What is the gay straight alliance club

Overview

Gay-straight alliances (GSAs) and queer-straight alliances (QSAs) are peer support networks run by students and supported by school staff and would be grounded in the principles of promoting:

• equity for sexual and gender minority students
• safe, caring and inclusive spaces for all students
• healthy, respectful environments and relationships to prevent or eradicate bullying and discrimination

As peer support networks, GSAs/QSAs facilitate LGBTQ2S+ students overcome feelings of isolation and alienation that are a product of homophobic and transphobic bullying. They empower students as they develop a sense of belonging in their school. GSAs/QSAs also help interested students get allies for their LGBTQ peers and provide a safe place to support understand and learn how to offer support.

Supporting GSAs

The Education Act (Section 35.1) outlines the roles and responsibilities of school authorities and principals around supporting GSAs and QSAs - so that students can get the support they need - when they need it.

The act:

• requires educational facility authorities to create welcoming, caring and respectful policies and make them publicly available
• protects the establishment of GSAs and
  
  
  

  Only 3 states have a gay-straight alliance in more than half of their high schools

  GSAs are institution clubs led by students, with support from faculty sponsors, in which students can talk, learn about, and educate others on sexual orientation, gender persona, and some of the issues that surround them. There are currently at least 4,000 GSAs across the country. Organizations such as GSA Network and GLSEN have programs to register GSAs and suggest resources for students and faculty advisors.

  In a recent review of LGBT-focused academy policies and practices, researchers noted that, of all reviewed interventions, GSAs are supported by the most consistent evidence showing that they improve school climate and academic outcomes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender nonconforming, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Specifically, the researchers identified several studies that documented reduced homophobic victimization of lesbian, gay, and multi-attracted students in schools with GSAs. LGBTQ youth who participate in GSAs announce that the clubs are a source of society, a gateway to LGBTQ-friendly resources, and a marker of safety.

  There is also evidence that the presence of GSAs is related with benefit

  Supporting a Gay-Straight Alliance in Middle School

  As teachers, counselors, and administrators, we perceive the words of bullies reported, comfort the bruises of victims, and view the bigger picture of prejudice that spans from classroom to soccer field to hallway. Too many times, episodes of bullying are based around students’ perceived sexuality or identities, and as research proves, our young people are suffering.

  One way schools can combat these attacks is to host a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). Tall schools across the land have answered the question to provide safe and supportive spaces for children. Slower to move, however, are middle schools.

  Why a GSA in Middle School?

  It’s crucial to note that the tween years extend from ages 10 to 15. That spans upper elementary school into high educational facility, with the majority being the middle school years. This is a key period for lesbian, gay, and double attraction students: The children in one survey reported being “attracted to another person of the same gender at about age 10.”

  The Trevor Proposal reports several troubling statistics. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer (LGBTQ) youths are “more than four times as likely t

  Starting a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) in Your School

  This content is intended to serve as general information; it is not legal advice nor intended as legal advice.

  What is a Gender and Sexuality Alliance?

  Genders and Sexualities Alliances (formerly known as Gay-Straight Alliances), or GSAs, are student-led and student-organized institution clubs that aim to create a safe, welcoming, and accepting school environment for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. GSAs provide a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender nonconforming, and gender non-conforming (LGBTQ) students, as well as those who are perceived by others to be LGBTQ, are questioning their identity, have LGBTQ friends or family members, or just care about LGBTQ issues.

  Why should I begin a GSA at my school?

  GSAs help make schools safer for all students by providing support, educating others in your university about LGBTQ issues, and engaging in awareness activities like the national Morning of Silence. GSAs also allow LGBTQ and vertical students to work together to take on issues that affect all students, including harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gende
  

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