Kit Provides Educators with Resources on How to Be Allies to LGBT Students
NEW YORK—GLSEN, the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students, today released Kit Espacio Seguro, the Spanish-language version of its Safe Space Kit, one of the organization’s flagship resources, for use throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
GLSEN’s Safe Space Kit, made up of the Guide to Being an Ally to LGBT Students, two Safe Space posters and 10 Safe Space stickers, provides concrete strategies for supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, including how to educate about anti-LGBT bias and how to teach respect for all. As part of a multi-year campaign, GLSEN previously sent the original English-language version of the Kit to every middle and high school in the U.S.
“The benefits of supportive educators are abundantly clear. For example, LGBT students with more supportive educators reported higher GPAs and feeling more connected to their school community, according to our most recent National School Climate Survey,” said Jenny Betz, GLSEN’s Director of Education and Youth Programs. “We are confident that the Spanish version of GLSEN’s Safe Space Kit will give educators the tools they need to be supportive to LGBT students in Spanish-speaking communities and will extend the benefits of supportive educators to additional students and schools.”
According to a recent evaluation of the Kit, the majority of educators surveyed reported that the Kit increased their knowledge and skills regarding issues faced by LGBT students. In fact, most had engaged in efforts to support LGBT students: three-quarters provided direct support to an LGBT student and intervened when witnessing anti-LGBT behavior, such as bullying and biased remarks, and nine in 10 taught about the importance of respecting all people.
GLSEN’s Kit Espacio Seguro is available for free digital download at www.glsen.org/safespace and for purchase in hard copy in the GLSEN Shop. GLSEN recently partnered with Todo Mejora – Chile on creating a version of the Kit to be used in Chile.
About GLSEN
GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students. Founded in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN’s research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.
[From a News Release]
