GSA Gay Straight Alliance

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On Harassment Invisibility One Student's
Story
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Nobody tells Latino kids in the high school that
nobody cares if they're Hispanic so long as they
keep it to themselves. Jewish kids aren't told
that they're sinners, and they could change into
Christians if they wanted to.
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People don't tell black kids they should put up
with racism because they've come so far from when
they were slaves. They don't have to defend why
there is a black history month, or why people
want black studies included in the curriculum.
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People don't say, "That's so Korean! when they
mean something is stupid or weird. People don't
tell disabled kids that the community isn't ready
to defend their equal rights and inclusion yet.
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You never hear any one argue that breast cancer
is God's way of killing off the women, and it's a
good thing. If a teacher hears anyone use a
slang insult for a Chinese kid, they jump on it.
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When foreign exchange students ask teachers about
dating in the school, they aren't sent to see a
guidance counselor.
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But every day in the high school, I hear it's
okay if I'm gay so long as I stay in the closet,
that I'm an abomination against God, that I
can change if I want to, and that people like
me shouldn't be taught about in school.
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I'm told I should be satisfied because our school
is far better than it used to be, and that I
shouldn't push for my equal rights and inclusion
because the community isn't ready yet.
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I hear, "That's so gay! all the time, and I
hear that AIDS is my punishment for being who I
am, like I hear the word, "faggot all the
time.
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It's hard not to walk around angry all the time.
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GSA - Gay Straight Alliance

• Grant Park High Schools
• Group for LGBT Students
• and their Friends

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Some Definitions

• Gay Straight Alliance
• A group that brings together GLBT and straight
  youth for support and education
• GLBT students
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Or Transgendered students
• Homophobia
• Fear of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals.
  Intolerance of anyone not heterosexual.

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In a Gay Straight Alliance...

• Students are free to
• Support each other, talking about their feelings
  and experiences
• Learn about homophobia and how it affects
  everyone
• Educate each other and their school community
  about issues relating to sexual orientation

• Participate in social activities, attend
  political rallies and marches, and host speakers,
  writers, artists, and musicians...

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Why a GSA? Some Statistics.

• By Most Estimates, 4 to 10 of the population
  are GLBT
• This means there are probably between 50 and 100
  LGBT students at Grant Park

• In addition, there are also students with GLBT
  parents/guardians, siblings, extended family,
  friends etc...

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GLBT Youth Issues

• Gay teens often feel isolated at school
• They hear homophobic comments from strangers and
  friends

• They lack positive GLBT role models
• Their issues and concerns are ignored

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A Bisexual Teen Speaks Out...

• I am concerned about our community, the school
  which I love and care about so much. I, and
  others, have had to be dishonest about ourselves
  and our sexual orientations. I want this to
  change.
• I envision our school a place where no one feels
  silenced or afraid, for any reason, and
  acceptance and openness can become universal
  values. My story is about silence.
• I believe we need to conquer silence.

Amanda Schlesinger, a GSA Leader at St. Paul
Academy in the United States. Taken from the
GLSEN web site.
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Grant Parks Mission Statement

• We will create an atmosphere which enhances
  the emotional well-being of students
• The emotional well-being of GLBT students is
  jeopardized when they witness homophobia every
  day.
• They deserve the support of other GLBT students
  and of straight students at Grant Park High
  School.
• This applies to the children, siblings, and
  friends of GLBT people also!

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Grant Parks Code of Conduct

• Students, staff, parents and community must
  cooperate in the academic, social, emotional, and
  physical development of students to enable all
  students to become responsible, respectful
  citizens.
• Teachers, Administrators Support Staff shall
  implement the curriculum and learning programs
  free of bias, discriminatory attitudes and
  behaviours create a positive learning environment
  where all students are accepted and are allowed
  to develop self-esteem and respect.

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WSD1 Guiding Principles

• The Winnipeg School Division No. 1 believes in
  the equality, worth, potential, and dignity of
  all individuals.
• The Winnipeg School Division No. 1 believes that
  each student must be given the opportunity to
  develop the values, attitudes, and moral
  principles that enable them to become responsible
  citizens who relate to others in an empathetic
  and moral manner.
• The Winnipeg School Division No. 1 will advocate
  on behalf of students to ensure appropriate care
  and support services are provided for all
  children.

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Manitobas Human Rights Commission asks...

• Providing they respect the dignity and rights of
  others, do staff and students have the right to
  to assemble on school property?
• Are students free to form whichever school clubs
  or associations they wish so long as such clubs
  and associations are consistent with the rights
  and dignity of others?
• Are school participants free to associate with
  groups or organizations of their choosing and to
  engage in political activity in the school so
  long as such activities are consistent with the
  rights and dignity of others and do not
  substantially interfere with the educational
  process?

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What would a GSA do?

• Students in a GSA might...
• Share struggles, successes
• Hear a counsellor talk about homophobia
• Watch a movie
• Attend human rights conferences
• Visit other schools (e.g. MDAG)
• Plan lunch hour guest speakers
• Organize an AIDS fundraiser
• Participate in Pride events
• Conduct a school survey
• Create posters/buttons/stickers

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The GSA Has The Support of...

• Students
• Several students have expressed interest in
  starting a GSA
• Staff
• At least six staff members are interested in
  participating
• Administration
• The principal and vice-principals support the GSA
• Superintendents
• South End Chief Superintendent have been
  approached

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Our Plan of Action

• Ensure Staff Administration Support
• Involve students in planning of the GSA
• Inform PTSA and seek parent support
• Organize first meetings
• Establish Mission Statement Goals
• Reach out and grow!

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Thank You!
Gay Straight Alliance Pirate Pride!
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More Information...

• Mass. Dept of Education
• www.doe.mass.edu/lss/GSA/
• Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network
• www.glsen.org
• Gay Lesbian Educators of B.C.
• www.galebc.org