Founded in 1990, GLSEN, which stood for the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, began as a network of educators responding to anti-LGBTQ+ bullying in schools. More than 30 years later, the organization says it represents 1.5 million youth, families, educators, and advocates, with work that extends beyond school buildings into broader community support.
CEO Melanie Willingham-Jaggers shared in a press release that the shift was a response to rising political pressure on LGBTQ+ youth and the groups that serve them. “Today, organizations like ours 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.”
The name Glisten comes from how GLSEN was commonly pronounced for decades. Leaders say it better captures the organization’s role as a visible source of safety and connection for LGBTQ+ students, rather than functioning as an acronym tied to its early history. Willingham-Jaggers described the change as a name evolution, not a reset.
“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,” said Willingham-Jaggers. “Much like the LGBTQ+ community, Glisten isn’t solely defined by the letters that represent the acronym. 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.”
The rebrand includes a new logo, visual identity, and website created with Madeo, a social impact-focused brand and web agency. Creative Director Ramy Nagy said the logo emphasizes connection. “The moving lines express the connections we create when we come together, as a diverse community, to advocate for each other,” said Nagy. “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.”
The updated website is designed to make it easier to connect with local chapters, start or find a GSA, and access research and resources. The organization says the changes are meant to support deeper engagement as it continues its work in K-12 schools across the U.S.