The Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) kicked off in the Upper Grades at the start of the school year. The club was created out of a desire to provide a safe and welcoming space where students feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Juliet, co-facilitator of GSA and school psychologist, shared that she attended the middle school GSA meetings last school year and saw what a safe and affirming environment it was for the Lower Grades students. “As a member of the queer community, I felt the urge to step up and create a similar environment for the Upper Grades students.”
GSA co-facilitator and student teacher Amber added that having an Upper Grades GSA is important for students “to find community and a space to find themselves and their queer identity and for people who aren’t sure about their gender or sexuality yet and allies.”
Amber arranged for guest speaker James Cordell to speak to the club during the last semester. James spoke about his lived experience as a Trans Man. He spoke about the challenges he went through to be where he is today. James shared that growing up in Texas was a particularly difficult place to be queer. In places like this, it is hard to be out and open. He pointed out “There weren’t spaces like the GSA to feel safe when I was a young person.”
James told us that he came out at 15 and again at 18. He said that he still comes out to people to this day. “Coming out is not done one time,” he shared. “This can happen multiple times in a queer person’s life. Your mind changes. How you feel changes. And it’s okay to take your time. It’s also not necessary to label yourself.” James mentioned that putting a label on yourself can put pressure on yourself. He said “it’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out. Be patient with yourself and your queer journey.”
Eleventh grader Akoni pointed out that he appreciates having speakers like Cordell as well as having a GSA in the Upper Grades. Akoni said that he attends the GSA “to feel more connected to my community while at school and to know the I have a support system.” Akoni said that he learned from James that it is not only to important to remember the trans individuals that we have lost, but it is also important to celebrate the ones who live as well as the history of being trans and non-binary.”
Juliet said that the GSA has another of the events and activities planned for the second semester. They will bring in other guest speakers, have activities such as discussions about queer history and politics, do crafting, learn self-care, watch television shows and movies featuring LGBTQIA+ characters and themes, and hopefully some trips later on in the school year. She considers it a success that the GSA has many students now in attendance on a semi-regular basis. She shared that she, Amber, and co-facilitator and social studies teacher Kevin, “are hopeful that everyone feels safe and welcomed. The close relationship with students allows easier communication with students as well as comfortability.”
If you want to find a safe and comfortable environment to meet friends and learn more about the queer experience, come visit the GSA. The club meets weekly on Fridays in the library. Amanda, the school librarian, has generously offered the use of the library to ensure a comfortable and safe place for the meetings to be held.
