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SETTING UP A GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE
GSAs (Gay-Straight Alliances), QSAs (Queer-Straight Alliances), StandOut groups, Diversity Groups and other similar clubs that bring together LGBTQI and non-LGBTQI allies at school, are a big part of combating homophobia and transphobia. Statistics and studies tell us that high school can be one of the hardest times for LGBTQI youth, who suffer disproportionately high rates of bullying, depression, anxiety and suicide.
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Adolescent psychologists and experts often identify important areas that affect all teenagers' mental health. Some psychologists, for example, have described four keys: resilience, belonging, being seen, and being safe. GSAs can help create safe spaces in schools that create a sense of community and belonging - while allowing struggling LGBTQI students to be heard and validated by supportive peers.
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Starting a GSA can be daunting or seem like an uphill battle, particularly if your school has a conservative background that seems resistant to LGBTQI acceptance. However, there are ways you can make sure your GSA has the best chance of succeeding.
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These tips for starting GSAs at schools will vary in how relevant they are to you - depending on your school community and your school's Principal! If you would like further advice or some clarification, feel free to reach out to our StandOut ambassadors!
1. So you want to start a GSA?
First: make sure your school doesn't already have a GSA! If your school is right next to another school, you can also ask if they're happy to hold combined meetings with your school.
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Then, investigate how you can start co-curricular clubs at your school: Is there a form or specific teacher you need to talk to?
To get your GSA off the ground, you'll need to get some friends to help create an initial membership. Talk to them about how they'd want the group to run. Then, find a few teachers who you think might support the initiative and get their support and feedback. If you go to a religious school, like an Anglican School, getting the support of your Chaplain can be a massive help. If you have trouble finding students or teachers, contact us, we might know some teachers or be able to help.
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2. Talk to teachers and friends.
3. Create a plan.
Once you have a group of friends and teachers, put together a plan on how your GSA would run.
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What will you call it? GSA is generally good for traditional schools, but StandOut might be a catchier or more engaging name if your school community is progressive and already quite accepting. Who will it be open to? All high school students, or just senior students? Where and when will it be held? What will the meetings be about?
4. Create a SWOT analysis.
As with all projects, there are risks and things that could go wrong. It will be extremely helpful and important to make sure you're prepared for this, and the easiest way to do this is by making a SWOT analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
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Check out our starter template and use your friends and teachers as sounding boards for your ideas.
If your school needs the Principal's permission to start up a lunchtime/after school club, make a time to meet with your Principal and bring along teachers and friends for support. At the meeting you can outline why students believe a GSA is important, and what your plan for it is.
Your Principal will probably have valid concerns about risks the group might face: this is where your SWOT analysis comes in. It's also good to explain how a GSA will complement the school's official Values or Mottos. If your Principal has a favourite quote or saying, you can link the GSA to that. Always remember to be respectful and polite - even if you get frustrated! (and yes, we've all been there before.) It also helps to get support — board members, parents and alumni can be great help.
5. Talk to someone important!
6. Don't give up!
If you don't succeed, don't give up. Maybe there was something a Principal or staff member wasn't satisfied with: don't be discouraged if you have to change or modify your initial plans. By getting more student and staff support, the group might still get started. And remember that StandOut ambassadors are always happy to help with setting up GSAs and similar important groups.