The Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) resumed activities with a meeting Monday, Feb. 1.
During the meeting, the club discussed many upcoming projects. Those who didn’t attend the last meeting can still attend the next meeting February 8 in room 116.

Approved by the administration, a word promoting tolerance and acceptance will be placed in red solo cups in the fence around the football field. This fun club project will happen every other week, each with a different word, so that everyone can enjoy something to look at while walking. Other projects include making t-shirts, yarn bracelets, and LGBTQ+ safe zone stickers for teachers to put on their door or window to let queer students know their classroom is a safe place for them. Be sure to look in the halls for GSA flyers to keep up to date on when the meetings will be and more!

The GSA is working ever so quickly, despite the pandemic, on their goal to help the queer community find a safe place and the evergoing fight for tolerance of those students in the school. Look on the Sting for these projects and other clubs if you are interested!
Mrs. Kish, GSA advisor, explained the role of the GSA club.

“It stands for Gender-Sexuality alliance and its an all inclusive space for LGBTQ+ and allies to discuss LGBTQ+ issues prevalent in our community,” Mrs. Kish said.

Q: Why is it SO important to have a GSA in schools?
A: “I think it’s important because students here don’t feel like they fit in and they need a sense of community when they don’t feel like they belong in the school atmosphere. As an official GSA, we have the opportunity to involve ourselves in national GSAs as well.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish this year?
A: “I would like to have it have a long lasting effect for the school and protect those from harassment because of their sexual orientation or gender.”

Q: What do you think pride means for this club?
A: “It means something different for every member, but I hope it means that there is self-acceptance and self-awareness and a feeling of grace. The best way to change the hate that comes from being themselves. I hope those who come here for a day or a year leave with a good sense and feel like they were heard.”

Q: I ask this to every teacher who advises the clubs, but especially with a GSA, what would you tell the freshman about the club and why they should give it a shot?
A: “We live in a diverse world, when you go outside of high school it’ll become more diverse. We are a tolerant, supportive, and a communal space to grow as young adults.”

Q: Any other comments you want to add?
A: “CHOOSE TOLERANCE DON”T BE A JERK.”

Having this interview with Mrs. Kish and getting the word out there about this club is very important to me. This club is so underrated, and as a member of the club, it gave me a better understanding of the community and learned why it is important to have this club. So many young queer people feel isolated, ashamed, and conflicted about who they are, and having a non-judgemental community of individuals wanting to understand and wanting to have “the talk” is such a refresher from the negativity. STRAIGHT ALLIES can also join, we have a place for you just like we do everyone else! This club is not just for queer people, its for all people who truly want to know a little more and show their support! If you are open to trying something new, give it a whirl. Just like FFA and the environmental club, this helps the community become a more accepting place. I hope to see new faces FEBRUARY 1ST, 2021!