High School can be one of the best times or worst times for a teenager. For many, it is hard to figure out where they fit in and who they're supposed to be. For gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students, this can be especially hard. Being so different from everyone can be a struggle in finding support. However, in 1998 the GSA Network was founded to empower youth in creating a safe and supporting environment for LGBT students and straight students. It was also created to fight against homophobia. The program was founded in San Francisco and by 2001, it expanded statewide to hundreds of schools and organizations. By 2005, it had spread across the nation,
Since its founding, GSA has gone from 40 clubs to 850. They have brought GSA clubs to over 53% California high schools and middle schools, impacting 1.1 million students.
GSA's mission statement has three parts to it.
Gay-Straight Alliance Network is a youth leadership organization that connects school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to each other and community resources through peer support, leadership development, and training.
GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening, and sustaining GSAs and builds the capacity of GSAs to:
1. create safe environments in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia, transphobia, and other oppressions,
2. educate the school community about homophobia, transphobia, gender identity, and sexual orientation issues, and
3. fight discrimination, harassment, and violence in schools.
This organization has helped countless youth who are coming out and need support. When there isn't anyone at home for support, this club gives students an outlet from a harsh environment. To learn more about this organization and the wonderful things it does for LGBT students visit www.gsanetwork.org
Cody Shields, Feburary 2nd 2012
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