“That’s so gay!” A comment heard in many schools that is meant to be derisive and insulting. Many of those who say it consider the phrase innocuous, not meant to harm. But to many LGBT youths and their allies, it is not only hurtful, but also reinforces the feeling of not belonging, of being a person of lesser value. Sadly, some students are also the targets of harsher words that are meant to be hurtful and are the objects of bullying that sometimes includes violence. For those who don’t experience physical abuse, the emotional trauma can be just as harmful.
In 1990, a group of teachers in Massachusetts recognized the problem and decided it was time to act. The organization, now known as the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) was born and now includes over forty chapters, including GLSEN Pittsburgh. According to Ian Syphard, Chair of the Board of Directors – GLSEN Pittsburgh, their mission is to ensure that schools are safe for all, so “students can learn and thrive.” Ian adds that GLSEN Pittsburgh works to create “a healthful learning environment where (students) can learn and not have to worry. Students should be able to go to school and not be harassed. Every student has the right to thrive”
Operating as an all volunteer organization, GLSEN members include not only educators, but those with different backgrounds and skills that can help the organization with its mission. One way GLSEN works to achieve its mission is through their Professional Development Training (PD). GLSEN PD helps educators and any school employee learn about the harassment that students face and how they can handle the situation, diffuse it and teach their students tolerance. GLSEN achieves this in three ways. Toolkits are a self guided method of learning through books and other educational material. Second, GLSEN PD offers webinars that provide tips and tools to create safe and affirming learning environments for all students. Third, GLSEN PD offers workshops where educators can meet with each other to share experiences and learn through the efforts of a GLSEN facilitator leading the workshop. Educators are also taught the value of being an LGBT ally and are encouraged to introduce LGBT friendly lessons in their curriculum.
GLSEN PD HELPS EDUCATORS AND ANY SCHOOL EMPLOYEE LEARN ABOUT THE HARASSMENT THAT STUDENTS FACE AND HOW THEY CAN HANDLE THE SITUATION, DIFFUSE IT AND TEACH THEIR STUDENTS TOLERANCE.
Another project of GLSEN Pittsburgh is the Peer Advocates for Safe Schools (PASS) Project. According to Ian, PASS is training high school students to work toward creating safe schools starting with a 10-hour training session provided by GLSEN Pittsburgh. The goal is help the next generation of LGBT advocates gain organizational skills so they can promote inclusiveness among their peers by providing them with the tools to create safe schools for themselves and other students. Ian says, the “students are taught to be leaders and (are) encouraged to make change in their schools”.
An event that Ian is particularly proud of is the Youth Pride Prom. PASS students help in planning and organizing the annual student-organized Prom which is co-hosted by GLSEN Pittsburgh and the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC). It provides a youth organized social event for LGBT students and allies who avoid school proms, fearing harassment or bullying. GLSEN Pittsburgh also helps local Gay Straight Alliances (GSA) to organize and teaches them the skills to operate their student-run organization.
In keeping with the mission of providing safe environments for LGBT youth and all students, GLSEN Pittsburgh co-sponsored the Safe Schools Summit with Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG Pittsburgh) and with Persad Center, the Pittsburgh based counseling center for adults and youths in the LGBT community. The Summit brought together teachers, academic administrators and school counselors. Speakers shared recent research findings about bullying of LGBT students and affirmed the goal of creating safe and inclusive school environments. As a result, a two-year study was launched to document LGBT bullying in local schools in an effort to find solutions.
GLSEN Pittsburgh intends to grow as it continues to provide a valuable resource for all area educators and students in the immediate eleven county area, and to continue to work with other LGBT groups to achieve its goals and continue its mission.
To emphasize the importance of GLSEN Pittsburgh in the community, Betty Hill, Executive Director of Pittsburgh’s Persad Center says, “GLSEN is a key voice in the movement to creating safe and respectful schools for all students”.
And as GLSEN Pittsburgh Board Chair Ian Syphard said, “It should be better and it can be better.”
To volunteer, donate, or make inquiries, contact GLSEN Pittsburgh at info@glsenpgh.org