Gay straight alliance games
We all know the launch of the 2020-21 university year posed significant challenges to high school students, including the ongoing pandemic and the continued adjustment to virtual learning. Socializing with friends and avoiding feelings of isolation were not always a possibility — posing another significant challenge.
For Rachel Bochman, a sophomore at HSLA–Manhattan at the time who had just come out to their friends and family, the need to detect a community where they could meet other people like them was critical. Without an existing team for them to unite, with help from James Hurley, an English mentor at the school, they started their own.
The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), dormant in recent years, was revived that semester and has blossomed in the nearly two years since. Bochman, president of the club, welcomes scholars of all ages to meet every Tuesday during the college year.
“We just wanted to provide a safe community,” said the club’s vice president, who prefers to remain anonymous for this blog. “We knew kids wanted to go somewhere after school, but they may not be going somewhere that feels safe.”
The activities in each rendezvous vary, but after existence
Gay-Straight Alliance Club holds first meeting
For the first time in three years, on Tuesday, May 9 the Gay-Straight Alliance met to confer next year’s plans and events under the supervision of club sponsor Kimberly Carten.
The Same-sex attracted Straight Alliance Club aims to make an understanding and the acceptance of all types of students. Its aim is to train the student body and encourage both gay and linear people to welcome their sexuality.
“This is one place where any learner can come and feel safe,” Carten said. “Regardless of who they are or how anybody labels them.”
The club arose through the efforts of multiple students, including club president Courtney Reed, whose aspire was to convey the club endorse. Along with Jenna Vanek, Carten agreed to sponsor the club.
The club plans on participating in community events in the desire of gaining 15 service hours. Members will be volunteering with the Orlando Youth Alliance as well as the Pulse Center where they will be raising money for those who were affected by the tragedy. During the summer, members will be going to Disney Gay Days taking place at Walt Disney Planet starting May 30 and ending June 5. They are also hoping to tak
Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Network
We’re proud to support a growing network of students, schools and group organizations creating safer spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff.
The GSA network provides consultation, training, event funding, school visits, networking and more to people committed in a GSA, or those who want to commence one.
Due to Calgary Board of Teaching restrictions on outside organizations in schools, we are unable to facilitate workshops or visits to CBE schools. However, we can provide digital resources, a GSA package, buttons and other assistance. Contact us for more details!
For more information, contact our GSA Network Coordinator.
What is a GSA / QSA?
GSAs are school-based groups that are student-run with teacher support. Other groups use alternative names, but some common names are Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Homosexual Straight Alliance (GSA) or Queer Linear Alliance (QSA).
These groups work to construct safe, caring, supportive and inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff and their allies. Students gather, socialize and assist one another as they discuss their feelings and experiences related to sexual orientation and gender id
Elements of a GSA
Download a PDF of this version here.
The purpose of this outing is to discuss the other roles a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) can play and to assist students identify which activities and events they may want to plan over a given timeframe. By identifying what “kind” of GSA you have, this exercise can also help the community identify a mission statement for the club.
To begin: Draw the following Venn diagram on a whiteboard or large sheet of paper. Note: Some will elect to separate “social” and “support”, using four overlapping circles. Utilize whatever picture works best for you.
Explain that this picture is meant to represent some of the common “elements” of a Gay-Straight Alliance. While every GSA is unique, many clubs design activities that are social, educational and/or activist in nature. It’s important to find a stabilize that best fits your club, so that all the members’ needs are being met. If your club only works on big advocacy events like Daytime of Silence, students who are simply looking for a secure space to talk about LGBT issues might be discouraged from joining the GSA. On the flipside, a club where students only talk might not be