Photo: Idaho Agenda
GSA’s have become popular and are groupings of individuals who get together to create a safe space where gay people can meet and talk with straight peers without fear of harassment and discrimination. However Noah Davis-Power points out that such alliances need resources, funding and commitment – it is not enough to just set them up and tick the box.
GSA’s exist to assure that each member of every community at work or school is valued and respected regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
Most of them have been formed in high schools and colleges but there are also some gay – straight alliances in the adult and internet worlds like Flikr and Facebook.
If you think you could benefit from having a gay-straight alliance, here are GLSEN’s five steps to forming a Gay Straight Alliance:
1. Follow the guidelines at your school or office. Establish the GSN the same way as any other club or society. Check the regulations or company policies on establishing and running clubs or support groups.
2. Find a supportive teacher or staff member or manager. Identify an ally or champion and get them on your side to help start your GSN.
3. Inform the school’s or employers’ administration or personnel section. They often work as liasons to other school members or colleagues.
4. Know the law. In the USA the Federal Equal Access Act ensures the rights of GSAs to exist and be treated equal with any other non corricular student clubs. In the UK the Equality Act protects activities to integrate gay and lesbian staff with the mainstream.
5. Carry out a climate survey. This will allow you to better understand the prevailing culture and position of your colleagues on such issues as anti-GLBT bullying and harassment and to make your case for continuing with the GSA.
Other resources
Page updated and links checked 18 May 2012
SP
at my school we have been able to start a GSA the only problem i cant seem to figure out is how to gather more members or what to do that will have a lasting effect on whats going on in the rest of the world.
Hello Niko. You’ve taken the first step. The next step I would recommend is to find someone who is involved with a gay group elsewhere who can mentor you and help you gain confidence and ideas. You could also put a page about your group in facebook.