GSAs FAQs
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GSA has typically stood for Gay-Straight Alliance, but it can also stand for Gender and Sexuality Alliance. GSAs are school clubs in which students can talk and learn about sexual orientation, gender identity, and some of the issues that surround them. These clubs serve as safe and affirming spaces for all LGBTQIA+ students to gather, explore, and share their experiences with other students. GSAs set up just like any other student group, with a faculty advisor and regular meetings. Everyone is welcome—lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning+ (LGBTQQ) students, as well as straight students, students with LGBTQIA+ families, and students who don’t have or need a label for their sexual orientations or gender identities. GSAs play a vital role in making schools safer for LGBTQQ students by providing supportive and accepting spaces as well as doing broader organizing work against homophobia and transphobia in school
Depending on your GSAs mission and goals, the form of your GSA and activities may change week-to-week, month-to-month and year-to-year. There are three common types of GSAs, which all meet the different needs of youth in different types of school climates.
• Social GSAs are generally helpful for youth trying to meet other LGBTQIA+ students and make friends
• Support GSAs are for students who are trying to create safe spaces to talk about the various issues they face
• Activist GSAs are for those youth who are actively working to improve their school climate
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While there are endless reasons why every school should have a GSA, safety and inclusion remain centered.
Some statistics from GLSENs 2019 National School Climate Survey shows the hostile school climate LGBTQIA+ students endure and the need for GSAs:
• 59% of LGBTQ students felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation and/or gender expression
• 32% of LGBTQ students missed at least one entire day of school in the past month because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable
• 45% of LGBTQ students avoided gender-segregated spaces in school such as bathrooms or locker rooms
• 71% of LGBTQ students reported avoiding school functions because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable
• Nearly a fifth of LGBTQ students reported having changed schools due to feeling unsafe or uncomfortable at school.Having safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces like GSAs enhance the overall well-being of LGBTQIA+ students in schools, and can be actual life-savers. In this environment, students are free of judgement and can express themselves safely while making friends and expanding their social network.
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Know Your Justification for Starting a GSA
Under the law, you don’t have to have a reason to start a non-curricular club, but it’s important to be able to rationally explain your reasons for wanting a GSA to people who oppose you, or just want to know more on what the club is all about. Is anti- LGBTQQ harassment a problem at your school and you want to help stop it? Do LGBTQQ students or allies want a safe, supportive space where they can be themselves? These are both strong reasons to start a GSA. It is important to make sure you can explain why you want to create a GSA.
Follow School Guidelines
Starting a GSA is just like starting any other school club. Get a copy of your student handbook, and look up your school’s requirements for student organizations so that you can be sure to follow the rules carefully. If your school doesn’t have easy access to a student handbook, be sure to check in with your Activities Director or Associated Student Body Advisor about the rules for starting a club. Some of the things you have to do are find a faculty advisor or write a constitution or mission statement. Be sure to do everything you’re supposed to do according to the school’s rules so as to avoid slowing down the approval process for the club.
Prepare and Turn In Any Necessary Paperwork
Make sure you follow the rules thoroughly and correctly. This is a good time to address any concerns or arguments your administrator may have brought up earlier.
Keep dated and signed copies of any forms or other paperwork turned in for your club application, keep notes regarding when you turned paperwork in, to whom, as well as any conversations you have with school officials and keep all documentation that has been returned to you.Inform Administration of Your Plans
Tell administrators what you are doing right away and include GSA members/student leaders in that process. It is always a good idea to identify supportive teachers/ administration in the school. They can help in this process by simply providing encouragement and support. The more active and identified support in the school, the safer the school environment will be.
Pick a Meeting Place
This is often the classroom of the GSA teacher advisor, but can be wherever is available or decided by the club. You may want to consider a more confidential space in the school, as a high-profile meeting place may discourage reluctant participants who are worried about being outed as members of the GSA. The physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all GSA participants must be centered in all GSA formation processes.
Advertise for Your GSA
Support students in figuring out the best way to advertise at your school. It may be a combination of school bulletin announcements, flyers, starting a social media page, and word-of-mouth.
Plan for Your First Meeting and the Future!
Plan, Plan, Plan! The first meeting is important for any club. It can set the tone and either encourage or discourage student participation. Remember, this is a student-led club! Students should lead the way in deciding what form the GSA should take and what initiatives/ activities they would like to involve themselves in.
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Is your GSA interested in receiving a kit full of resources (curriculum resources, ideas for projects, pronoun pins, and other GLSEN swag) to help your GSA thrive? Just fill out this form.
GLSEN National 2021-2022 Calendar
Creating Safe Virtual Spaces for GSA Meetings