GLSEN (The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network) is a national organization fighting to end anti-gay bias in primary and secondary schools. The Richmond, Virginia chapter first met in January 2000 and received official chapter accreditation in July 2001. The chapter's long-term goal is to "end sexual orientation and gender identity bias in Richmond City, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, and Hanover County schools." As of January 2003, GLSEN Richmond included fifty-two members and a mailing list of one hundred and fifty addresses.

GLSEN Richmond is a founding member of the Safe Schools Richmond Coalition, a coalition of community organizations working for the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity under the anti-harassment policies of area school systems. GLSEN also helps local students form Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs) in their schools to promote a "safe and respectful environment for all members of the school regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity." GLSEN sponsors GSA leadership summits twice a year to develop youth leaders and to bolster club activities. The organization offers a small grants program to help finance GSA activities, provide resources, and to facilitate the Richmond GSA listserv. Other areas of focus include public education to increase awareness of the needs of LGBT youth, developing resources and a program to provide support and information to LGBT faculty and staff, and providing curriculum development grants for faculty interested in incorporating sexual orientation and gender identity into their curriculum.