The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
GLSEN East Tennessee is an organization that strives to help provide means that support growth and development of GSAs of the surrounding area high schools, as well as support the community. It currently supports 22 area GSAs and various student-community projects, including PFLAG Maryville, University of Tennessee OUTreach Center, and Tennessee Equality Project (Safe Schools Committee).