The Gay Straight Lesbian Education Network (GLSEN) held its 4th annual Sparkle Glitter GLSEN Fundraising Cocktail Party and Award Ceremony on Thursday to honor community members who have helped make Phoenix schools safer for LGBTQ youth.
Madelaine Adelman, a board member of the GLSEN Phoenix chapter, said the event held at Steele Indian School Park, is important because it brings the community together.
“It’s good to celebrate, it’s good to be together with people to share your values,” she said. “To have a good time together, to see that there’s others out there in this community…The celebration part of it is always really meaningful.”
Bren Pantilione, policy coordinator for the Phoenix chapter, said she appreciated how the organization acknowledges the work of people in the schools themselves.
“Oftentimes, the people that are doing the work day to day in the schools, like the actual students, are teachers,” she said.
GLSEN is a “national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ students,” according to its website.
The event included a silent auction and raffle. The silent auction fundraiser included items donated by various community partners such as tickets to the Arizona Broadway Theater, paintings and a four hour rental of a Maserati or Corvette.
The event’s raffle fundraiser included prizes like a brunch for four at Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician and, for a higher entry price, the ability to pick any item from the silent auction.
Proceeds from the event went toward funding for student leadership development, supporting and educating teachers, and creating inclusive policies for the LGBTQ community.
“Every organization needs funds, needs resources and we are on a growth trajectory,” Adelman said. “The demand we still can’t meet it, so we know that there is more work that we have to do and this event will help us do that.”
Mary Anne Legarski, a volunteer coordinator at GLSEN, was awarded the Legacy Award for her work with the network.
“Making things right for youth and making environments acceptable and affirming, it just fit into my personal beliefs. So GLSEN matches what I personally believe,” Legarski said in a video played during the ceremony.
Arizona Trans Youth and Parent Organization won the Ally Award. The organization partnered with GLSENto motivate change within the community. They also host weekly support groups for parents who have transgender children, to help them better understand and support their children.
The Betty H. Fairfax High School Gay Straight Alliance club was given the Sean Nonnenmacher GSA of the Year award. The president of the club Izabelle Aguirre gave a speech prior to the award ceremony.
“We can be so proud to know that this generation isn’t just sitting around, expecting change without doing anything,” she said. “This organization shows that equality is possible, and that equality is just around the corner…We can create a safe environment for people by working with organizations like GLSEN. And with GLSEN we can make a difference.”
Contact the reporter at ekholdaw@asu.edu.
