Organizing GLSEN LGBT Educator Retreats

Retreats for LGBT educators have been popular events organized by GLSEN Chapters. Generally an overnight event running from 1 p.m. on Saturday until 5 p.m. on a Sunday (with lodging and food included), they provide an intense experience wherein LGBT educators can examine the personal issues involved in our work. Two issues need to be highlighted, and are reflected in the attached agenda for GLSEN retreats:

1) GLSEN retreats have traditionally been restricted in registration to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender educators. This has been our policy as we feel a "safe space" is sometimes needed for LGBT educators to truly open up and examine our issues. It is up to local Chapters to determine their own policies here and, in fact, GLSEN Los Angeles staged an "open" retreat in January 1996. Regardless of what position a Chapter takes, however, that stance should be clearly outlined in all materials from the start.

2) Retreats have increasingly focused on coming out issues. This has been in response to the pre-questionnaires and the general development of the program over the years retreats have been conducted. However, planners of individual retreats will want to read the pre-questionnaires closely in developing their agenda. Helping LGBT educators come out and play a more active role in GLSEN is an important goal of LGBT Educator Retreats.

With that in mind, click on "DOWNLOAD PDF" to view the resource, and also check out the useful links on the right for coming out tips and information about legal rights for LGBT educators.