Gsa gay
GSAs Build Power
Genders & Sexualities Alliances, or GSAs for short, are student-run organizations that unite LGBTQ+ and allied youth to erect community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities. GSAs have evolved beyond their traditional role to serve as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth in middle schools and lofty schools, and have emerged as vehicles for dense social change related to racial, gender, and educational justice.
A growing body of research confirms that the presence of a GSA has a positive and lasting effect on student health, wellness, and academic performance. It can also protect students from harassment based on sexual orientation or gender persona, and improve school climates for all students in the long-term.
In March 2020, schools across the state closed down and shifted into a virtual vacuum due to the COVID-19 global health crisis. Many school activities and clubs were discontinued and unable to survive the travel into a digital earth. As trans and homosexual youth looked to ways to stay connected and continue to organize in a virtual setting, we created a Virtual GSAs in Action page to support them in taking their school-b
Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Network
We’re proud to support a growing network of students, schools and community organizations creating safer spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff.
The GSA network provides consultation, training, event funding, educational facility visits, networking and more to people involved in a GSA, or those who want to initiate one.
Due to Calgary Board of Education 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. Different groups use different names, but some common names are Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) or Queer Direct Alliance (QSA).
These groups operate to create safe, compassionate, supportive and inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff and their allies. Students meet, socialize and encourage one another as they discuss their feelings and experiences related to sexual orientation and gender id
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Gay-Straight Alliances, or GSAs, are student-led and student-organized school clubs that aim to create a safe, welcoming, and accepting school environment for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender self. GSAs provide a supportive environment for lesbian, lgbtq+, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, as well as those who are perceived by others to be LGBT, are questioning their identity, have LGBT friends or family members, or just care about LGBT issues.
GSAs help make schools safer for all students by providing support, educating others in their college about LGBT issues, and engaging in awareness activities like the national Morning of Silence. GSAs also allow LGBT and vertical students to work together to take on issues that affect all students, including harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Research has shown that LGBT students overhear fewer homophobic slurs, exposure less harassment, have improved attendance, and feel safer at schools that acquire GSAs. Like any club, what a GSA does is up to its members, but it often includes things like pitching in on commun
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 educational facility 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 diverse, 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 launch 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 linear 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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