December 1, 2009

>GLSEN Statement Supporting World AIDS Day

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GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is a proud supporter of today’s World AIDS Day, an annual event that for over 20 years has brought attention to the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. In the ongoing effort to educate and prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS, this year’s focus is “Universal Access and Human Rights,” along with remembering those who have been lost to the disease.

“Education plays a crucial role in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS,” GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard said. “GLSEN is encouraged by the recent trend showing school districts and states across the country rethinking abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, which stigmatize LGBT people and can leave out lifesaving information about the prevention of HIV/AIDS. We hope more states and school boards will follow suit and keep the interests and needs of all students in mind when developing HIV/AIDS prevention programs.”

   

About Elizabeth Free

       

Elizabeth Free is the communications manager at GLSEN--the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Elizabeth joined GLSEN in 2009 to make schools safer for all students and says one of the best parts of her job is working with GLSEN's Student Ambassadors. She is originally from Texas and has a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Houston.