GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education. They are a national network of educators, students, and local GLSEN Chapters work to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. GLSEN Houston needed materials to help foster personal and actionable conversations in schools – discussions that facilitate open dialogue and greater tolerance.

As we interviewed diverse LGBTQ student populations across the Houston area, we learned that insensitive adults and even teachers were just as much a source of bullying as their peers. As a result, we developed companion pieces: one for students – Be The Change, and one for educators – Be The Difference.

In each brochure, we focused on situations that an audience would face, and how they can be addressed with compassion, tolerance and understanding. The brochures were designed to be bold, colorful and easy to read, including numerous facts and stats demonstrating just how harmful bullying can be for LGBTQ students – and how widespread the problem is. Illustration was used in lieu of photography to protect the identity of featured minors in case studies.

This piece was produced as the result of an Ideas That Matter grant from Sappi Paper that I applied for and received. At the time I had a one-year-old son and there had just been a number of hate-related crimes against LGBTQ youth occur across the country. The thought of my son potentially encountering such hate based on his sexual identity compelled me to help.