Definition
Student-run clubs (typically in a middle school or high school, or on college/university campuses) which provide a safe place for students to meet, support one another, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and work to address homophobia and transphobia. Many GSAs function as a support group and provide safety and confidentiality to students who are struggling with their identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning. In addition to support, some GSAs work on educating themselves and the broader school community about sexual orientation and gender identity issues. They may bring in outside speakers to cover a particular topic such as LGBTQ history. They may organize a "Pride Week" or "LGBTQ Awareness Events" and offer a series of educational workshops, panels and pride celebrations. Other GSAs are activist clubs and have worked to get LGBTQ issues represented in the curriculum, LGBTQ related books in the library, and progressive non-discrimination policies implemented at a district level. All of these different types of GSAs also provide a social outlet for LGBTQ students and their straight allies. GSAs help to build community at schools and lessen the isolation that LGBTQ students might otherwise experience.
URL Name
PS-8200-2350
Third Level Code
PS-8200
Taxonomy Code
PS-8200.2350
Parent Code
PS-8200
Family Code
P
Second Level Code
PS
Fourth Level Code
PS-8200-2350
Use References
GSAs, Gender Sexuality Alliances, Genders and Sexuality Alliances, Genders/Sexuality Alliances
Publication Status
Online