Why were gay straight alliances created

Gay–straight alliance is intended to provide a safe and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and all LGBTQ+ individuals, [1] children, teenagers, and youth as well as their cisgender heterosexual allies. [2]. The first GSAs were established in the s. [3]. A Gay-Straight Alliance, or GSA, is a youth-led school or community group organized for the purpose of supporting LGBTQ youth and straight allies through discussion, action, friendship, and advocacy.

When Elie Lamadrid, 18, suggested starting an after-school gay youth club in the winter ofGeorge Washington High School, in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, had been a.

Gay-straight alliances that started in suburban Massachusetts united LGBT students and allies in efforts to find new language to talk about identity and sexuality. The first GSA club was founded in by history teacher, Kevin Jennings in Massachusetts, USA. Jennings went on to found the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Network, formerly the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Even other students not in the GSA will be drawn into the school-wide discussion of homophobic and transphobic incidents and attitudes.

The population has long endured legislative and societal discrimination, health and medical misconceptions, and wide-scale displays of social intolerance. GSAs also create safe spaces for students to meet and socialize in a harassment-free environment. Homophobic and transphobic harassment and violence are very common in schools and among teenagers.

Submissions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. School authorities should have a designated privacy officer Protection of Privacy Act or Personal Information Protection Act to provide advice and guidance on these matters and ensure that personal information is handled appropriately. By facilitating student-run clubs, students have the opportunity to learn about running groups, planning social, spiritual, political or academic activities, and working with others.

It is a City of Toronto agency and registered charity. While GSAs can be found across the U. Contact Us Helpful Resources. The liaison will work with the principal to coordinate the program in the school. I met many fantastic people from across Calgary and made many long why were gay straight alliances created connections. Students can share and discuss their identities and experiences.

Be creative and have fun. As someone who was very involved why were gay straight alliances created my high schools QSA, it was fantastic to see how other people across the province were running theirs and the different initiatives and projects they were leading. Think about some activities and goals for the group. Youth substance abuse treatment services enhancement grants.

Gay-straight alliance history

Students may choose a respectful and inclusive name, including "gay-straight alliance" or "queer-straight alliance". Intersectionality is the simultaneous experience of more than one kind of oppression. Alberta Human Services, Additionally, rural schools were more likely to teach abstinence-only curriculum in health and sex education courses than urban or suburban schools.

Without emotional, financial and social support, these adolescents become more susceptible to many of the aforementioned risks. Student-run discussions, social events, and political organizing are safe and fulfilling ways to explore identity and community and impact their school.

Gay–straight alliances |

As part of her honors thesis, she researched the struggles and needs of LGBT adolescents in rural areas, community support of and opposition to Gay-Straight Alliances, and modes of promoting tolerance and acceptance between all adolescents. GSA Network - GSA Network is an American national youth leadership organization that connects school-based GSAs to each other and community resources through peer support, leadership development, and training.

Our team can provide training for teachers and school supports looking to learn about and start a GSA. Recommended for you. It not only benefited the students but us as staff liaisons as well.