What is GLSEN Collier
GLSEN Collier County is part of an organization that is nationally aligned but locally relevant. We believe that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and inclusive K-12 education regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. We accomplish this by supporting local GSA clubs, advocating for inclusive curriculum, training educators, community-based youth programming, and engaging with local leaders to create LGBTQ-affirming policies.
Donate to Support Collier County's LGBTQ+ Students
GLSEN Collier County organizes, trains, and empowers school communities. In addition to advocating for inclusive curriculum and policies that protect and affirm LGBTQ+ students, GLSEN Collier also provides a variety of youth programming, such as the SHINE Team, Youth Pride Conference, and Night of Noise, all free of charge.
The 2021 National School Climate Survey
The GLSEN National School Climate Survey is GLSEN's flagship report on the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in schools, including the challenges that they face at school and the resources available to them that support LGBTQ+ students’ well-being.
The survey consistently indicates that specific school-based support is related to a safer and more inclusive school climate, including supportive educators, inclusive and supportive policies, LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum, and supportive student clubs, such as GSAs.
Given that GLSEN has been conducting the survey for two decades, changes over time on indicators of negative school climate and levels of access to LGBTQ-related resources in schools are also examined. Click below to find out more.
By the Numbers
Percentage of LGBTQ+ students who reported hearing negative remarks about gender expression from teachers or other school staff.
Percentage of LGBTQ+ students who reported missing at least one entire day of school in the past month because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable.
Percentage of LGBTQ+ students who reported avoiding school functions or extracurricular activities.
Percentage of LGBTQ+ students who were sexually harassed (e.g., unwanted touching or sexual remarks) in the past year at school.
Stay Up to Date
Stay up-to-date with everything going on with GLSEN Collier County! Learn about upcoming social events, training, volunteer opportunities, and more. Sign up for our Newsletter today so that you are ready to answer the call to action when it comes.
Support for Your GSA
As Florida’s political climate continues to worsen and the attacks on queer and trans kids intensify, the need for more LGBTQ+ safe and affirming spaces increases. Check out GLSEN’s GSA resources and contact us if you would like support for your school’s GSA.
Testimonials
“[Youth Pride Conference] was an unscripted scene of pure, goofy happiness, and for a brief moment they weren’t political targets or media subjects or problems to be fixed; they were just kids being kids.” -
David Mack, BuzzFeed News
“The Educators’ Information Night was a wonderful way to learn more about the issues our LGBTQ students are facing in the schools from their perspectives. The guest speakers clarified some of the new Florida laws, and representatives from GLSEN Collier provided suggestions on how we, as educators, can best support these students. It was uplifting to see the numerous resources in the community to help LGBTQ youth while also being reminded there is still much to be done. This Information Night will be on my back-to-school calendar as long as GLSEN Collier offers it.”
CCPS Teacher
“SHINE Team Collier has completely changed my life and exposed me to opportunities that would give me the space to make actual change in my local world—something I could never have imagined. This is the place where I feel the proudest of my activism and contributions because it is so easy to see the actual effects of our work on the community.”
Via (She/her), 18 years old
"Just literally for one day, you can be completely unabashedly yourself and be that queer teen that Florida seems to be afraid of.”
Youth Pride Conference student attendee
“In a state that has helped lead a national crackdown on the rights of LGBTQ people, this gathering — small as it was — felt almost radical.”
David Mack, BuzzFeed News
Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved with GLSEN Collier and advocate for our LGBTQ+ youth. Would you like to attend a CCPS Board meeting to share your voice, help with one of our youth events, or have a particular skill or service you can provide to support our students? Whatever it may be, we would love for you to be part of our team.