gay straight alliance – Guide to Creating Safe and Welcoming Schools

Interview with GSA Sponsor Chantelle Hansen, Part 1

In this podcast I interview a GSA sponsor in Nevada, who talks about the issues faced by her LGBTQ+ students at school and at home, and discusses the importance of a supportive environment and supportive influences. Chantelle also discusses the fallout one student faced when he was elected homecoming queen and brought out a Pride flag at the event.

Interview with GSA Sponsor Kaley Georgelis

In this podcast, I interview the sponsor of Merritt Island High School’s GSA, Kaley Georgelis. We talk about the impact Florida’s new Don’t Say Gay law is having on students, the importance of a supportive administration (which MIHS definitely has), and actions that have made her school safer and more affirming.

Actions Allies Can Take

Teachers and Administrators can be among the most influential people in the lives of LGBTQ+ students. In the Classroom Display your support in your classroom – the Safe Space symbol, rainbow colors, trans colors, non-binary colors, etc. (Swanson & Gettinger, 2015). Announce your preferred pronouns to your class and in your email signature. Announce GSAContinue reading “Actions Allies Can Take”

Proposal Letters and Mission Statements

GSA Proposal Letters The page on Proposal Letters gives you ideas how to write your GSA proposal, and directs you to resources on the site that will help you demonstrate why a GSA would be good for your students and your school as a whole. Mission Statements The page on Mission Statements has some sampleContinue reading “Proposal Letters and Mission Statements”

Ways to Encourage Success in Forming Your GSA

So you’re ready to begin approaching your school administration and/or school board to formally initiate the formation of your GSA. There are steps you can take to make the process more successful and collaborative. References Finn, J. (2021, October 23). New LGBTQ+ school-bullying study electrifies advocates. Medium. https://medium.com/prismnpen/new-lgbtq-school-bullying-study-electrifies-advocates-ae52629bad83

GSAs and the Law

A summary of laws and legal findings on behalf of gay-straight alliance formation and school-based opportunities in the United States, with links to resources and further information.