ne of the most popular social issue debates in our society today is the subject of equal rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. As the support levels rise, so do the levels of hostility. #ItGetsBetter, the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)program, aims to change that.
This club has been a part of the school’s community for years, but over time membership has dwindled. Last year the club was revived by current president, sophomore Shana Waldman. As a freshman, she was disappointed by the small size and how little awareness there was .
“Since I’ve gotten here, I’ve been trying to bring it back to life a little,” Waldman said.
Waldman and faculty advisors Mrs. Erin Rauch and Mr. Mark Bruns publicize the club by putting up flyers and promoting their meetings and events through the announcements. They’re hoping to reach out to students who feel like they don’t have a place to go. At meetings, members discuss issues relevant to themselves and their sexuality, as well as brainstorming ways to strengthen their peers’ knowledge of the LGBT community.
“The three main purposes of our club are support for LGBT youth, educate teachers and other students so they’re not offensive, and [promote] activism in our school,” sophomore Amudha Porchezhian, Vice President, said.
Last month, November 12-16, the GSA celebrated Ally Week, a week set aside for “celebrating allies and encouraging support,” according to Porchezhian. Student representatives sold rainbow-colored ribbons at lunches all week, and raised not only awareness in the school, but also over $50 for their club’s fund. This money goes toward awareness activities, such as guest speakers.
The club is also working on a teacher workshop to educate those with a ‘Safe Space’ sticker on their doors. Teachers display these stickers to let students know that they’re available and a good resource to talk to about what’s going on in their lives. Struggling LGBT youth in the school can go to these teachers and know that they won’t be judged and will have someone to talk through their issues with.
“Last year, someone in our club went to a safe space teacher to talk about something that was bothering them, and tried to use [LGBT terms] but the teacher didn’t understand what they were talking about. After that, we came up with the idea of having a workshop where teachers could learn the terminology and how to make students feel safe,” junior Izzy Muren, an active club member, said.
This optional workshop is planned for sometime next semester, most likely in January. Students from the club will put together presentations on different aspects of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other gender/sexuality related issues and introduce them to the teachers and staff who choose to attend. Teachers will not only learn the terminology, but also the struggles these teens face and how best to support them.
The club describes their meetings, held on the second Monday and fourth Thursday of each month, as a safe space for anyone who needs it.
“We welcome and embrace everyone,” Waldman said.
“[At meetings] we talk about current events and life tips, like what to do if you’re put in a certain situation,” Muren said. “We sometimes also watch videos about LGBT issues.”
To become more educated about the LGBT community, check out the LGBT section in the school library.