GLSEN, the non-profit organization advocating for LGBTQ+ youth in K-12 education, announced last week that the organization has rebranded as Glisten, with the new name “reflecting the organization’s evolving commitment to visibility, clarity and support for LGBTQ+ youth nationwide,” according to a Feb. 6 press release.
GLSEN, founded in 1990 by a group of teachers in Massachusetts led by Kevin Jennings, was originally known as the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, later changing to just the acronym. With this new name change, the organization is “moving away from its antiquated acronym and moving towards an accurate reflection of its mission to empower LGBTQ+ youth and help them be their true selves,” the press release explained.
Glisten CEO Melanie Willingham-Jaggers said, “This is a year for transformation — not just for the Glisten team as individuals, but as an organization. This is not just a name change; it’s a name evolution.
“Much like the LGBTQ+ community, Glisten isn’t solely defined by the letters that represent the acronym” the CEO continued. “The brand name Glisten acts as a beacon for all LGBTQ+ youth, providing a shining, visible lifeline in schools and creating spaces where everyone can feel safe being visibly who they are.”
Today, Willingham-Jaggers said, organizations like Glisten “are facing unprecedented challenges at the local, state and federal levels. We cannot step back or give up in the face of erasure from anyone. It is more critical than ever for us to double down on our mission for all LGBTQ+ youth across the nation and continue to be visible.”
Since its founding, Glisten has represented the network of teachers and educators who first took action in support of their LGBTQ+ students, inspired by the boldness and bravery of students coming out despite facing bullying and discrimination these educators witnessed, the press release said.
Now, more than 30 years later, the press release continued, Glisten has grown to represent 1.5 million youth, families, educators, and advocates working to create safe schools nationwide, expanding its reach “beyond brick and mortar school buildings, creating ways for youth, families and allies to stay connected to a supportive community that understands them,” according to the press release.
Glisten partnered with Madeo, an independent brand and web agency with a focus on social impact, to revamp its logo and website, making the latter more accessible to users. While creating the logo, Madeo surveyed LGBTQ+ youth, allies, educators, and advocates, leading to the new visual identity.
“The new logo takes inspiration from the deep connection and belonging that drives the Glisten community, with the letters joining together and expressing individual colors through that connection,” Madeo’s Creative Director Ramy Nagy said. “The moving lines express the connections we create when we come together as a diverse community to advocate for each other. Vibrant colors are used in unexpected ways, creating a flexible and clear identity that enables us to celebrate the wins, face the challenges, and advocate for a better future.”
Alongside the rebrand, Glisten announced several leadership updates, including the promotion of Melanie Willingham-Jaggers from executive director to CEO, David Eng-Chernack from deputy executive director for communications and marketing to chief communications and marketing Officer, and Brigid Palcic from deputy executive director for development to chief development officer.
The organization also announced hiring Meghan Prichard as the new chief operating officer to support its expanded mission and national reach.
The redesigned website improves access to local chapters, GSAs and research resources, supporting Glisten’s continued work to advance justice and safety in K–12 schools nationwide.
