What is a GSA?
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.
GSA Advisor Support
The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) District 17 runs a GSA Advisors group from its local office in Barrie. For more information contact Eleanor Alexander at eleanor_alex@yahoo.ca or call 705-794-4747.
GSA Resources
Gay-Straight Student Alliance Handbook (Canadian Teachers' Federation)
Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youthline
Egale Canada
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
GSA Network (U.S.A.)
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) (U.S.A.)
If you are a GSA teacher advisor, or thinking of becoming one, and would like a complementary copy (while supplies last) of the Gay-Straight Student Alliance Handbook (Canadian Teachers' Federation) , please contact Maryanne LaBrash at the health unit at maryanne.labrash@smdhu.org
