Some schools have supportive communities and administrations, and can immediately start the process of creating safer and more inclusive school environments using staff training, an enumerated anti-bullying policy, and GSA formation. If your school is ready for these steps, see Part 2: Creating Pillars of Support.
Other schools, due to community opposition or an unsupportive administration or school board, meet with opposition when students and faculty want to start to build a safer and more accepting school. However, many times opponents just need more information.
This section will detail the steps you can take to overcome opposition, and show how an LGBTQ+ accepting school environment benefits the entire school community.
First: Know the Law
If your school starkly refuses your request to form a GSA, or tries to limit the GSA’s activities or resources, you have legal recourse.
Second: Show the Need for a GSA
Often people do not understand the dire situation many LGBTQ+ students face. Statistics and community advocates can help GSA opponents recognize that LGBTQ+ students need their support.
Third: Show the Benefits of a GSA to Everyone
GSAs do not only help LGBTQ+ students. They help schools become safer and more accepting overall, while providing many more school-wide benefits.
Guide to Creating Safe and Welcoming Schools 