A Gender and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) is a student run organization which unites LGBTQ+ students and allies. This organization aims to build safe havens for such students and tackle various issues which arise in and around the school. 

I believe that every school should have a GSA. This is because it creates a gateway to acceptance of diversity and provides a safe platform for students to raise crucial concerns and discussions. A growing body of research confirms that the presence of a GSA has a positive and lasting effect on student health, wellness, and academic performance. It can also protect students from harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and improve school climates for all students in the long-term.The GSA also paves the way for not only the LGBTQ+ community; but other marginalized communities to speak up as well. An educational institution is a safe community to nurture individuality and help students embrace their authentic selves. Although the world around us can be ruthless and unfair to such communities, fostering a safe environment in schools provides a pathway to having open minded and accepting future leaders. 

Having a GSA in schools equips students with the ability to value compassion and pursue wholeness, which are two of Woodstock School’s guiding principles. Having such an organization will also pave the way for other queer and questioning youth to have a comfortable environment to explore their identity. This would create confident and self assured adults who are not afraid to stand up for their rights. Personally, I would have benefited substantially if I had access to a GSA when I was trying to understand my identity. Being exposed to the harsh realities of being queer, as a pre-teenager was emotionally tormenting to go through without a support system. I truly believe that even one conversation can give a queer student the will to “just keep swimming.”

Pia is a guest writer.

Edited by Asha and Aryaman.

Photo: Generated by ai on http://www.freepik.com, prompt ‘Gender and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) rainbow’, 13 Sept 2023.