About
Glisten (legally incorporated as GLSEN Inc.; the organization's former website glsen.org now redirects to glisten.org) is a New York-based national education nonprofit dedicated to creating safe and respectful learning environments for youth of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, race, and abilities. It is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 04-3234202).
Mission
Glisten is dedicated to creating safe and respectful learning environments for youth of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, race, and abilities, advancing justice in schools across the country.
What they do
Four pillars form the foundation of Glisten's work. When these are in place, LGBTQ+ youth experience less harassment and discrimination and do better in school:
- Comprehensive policies: national and local public policy work advocating for policies that guarantee youth's right to quality and equitable education, including the Safe Schools Improvement Act and state anti-bullying and harassment legislation
- Supportive educators: an Educator Network of thousands of educators, based on findings that having just one visibly supportive educator can help LGBTQ+ youth feel safe, welcomed, and encouraged to learn
- Youth engagement: supporting student-led clubs (GSAs), a National Student Council, and student organizing, with free resources for students working to create safer and more affirming schools
- Inclusive curriculum: resources for teaching LGBTQ+ history, culture, and events, based on research showing that LGBTQ+ youth in schools with inclusive curriculums show improved academic outcomes
The organization also conducts research, including the recurring National School Climate Survey of students' school experiences.
History
In 1990, a group of teachers and educators, alarmed by the bullying towards LGBTQ+ youth they witnessed, decided to take action. More than 30 years later, the organization has grown into a network of 15 chapters in 13 states, representing 1.5 million youth, families, educators, and education advocates working to create safe schools.
Scale and impact
Glisten reports 15 chapters across 13 states, a community of more than 1.5 million people nationwide, and over 500,000 resources downloaded annually.
Financials
According to IRS Form 990 filings compiled by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (filed under the legal name GLSEN Inc.), the organization reported total revenue of $7.0 million (including $6.6 million in contributions and grants), total expenses of $10.0 million, and total assets of $12.4 million for the fiscal year ending June 2023. In the prior fiscal year (ending June 2022), it reported $8.0 million in revenue and $8.1 million in expenses.
