1. GLSN is a non-governmental organization that supports healthy and safe schools for gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, and bisexual students in the US. Therefore, the movement empowers students of such sexual nature and orientation to effect changes through the support of other students, thus causing positive impacts within their communities and schools (GLSEN, 2020). GLSEN ensures that all school members are respected and valued regardless of their gender, identity, or sexual orientation. The organization helps students who have been subjected to bullying, racism, and other discriminative acts, through campaigns and advocacy movements.
2. GLSEN dates back to the 1990s, a Massachusetts teacher, Kevin Jennings, established a collaboration of lesbian and gay teachers to form GLSTN, Gay and Lesbian Independent School Teacher Network. By 1993, Massachusetts' government formed the Governor's Commission, tasked with finding ways for improving the lives of gay students (GLSEN, 2020). In 1994, GLSTN grew to the national level, establishing its first national chapter in St. Louis. In 1997, the organization changed its name from GLSTN to GLSEN, in a bid to include straight teachers in making schools safer for gay and lesbian learners. In this same year, the organization's founder, Kevin Jennings, was hosted by US President, Bill Clinton, expanding its growth.
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3. Established in Boston, Massachusetts, GLSEN transferred its operations from the state to New York City. GLSEN is an American-based organization, hence receives widespread support from the majority of the American public. The US is more concerned about human rights movements; thus, the country supports gay learners' and educators' activities. The majority of Americans, therefore, support the movement. In New York, the organization gains support from the government and the public sector.
4. GLSEN serves gay and lesbian students in American schools. The organization works for students, protecting them from harassment, bullying, and discrimination for having such sexual orientations. During its establishment, gay and lesbian students faced criticism and bullying from their straight counterparts. Educators were also key contributors that influenced the public perception of gay and lesbian students. Even though the organization has not achieved all its goals in advocating for the protection of gay and lesbian students, GLSEN has certainly made widespread strides across the US. For instance, instances of bullying resulting from sexual orientation have reduced massively.
5. Several laws protect gay and lesbian students in American schools from discrimination. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IV, protects lesbian and gay students from discrimination (Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, 2020). The law prohibits all forms of discrimination against students based on sex, in universities, schools, and colleges. Title IX of the US Education Amendments, 1972, protects gay and lesbian students by prohibiting sex discrimination in institutions and programs funded by the federal government (Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, 2020). These laws prohibit discrimination based on gender identities, nonconformity status, and transgender status.
6. Discrimination resulting from nonconformity, transgender status, and gender identities could be detrimental to sexual health. Through discrimination, gay and lesbian students have to suppress their sexual feelings and are forced to behave like straight people (American Psychological Association, 2020). With discrimination, gay and lesbian students cannot have safe relationships as they fear exposing their partners. Body shaming and trolling could be detrimental to the sexual health of gay and lesbian students. The group is denied their right to hold romantic dates or walking while holding hands like other students, thus making their relationships suffer, while those of straight students continue to flourish. Gay and lesbian students are also harassed in classes, resulting in a poor mental state, which negatively affects their sexual health.
7. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in massive impacts on lesbian and gay people globally. Gay and lesbian people are exposed to stigma and discrimination in some communities, making it difficult for them during the COVID-19 pandemic (American Psychological Association, 2020). The LGBT community is also faced with the risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the underlying conditions like HIV/AIDS they have. The pandemic has also led to the cancellation of more than 220 marriage celebrations for lesbian and gay people in the US (American Psychological Association, 2020). The community is also separated from another, making it difficult for them to air their grievances and support.
8. The organization has operated under different sponsors and well-wishers since its foundation. Hollister, one of such sponsored, made the sponsorship deal in 2017, which is still active. Since the signing of this deal, Hollister has raised over $2 million for the organization.
9. I have chosen the organization because I have observed, on several occasions, gay and lesbian students being exposed to discrimination in both formal and informal setups. For instance, very few individuals make friends with gay and lesbian students, thus making me write on this topic. The topic does not have a personal meaning to me, but it influences how I interact with other people. Discrimination should be banned at all the stages of life as it deprives people of their moral well-being.
10. In advocating for sexual, social justice, I propose that the initiate be started at school levels. Students are taught the importance of respecting and valuing other people's sexual orientations, beliefs, and perceptions. Working together with various organizations and individuals could also prove crucial in ensuring sexual, social justice. Lastly, speaking out against discrimination can help improve the current sexual, social justice status.
References
American Psychological Association, (2020). How Covid-19 Impacts Sexual and Gender Minorities. https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/sexual-gender-minorities
Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, (2020). Protecting the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) Individuals. https://www.ada.gov/hiv/lgbti_brochure.html
GLSEN, (2020). About Us. https://www.glsen.org/about-us
