The local Chester High School GSA got a visit from Carbondale’s Rainbow Cafe representative on March 25.
Rainbow Cafe was started in 1999 and originally serviced queer youth. Now Rainbow Cafe helps a more diverse age range. The Rainbow Cafe supports young queer people with its multiple groups, such as “Transition” and “YES.” Rainbow Cafe has helped many queer people and continues to offer services to keep helping them, giving them a safe place.
For more information about the Rainbow Cafe, go to https://www.rainbowcafe.org/.

The representative, Vincent, explained everything that Rainbow Cafe does and he gave many tips on how to improve Chester High School’s GSA program. Many members feel safe due to knowing that there is more out there than just our high school career. This meeting has led to new ways of thinking and many new hopes for the community. In addition, each member of the GSA was given complimentary gifts from the organization such as gems and rainbow puzzles.

There was also a productive meeting to talk about what GSA is planning to do before the school year is done. The GSA is trying to do another saying with the cups on the fence. “Safe Space Stickers” are also in the process of being designed. These stickers are to give any LGBT+ person or ally a safe place to go if they ever need something.
The next GSA meeting will be April 8.

For more information, contact Ms. Kish in room 116.