Gay-Straight Student Alliances (GSAs) are student-run, school-based groups that work to make schools a safer and more inclusive place for GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered) students and their allies. GSAs are supported by a teacher-advisor and typically function as a social group, safe space, and agent to raise visibility and awareness of GLBT issues within the school. There are GSAs in schools across North America.
The GSA Support Network is a task group of Orillia COMPASS (Community Partners with Schools). People on the Network are students and adults interested in GLBT school issues who want to offer support to Simcoe County high schools interested in creating a GSA or maintaining an existing GSA. The Network was formed in 2009.
We can consult with you on your GSA issues, offer support, and recommend resources. Some of our members are teacher-advisors of successful GSAs and can arrange for a site visit, for example: to see a GSA event in action in their school. Joining the Network puts you in contact with other schools in Simcoe County who are going through the process of creating and maintaining a GSA, so that you feel less alone.
Membership is open to any Simcoe County COMPASS member, teacher or other professional person, or any high school-aged youth (14-21) or his or her parent, with an interest in GLBT school issues/GSAs.
While there is no required ratio of GLBT vs. non-GLBT members, GLBT persons are particularly encouraged to join, to make sure that the GLBT voice is at the table.
For more information about the Network or becoming a member, contact Maryanne LaBrash (Chair) at maryanne.labrash@smdhu.org.