GLSEN to Host First-Ever Online Forum
for College-Bound Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Students

Media Contact: Michelle Sims

msims@glsen.org



Mar 22, 2004

Chat with us!

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, today announced plans for a first-ever online forum aimed at college-bound lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students to provide information about colleges and universities that have LGBT-friendly campuses and services. The chat will take place on Monday, March 22, 2004, from 8 to 10 p.m. EST. Current students, admissions counselors, and campus representatives from several colleges and universities will participate in answering any questions by prospective students.

“Online forums are uniquely suited to meet the needs of LGBT students,” said GLSEN Executive Director Kevin Jennings. “Colleges and Universities around the country are recognizing the need to address the many unique concerns and issues of their prospective LGBT students. We are pleased to be able to aid these institutions in their quest to reach out to these young people, and delighted at how many have signed up for this pilot project. The anonymity of the forum, for example, allows those who might have concerns about approaching their school counselor to get the information they need. We’re proud to partner with GLSEN to find ways to meet the needs of these students as they seek supportive environments in which to continue their education.”

Schools that have confirmed their participation in this event include: American University, California Institute of Technology, Indiana University, Naropa University, New York University, Penn State University San Jose State University, University of Texas – Austin, and University of Minnesota. More are expected to sign-up for the event.

The event is free and, to participate, students should to go the GLSEN web site (www.GLSEN.org) and click on the “Chat Here” icon above. GLSEN also offers a resource that provides information on how students can select an LGBT-friendly college or university, as well as a resource for guidance counselors on how to advise LGBT students on how to select an institution of higher learning. “Finding an LGBT-Friendly Campus” is a guide that features a list of key factors for students to consider when seeking an LGBT-safe school and provides a checklist of items to look for when assessing these factors. Find this resource in the 'Related Documents' folder to the right.

About GLSEN GLSEN, or the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. Established nationally in 1995, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. For more information on GLSEN’s educational resources, public policy agenda, student organizing programs or development initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.