GLSEN Hosts Meeting to Create Global Network

Media Contact:

Andy Marra Public Relations Manager 646-388-6575 amarra@glsen.org 

Jun 24, 2013

Today's Meeting, Held Concurrently with XV Comparative Education World Congress, Includes 24 Institutions from 20 Countries

NEW YORK - In conjunction with the XV Comparative Education World Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are hosting a convening this week of 24 institutions from around the world that are researching and/or working to address lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues in primary and secondary education and among youth.

The week of activities kicks off today with GLSEN and UNESCO convening an inaugural meeting of the Global Network Combating Homophobic and Transphobic Prejudice and Violence in Schools. Beginning Tuesday, members of the convening will present panel discussions at the conference, which will be the first panels dedicated to LGBT issues ever presented at the conference.

"Over the past two years we have seen the emergence of a powerful global effort to reduce the prejudice and violence that LGBT youth face in primary and secondary schools," said Dr. Eliza Byard, GLSEN's Executive Director. "This movement builds on two decades of dialogue and engagement that GLSEN has had with partners from all corners of the world, and this week's events represent an unparalleled opportunity to connect a growing community, strengthen our collective efforts and raise our voices in the international dialogue regarding education for all."

More than 30 of the most internationally renowned experts on research related to LGBT issues in education will participate in today's meeting. The group, which represents a wide range of national, cultural and socio-political contexts, will share its collective wisdom and coordinate efforts to reduce homophobic and transphobic bias and violence in schools globally.

"Some of our colleagues in this delegation do this work in incredibly difficult circumstances," said Byard, "We are so proud to support their efforts as part of GLSEN's next chapter of work to reduce violence and bias today and lay the foundation of respect for all as a cornerstone for our common future."

Said Dr. Joseph Kosciw, GLSEN's Senior Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives: "With nearly 15 years of experience researching LGBT issues in education, GLSEN has always had a strong commitment to providing technical assistance to researchers across the world who are interested in documenting the experiences of LGBT students. We are heartened to see the increase in our collective knowledge base growing globally, and this gathering will allow us to strengthen our work together to find the data we need to advocate for the lives of young people."

Thanks in part to support from Arcus Foundation and IBM, a diverse group of institutions will join the delegation, including Accept LGBT Cyprus (Cyprus); Aibai Culture & Education Center (China); BeLonG To (Ireland); Coalicion de Jovenes por la Educacion y la Salud Sexual (Mexico); Equipo Maria Rachid (Argentina); Federacion Argentina LGBT (Argentina); GALE (the Netherlands); Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action (South Africa); Hoshen (Israel); Informational Center Legebitra (Slovenia); Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University (the Netherlands); Kampania przeciw Homofobii (Poland); KAOS GL (Turkey); Centro Latino-Americano em Sexualidade e Direitos Humanos (Brazil); Safe Schools Coalition Victoria (Australia); T6 Cooperativa (Italy); Teachers College, Columbia University (USA); TODO MEJORA (Chile); UQAM (Canada); University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa); and University of New England (Australia).

Additionally, regional and international organizations will be in attendance including Education International - Latin American Regional Office; International School Health; and UNESCO.

About GLSEN

GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established 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.