chapters are community-based groups of youth and adults who work to localize our collective mission to be the champion of LGBTQ+ issues in K-12 education, eliminating anti-LGBTQ+ bias and violence in schools today and laying the foundation of respect for all in the future. Chapter members are intersectional and diverse, ranging from students to parents/ caregivers, teachers to administrators, and local community members who have an interest in ensuring safe schools for all.
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Chapters localize GLSEN's mission through:
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Youth Programming: Implementing, developing, and supporting initiatives that support LGBTQ+ youth; promoting leadership, empowerment, and community engagement.
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Advocacy: Championing legislative and policy changes at local, state, and federal levels to ensure equitable treatment and protections for LGBTQ+ students.
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Community Engagement & Mobilization: Engaging with educators and local communities to build awareness, support, and collaboration for LGBTQ+ issues in education.
About GLSEN ​
GLSEN, the nation's largest advocate for LGBTQ+ issues in K-12 education, has been dedicated to establishing inclusive schools and learning environments for over 34 years. Amidst increasing threats against LGBTQ+ youth nationwide, GLSEN actively addresses harassment and discrimination by empowering educators, advocating for policy changes, and combating book bans.
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GLSEN was founded in 1990 by a group of teachers who were inspired by the bravery of their LGBTQ+ students, and wanted to ensure that those students - and all LGBTQ+ youth - had safe and affirming learning environments. More than thirty years later, GLSEN continues to work to ensure that LGBTQ+ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment.
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At a National level:
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We conduct extensive and original research to inform our evidence-based solutions for K-12 education.
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We author developmentally appropriate resources for educators to use throughout their school community.
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We advise on, advocate for, and research comprehensive policies designed to protect LGBTQ+ students as well as students of marginalized identities. We've brought record support to the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the Student Non-Discrimination Act and fought discriminatory legislation in over 15 states.
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We empower students to affect change by supporting student-led efforts to positively impact their own schools and local communities, and have thousands of registered GSAs nationwide.
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Today, after over 30 years of leading the movement, GLSEN's National Network is more than 1.5 million strong, with students, families, educators, and education advocates working to create safe schools. More than 500,000 GLSEN resources are downloaded by students and educators each year.
Filled LA Chapter Roles: ​
Co-Chair (2)
Secretary
Treasurer
Youth Programs Co-Lead (2)
PD Coordinator
Communications Lead
Social Media Support
Volunteer Lead
Research Lead
Open LA Chapter Roles:
Policy Lead
Supporting Chapter Member
