AFT Stands with GLSEN Amid Attacks, Lies from Right-Wing Extremists

After Target announced it was pulling some Pride Month merchandise from its stores in response to extremist threats, GLSEN, an organization founded to support LGBTQIA+ youth, alongside other leading advocacy organizations, released a statement calling on the business community to rise up against anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric. 

Since then, right-wing media outlets have spread harmful and vicious lies about GLSEN—and these intentional and heinous attacks have spurred an onslaught of hateful messages and threats to its mission and the physical safety of its staff.

AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement in response to those attacks:

“Standing up for LGBTQIA+ students is the core of GLSEN’s mission, and we are standing up for GLSEN and the young people it serves. The bullying and smearing and attacking by extremist forces are intended to silence anyone they don’t agree with. It’s just cruel and heinous. And it’s bullying for performative and political gain. Make no mistake, this violent, hateful rhetoric has a purpose, but what’s worse, it clearly has consequences for the young people GLSEN supports who are already at high risk of anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Shame on the bullies.”