ms gsa club
by Michal, Gr 8 (she/her)
I started the middle school GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) with another student named Miles. We both felt that the LGBTQ+ community was not represented well enough in the MS, as we aren't well educated about or even very aware of it. We were both given the opportunity to be a part of a group that can make a difference in the students' life, the SLT (Student Leadership Team). We decided to use this opportunity to make a difference in our ISB community. The GSA is a club and its purpose is to make everyone feel welcome and a part of their world. We started the GSA to provide a small one-hour get away from the real world for people who need it. In the GSA we do a lot of things. For instance, we educate ourselves and other students about different social issues, misconceptions, and topics that are lacking recognition related to LGBTQ+. In this club, there is a mix of people that are part of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. We encourage everyone to participate in this club regardless of their sexual orientation or feelings. We also use the GSA as a safe space to discuss people's experiences. Other than the GSA being about the LGBTQ+ community, it is also just a club consisting of friendly people who have a few vital things in common, the belief that LGBTQ+ issues aren’t discussed much, their desire to make the world a better place and the desire to be included and heard I think the GSA benefits the queer students and allies in the middle school because they are given the opportunity to learn, support and understand different aspects of the LGBTQ+ community. Through the GSA, we raise awareness about topics that aren't usually discussed in general. Additionally, through understanding and learning, you can either become an ally or maybe even find yourself, who you are and where you think you belong. We only created the GSA in the MS to make people feel appreciated, included and well educated. Find out more from the GSA Network: What is a GSA?