Learn About GLSEN

• Welcome
• Learn About GLSEN
• Upcoming Events
• News
• Resources
• Get Involved
• Contact Us

GLSEN envisions a future in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

GLSEN combats the harassment and discrimination leveled against students and school personnel. GLSEN creates learning environments that affirm the inherent dignity of all students, and, in so doing, teaches them to respect and accept all of their classmates -- regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. GLSEN believes that the key to ending anti-gay prejudice and hate-motivated violence is education. And it's for this reason that GLSEN brings together students, educators, families and other community members--of any sexual orientation or gender identity/expression--to reform America's educational system.

Mission Statement

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 philosphy realized in K-12 schools.

Chapter History

The Hudson Valley chapter of GLSEN was established in 1997 as part of the national organization. The chapter includes six counties: Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange and Ulster. In the first year chapter members consisted mainly of gay and lesbian teachers, who met for mutual support regarding being gay in school environments that were at times hostile. Since then, membership has greatly expanded and currently includes gay and straight educators, other school staff, students, parents and other concerned individuals. In 1999, a Westchester sub-chapter formed, in order to more directly meet the needs of Westchester County. In 2000, a Hudson Valley North sub-chapter formed, in order to specifically serve the Orange, Ulster and Dutchess Counties. A Rockland sub-chapter was formed in May 2003, and an Ulster sub-chapter was formed in June 2003. The Hudson Valley North's remaining county is now effectively the Ulster sub-chapter.

In addition to providing support to its members, the chapter's activities have expanded to include:

• Six annual Healing the Hurt Conferences, full day events held in Westchester County to educate the straight community about issues in the gay community. There is a strong emphasis on addressing issues within schools and about youth in general. The conferences have been joint efforts with PFLAG Westchester, Center Lane of Westchester Jewish Community Services and the Westchester County Executive's office. Five hundred and fifty people, 325 of whom were students attended the conference in November, 2004.
• Five Common Threads Youth Empowerment Retreats for high school students and their advisors were held in Dutchess County, in collaboration with Community Awareness Network for a Drug-free Life and Environment (CANDLE) of Rockland. The weekend provided Gay-Straight Alliances, school groups and youth community organizations the opportunity to identify and address homophobia in their settings. In October 2003, 160 students and advisors attended the retreat.
• Lending Library with over 1300 books and videos was established in 2002 for the use of our chapter. In addition, the library contains educational materials and curricula.
• Speakers Bureau, providing educational workshops to schools and community groups throughout the Hudson Valley.
• In-service course, "Addressing the Needs of LGBT Youth in Our Schools," through Hudson River Teachers' Center in Yorktown Heights.

Questions or comments? Please write us at info@glsenhudsonvalley.org.
Copyright 2005 GLSEN Hudson Valley. All rights reserved.
Website design by Alec Holmes.