GLSEN and Metropolitan Community Churches Partner To Bring Educator Trainings to Cities Across the U.S.

Media Contact:
Riley Snorton
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network
646-388-6580
rsnorton@glsen.org

Jim Birkitt
Metropolitan Community Churches
310-625-4177
ufmcchq@aol.com

Official Launch at Initial Training of more than 50 Educators in New York City March 4-5

New York, NY – GLSEN, or the Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network, announced its partnership today with Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) to bring GLSEN’s Training of Trainers program to cities across the United States. The Training of Trainers (TOT) program seeks to give allies in education a more in-depth understanding of how to address anti-LGBT bias in their schools and to make them safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

"The Training of Trainers program is a tremendous resource developed to provide hands-on training experiences for educators and our allies in education," said GLSEN’s Founder and Executive Director Kevin Jennings. "We are delighted to bring this training to cities throughout the U.S. and excited by the tremendous response from educators and youth service providers."

The first joint training program is scheduled for March 4-5 at New York University, Kimmel Center for University Life in New York City and has already reached capacity. Through the partnership, GLSEN and MCC plan to coordinate an additional 7 trainings throughout the U.S.

"We know that teachers, counselors and administrators often do not intervene in incidences of anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender name-calling and harassment," said MCC’s Executive Director Dr. Cindi Love. "Sometimes educators simply do not know what to do; through these trainings we want to encourage, enlighten and empower them to make change."

Rev. Pat Bumgardner, who initiated the MCC and GLSEN partnership, added, "One of the most vital things any faith community can do is to bring GLSEN’s Training of Trainers workshop to your area. It will make our schools safer; educators desperately need the information this workshop provides." Bumgardner's congregation, which provides services to youth in NYC, is co-host of the NYC launch event.

"To learn more about scheduling a "Training of Trainers" workshop in you area, contact TOT@glsen.org.

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.

About Metropolitan Community Churches
Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) is a Christian denomination practicing ecumenical and interfaith leadership as an official observer of the World Council of Churches. MCC operates in 26 countries and in 237 cities in the United States. Founded in 1968 by Reverend Dr. Troy Perry, Metropolitan Community Church had the first publicly proclaimed ministry of welcome to GLBT people. www.MCCchurch.org

About Metropolitan Community Church of New York
Metropolitan Community Church of New York, located in Manhattan, provides a spiritual home for the through worship, prayer, social action, education, fellowship, and generosity so that all people might experience God's liberating love, wholeness, and justice; come to live in right relationship with God and all creation; and have the courage to change the world. www.mccny.org