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. The new organization was called Illinois Safe Schools Alliance. 

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. The program is now called “The Alliance” to reflect its broader focus on supporting LGBTQ+ youth in all spaces, not just schools. More information on the merger can be found here.