Glisten

Overview

Glisten is an organization headquartered in New York City with an additional office of public policy in Washington, D.C.[5] The organization was founded in 1990 when Kevin Jennings, Kathy Henderson and Bob Parlin led a coalition of gay and lesbian educators to form what was then called the Gay and Lesbian Independent School Teacher Network.[4] Glisten supports LGBTQ+ students through chapters, research, and educational resources.[2] The organization champions LGBTQ+ issues in K-12 education, offering resources for students and educators, conducting research on school climate, operating a policy action center and campaigns, and aiming to transform schools into safe and affirming environments for all youth.[3] Among its research activities, Glisten conducts the National School Climate Survey, described as the first and only national study regularly documenting the experiences of LGBT youth in schools, published biennially.[6]

The company's own site places it in New York: Mailing address listed as 244 Madison Ave., #108 New York, NY 10016, with phone number (212) area code. [1]

Glisten, called GLSEN until February 2026 and originally the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, was founded in 1990 when Kevin Jennings, Kathy Henderson and Bob Parlin led a coalition of gay and lesbian educators to form what was then called the Gay and Lesbian Independent School Teacher Network. [4]

Glisten is headquartered in New York City and also has an office of public policy based in Washington, D.C. [5]

Glisten conducts the National School Climate Survey, described as the first and only national study regularly documenting the experiences of LGBT youth in schools, conducted and published biennially. [6]

Glisten's site shows a policy action center under Take Action, Initiatives & Campaigns, and a National Student Council under its resources for students. [7]