GLSEN Pittsburgh

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1 About GLSEN Pittsburgh
2 Mission
3 External links
4 References

[edit] About GLSEN Pittsburgh

GLSEN Pittsburgh is a chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

Nationally, GLSEN works to ensure safe schools for ALL students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. There are over 40 Chapters around the country, which work closely with the national staff of GLSEN to implement programs, and to keep national staff informed of local events. The work that chapters do covers a variety of subjects and issues, from public policy to teacher training to supporting students and educators around the country.

GLSEN Pittsburgh plays an important role in bringing GLSEN’s programs and visions to the Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania areas. The Chapter's board of directors consists of a diverse group of individuals who are committed and to ending anti-LGBT bias in Pittsburgh area schools. Board members are chosen by recommendations from current and outgoing board members in order to ensure that GLSEN Pittsburgh continues to thrive. In addition, the Chapter has a part time paid staff person who conducts trainings aimed at educating the public about the harassment and discrimination that many LGBT students face at school.

Like other GLSEN Chapters, GLSEN Pittsburgh supports Gay-Straight Alliances along with sponsoring GLSEN National's annual Day of Silence and No Name-Calling Week and providing resources for teachers, administrators, and support personal on how to support LGBT students.

[edit] Mission

GLSEN Pittsburgh's mission statement echoes that of GLSEN National in that it reads,

“

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. We believe that such an atmosphere engenders a positive sense of self, which is the basis of educational achievement and personal growth. Since homophobia and heterosexism undermine a healthy school climate, we work to educate teachers, students and the public at large about the damaging effects these forces have on youth and adults alike. We recognize that forces such as racism and sexism have similarly adverse impacts on communities and we support schools in seeking to redress all such inequities. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community. We welcome as members any and all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/ expression or occupation, who are committed to seeing this philosophy realized in K-12 schools.^[1]

”