HISTORY
The Alliance was initially formed by joining forces between Creating Safe Schools for Illinois (CSSI-formerly GLSEN Chicago) and the Coalition for Education on Sexual Orientation (CESO). The two organizations joined together in 2007 to lead the LGBTQ+ safe schools movement in Illinois by developing and implementing a model that engages a range of stakeholders, including school districts, community partners, and young people on the issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
In 2019, after almost a year of integrating operations, the Alliance merged with Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago to strengthen infrastructure while preserving the organization’s long-standing dedication to policy, public education, and LGBTQ+ youth organizing. More information on the merger can be found here.