GLSEN & PFLAG

Carissa Puls

The Signal

GLSEN is the leading national organization that focuses on ensuring safe schools for all students.

“Our local chapter is trying to provide professional development workshops for local teachers in K-12 settings,” said Kim Chase, co-chair for GLSEN and UHCL professor of psychology and women’s studies. “These workshops will teach teachers how to address LGBT issues that come up in the classroom, such as derogatory terms and bullying.”

GLSEN’s goal is to develop school climates where diversity is valued for its positive contribution.

“We want to make sure school will be safe for all children regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,” said Leo Chan, co-chair and training coordinator for GLSEN, and UHCL professor of communication and digital media studies.

PFLAG provides a support system for parents struggling to accept their gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender child.

“We are a support group, not a counseling group,” said Barbara Larsen, a Houston chapter PFLAG facilitator. “It is strictly peer to peer.”

PFLAG’s mission is to keep families together.

“It’s a coming-out process for the parents as well,” Larsen said. “It’s a place where the parents can share and get support with others parents who have gay
or lesbian children.”

PFLAG includes small-group discussions where families can share their journey and learn from each other.