Recognizing gay students remains an emotional, politically charged issue. But Kevin Jennings, the 42-year-old executive director of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), is not out to provoke shouting matches. Instead, he is quietly turning students into activists capable of changing schools on their own. Along with advocating for safer schools, GLSEN supports students starting gay-straight alliances, school-based clubs that foster discussion of LGBT issues. There are nearly 3,000 GSAs nationwide, up from just two 15 years ago. The group also organizes a few trademark events, including No Name-Calling Week, featuring anti-bullying activities for students in grades 5 through 8, and the Day of Silence, during which students protest harassment by refusing to speak in school.