“I hope that Prism is the safe-space for all students to share how they feel and learn that they are all together.”

Priyansha Agarwal, StuCo President, 2020

Today at Woodstock, we marked a historic day with the announcement of the establishment of Prism. Prism is Woodstock’s first ever gender and sexualities alliance (GSA) which aims to a safe space that encourages self-acceptance, inclusion and respect. As we stood on stage today to announce this to the whole of Upper Years, for me it was not just a relief but a feeling of support that the announcement of Prism was met by cheer from the crowd. We interviewed students and alumni on what they think of this feat: 

What are your thoughts on the importance of having a GSA at schools?

Dyumna Madan (StuCo President, 2023): It’s extremely important in a setting where students from varying thought processes and beliefs are present. To have a non-judgemental space where students can feel less alone is essential. It’s easy to isolate yourself and feel different from your peers in high school. I hope schools around India are inspired by this, and take a step in establishing safe spaces. 

Suhana (Class of 2025): Knowing you are not alone and having that sort of space to express yourself without fear is a big part of growing comfortable with your identity – a journey that a GSA could support; we need to finally acknowledge the diverse nature of the community.

Raghav (Class of 2026): Our school having a GSA is a step towards the right direction and I thank the people who have fought for this to happen. Students of Woodstock who are part of the LGBTQ+ community would largely benefit as it provides them a safe and supportive platform to voice their feelings and thoughts.

What is the overall was the emotion you felt after hearing that Woodstock had finally established its very own GSA?

Priyansha Agarwal (StuCo President, 2020): I was quite glad to hear that Woodstock finally established a GSA as this was something that a lot of students and teachers spoke about and discussed while I was at Woodstock, but we did not manage to set up something concrete due to factors beyond our control, so it’s great to hear that students have taken the important step to finally put these thoughts and ideas into motion.

Suhana: My initial reaction to hearing the news was a big yay. That being said, learning about how challenging and long drawn the process of coming to this stage was troubling. It’s certainly amazing to have had generations of students who have worked towards this without losing spirit but even so, the thought of those who could have benefited from Prism but did not have access to anything like it at their time at Woodstock makes me sad as I believe this shouldn’t have been a privilege that we had to fight for.

Nirvair (Class of 2026): I was over the moon. I was so proud of the students that had put in the effort to do this and  I was also truly filled with a sense of pride because it feels like such a milestone. I also personally believe that it should have been done a long time ago but it’s never late than never.

How do you think you can/would have, personally benefit from Prism?

Dyumna Madan: It would have helped me immensely to support my partner better when I was entering and navigating my first queer relationship at campus. 

Diya (Class of 2025) : It’s nice to know that there is support for the community. But as bad as it is, I do feel like Woodstock is a safer community for girls who come out as compared to guys, and for them I hope that they can be more comfortable.

Suhana: I would love to use Prism as a means to connect with other queer students to share our experiences and come together without any room for judgment, lightening the sense of isolation often experienced. 

Nirvair: I think I can benefit from Prism because I have faced intense homophobia in Woodstock that has made me feel terrible about myself and who I am. On some days I really did not feel like meeting anybody and wanted to just sit in my room and cry. Having a community that is more open makes me feel more secure about my place in this school as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

What challenges or concerns, if any, do you think might arise in implementing or maintaining a GSA at Woodstock?

Dyumna Madan: It’d be interesting to see how parents react to this. 

Priyansha Agarwal:  ⁠I think that the main challenge would be the upkeep of the GSA as what happens often is that groups are set up by certain, often passionate, students but if the leadership and management is not passed down to equally enthusiastic students, it often dissolves and it is very difficult to set it up again. I would encourage the current committee/team to make sure that students from most year groups are represented and have an active say in the work of the GSA so that the legacy can stay strong and continue through the years.

Suhana:  I expect a rocky transition period where the teachers and students adjust to destigmatizing something like this and know that it will take time to build a sense of understanding and support, building trust with the LGBTQIA community and establishing it as a truly safe space will also be a slow process.

Raghav:  I feel like people will, of course, will take a while to get used to, for members of the LGBTQ+ community, might feel scared to join in on these sessions.

Nirvair: I don’t think there will be any challenges or concerns because I believe that the people at Woodstock are more open minded comparatively.

What do you hope for Prism in regards to the Woodstock community and its impacts on the students?

Dyumna Madan: I hope it’s able to make students not only more comfortable, but also proud of who they are. 

Priyansha Agarwal: I hope that Prism gives the students and the Woodstock community an opportunity to really reflect, discuss and make sure that every single person is feeling safe and understood within this tight-knit bubble. It is often difficult, especially in this age, to feel threatened and misunderstood by your own peers and others, so I hope that Prism is the safe-space for all students to share how they feel and learn that they are all together.

Diya: I hope it helps those who need it honestly. And I also hope that the people who might be against it learn what it’s about and don’t make assumptions beforehand and try to really truly understand those around them.

Suhana: My first hope isn’t for it to create any large scale societal change but simply allow us to be ourselves and inevitably in the process, create a more accepting Woodstock, one that aligns even more strongly with its guiding principles.

Raghav: I hope that Prism leaves a legacy at Woodstock. I hope that from the other, younger batches carry this initiative on because it’s important. It is something that can be really beneficial to a student’s mental health as well. 

If you have any questions about Prism or want to volunteer or join, reach out to the student leaders, Aditi Gaur, Selma Myers, and Pia Marwah. Our staff supervisors Mr. Prateek, Ms. Jamie, Mr. Vidur, Mr. Prabin, and Dr. Bradford would also be more than happy to answer any questions as well. 

Pia is a staff reporter.

Edited by Aryaman.