GLSEN’s Post

Over 800 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced last year alone. This year, we are on track to break that number. Now more than ever, we need actionable allyship from teachers, parents, and advocates across the country. Visit glsen.us/statesnapshots to see the climate in your state right now. . . . Video description: Black text on blue background reads "GLSEN State Snapshots" about an illustration of the United States. The animation zooms in on the state of Missouri and a text bubble pops up that reads "63% of LGBTQ+ students reported regularly hearing homophobic remarks at school. 71% experienced at least one form of anti LGBTQ+ discrimination at school. 12% were taught positive representations of LGBTQ+ people, history, or events. Read you State's report here: glsen.us/statesnapshots".

It's so interesting and useful to see state-specific recommendations about what we need to do better-

Day of (No) Silence 2024: Rise Up. Take Action. History of Day of (No) Silence: Started in the mid 90’s by two college students, Day of Silence has expanded to reach hundreds of thousands of students each year. Every April, students would go through the school day without speaking, ending the day with Breaking the Silence rallies to bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive. 2024 Day of (No) Silence: With more than 800 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced last year, we must Rise Up and Take Action. GLSEN’s Day of NO Silence is a nationally-recognized student-led demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies all around the country—and the world— protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools. Silent Option: For those who may not feel safe or comfortable speaking out, the option of participating in a silent protest remains available. This ensures that everyone can contribute to the movement in a manner that aligns with their comfort level. #riseup #witl #lesbians #lgbt #protectourstudents

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈 Teaching children about LGBTQ+ topics from a young age fosters an inclusive, empathetic, and well-rounded society. Research shows that early education on diverse identities and relationships combats stereotypes and reduces prejudice, creating a safer, accepting environment in a world where 1 out of 3 countries criminalise the gay community. (American Psychological Association, 2019). Educating young minds about sexual orientation and gender identity can normalise these discussions, promote healthy self-esteem, and enable children to discover and accept their own identities or those of others (GLSEN, 2019). However, the educational gap is significant, with over 60% of LGBTQ+ students reporting no positive representation of LGBTQ+ topics in their schools, leaving students without essential understanding (Kosciw et al., 2020). Education and representation contribute significantly to ongoing prejudice and discrimination to help shape a kinder world for our children. #pride #pridemonth #lgbtq #kinderworld #loveislove #childrenseducation

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the history, existence, and resistance of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide. Their fight for equal rights continues, even in our schools. Inclusive books are being removed, students face discrimination, and LGBTQ+ youth and staff feel unsafe. Let's honor Pride by standing up for LGBTQ+ youth: speak up for inclusion in public education at your next school board meeting. Creating inclusive learning spaces starts with funding. Attend a local budget hearing or school district meeting and ask critical questions: - How is staff training on pronouns and gender identity conducted? - How does the district support safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ students? - Is LGBTQ+ inclusion part of the sex ed curriculum? - Are LGBTQIA+ individuals involved in decision-making processes for necessary training and support? Join us in advocating for welcoming, safe, and equitable schools. Your voice matters. Sign up now to receive the tools needed to make a difference. Let's ensure every student feels respected and supported in their educational environment! #PrideMonth #LGBTQ+ #Inclusion

Day of (No) Silence 2024: Rise Up. Take Action. History of Day of (No) Silence: Started in the mid 90’s by two college students, Day of Silence has expanded to reach hundreds of thousands of students each year. Every April, students would go through the school day without speaking, ending the day with Breaking the Silence rallies to bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive. 2024 Day of (No) Silence: With more than 800 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced last year, we must Rise Up and Take Action. GLSEN’s Day of NO Silence is a nationally-recognized student-led demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies all around the country—and the world— protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools. Silent Option: For those who may not feel safe or comfortable speaking out, the option of participating in a silent protest remains available. This ensures that everyone can contribute to the movement in a manner that aligns with their comfort level.🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 #OUTsyracuse

LGBTQ+ students deserve safe and affirming learning environments. 🗣️ From the continued gun violence in schools to threats and harassment against students, especially LGBTQ+ students, schools can be deeply unsafe places for far too many. But our CEO, Kevin Jennings, has a clear message for LGBTQ+ students and their families: Lambda Legal has your back! For three decades, we’ve relentlessly fought for and won historic protections for LGBTQ+ students, and over the next several months, we’ll be fighting cases that will have an impact on LGBTQ+ young people nationwide. These include: - Fighting for the rights of trans athletes to participate in sports with their peers, in West Virginia. - Combatting “Don’t Say LGBTQ+” laws in states like Iowa. - In Indiana, protecting the rights of students to be referred to by their chosen name and pronouns without discrimination. Together, we are building a future where LGBTQ+ youth can learn, thrive, and be celebrated for who they are. 🏳️🌈🌟 #BackToSchool #LGBTQYouth #SafeSchools #ProtectLGBTQYouth #LGBTQEquality #LGBTQ #InclusiveSchools

Happy Pride Month!🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ As we celebrate LGBTQ+ Michiganders, it's essential to reflect on how we can better support the complex needs of LGBTQ+ students in postsecondary education. According to a 2022 report, "Fewer LGBTQ people experienced a sense of belonging at their college (71.9%) compared to non-LGBTQ people (83.5%). Additionally, more LGBTQ people reported mental health struggles while in college than their non-LGBTQ peers." As we work toward creating a truly equitable education system, it’s important for organizations and institutions to look for ways to build support and inclusion for these students. https://lnkd.in/gBiJQV2Q

“I just hope they can see something in us that’s worth saving.” No 17-year-old should ever wonder if lawmakers think they’re “worth saving.” But that’s exactly what high-school senior Ava Kreutziger told reporters last week shortly after performing on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol in protest of the state’s proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Up in Connecticut the same week, a group of high-schoolers from several different schools boarded a bus to the United Nations — in part to learn about LGBTQ+ rights across the globe. But also to present a document to a U.N. representative stating their vision for LGBTQ+ advocacy and change. Two different forms of activism and protest. Both made possible by It Gets Better’s 50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices program. The clock is ticking — this year’s application window ends on Monday, April 8. It will not extend again. So tell us — how do you want to make things better for LGBTQ+ students in your school? It doesn’t have to be a theatrical production or a declaration to global leaders — it could be a garden, a GSA, an inclusive library. The possibilities are endless. You just need to want to make a difference. SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TODAY and secure up to $10,000 for your school. We can't wait to see what you dream up. www.50states50grants.org (Pictured: students from Ansonia High School in front of the Norman Rockwell mosaic at the United Nations) #itgetsbetter #lgbtq #grants #schoolgrants #grantprogram #lgbtqstudents