The GLSEN Logo Usage Manual

The logo, symbolically referred to as "The Answer", features a youthful, contemporary rendering of a student with a raised hand, signaling the answer to a problem. The new logo is a call to action. It is a student empowered to speak up and driven to communicate the need for change. The simple, stylized illustration of the figure allows the gender to remain ambiguous. The figure is white on a black field, reminiscent of a chalk drawing on a blackboard. The new logo is bold, powerful, passionate, aggressive, and determined; all characteristics of GLSEN.

The figure has many dynamic visual cues that communicate a sense of urgency such as the upward movement of the arm. It is obvious the figure is passionate about what it has to say.

The GLSEN wordmark is written in a bold Sans Serif typestyle to communicate strength. The word is presented in black on a yellow

Sample Logo: GLSEN Colorado.

field. The juxtaposition of yellow and black is an arresting combination that communicates a sense of urgency and power. The colors of the logo are borrowed directly from the visual color palette of schools; yellow school buses and pencils, black and white chalkboards and notebooks. Prompting some viewers to remember and reflect on the the biased environments that schools foster.

The consistent use of the new logo by all of our chapters is important to the strength of GLSEN as an organization. The consistent use of the new logo can create a bond between all of the GLSEN chapters and present a uniform voice to the world.

Download and use "Building Chapter Unity through Graphic Standards" to help your chapter use the logo correctly.

Contact your regional organizer (on the right) if you have any questions.

NOTE: GLSEN continues to refine and expand its graphic identity. During this time chapters will continue to abide by the approved standards, which are helping to create a consistent GLSEN look in communities nationwide. The national communications team will make new and improved chapter guidelines available sometime after the national organization's graphic identity expansion is complete. The expanded chapter guidelines will not necessarily "match" the national guidelines, but will provide both new flexibility and new structure for their work. We hope to have this complete by the end of the fiscal year.