Gay-Straight Alliances
GSA’s have become popular in the USA and are loose 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.
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 – I belong to a gay-straight alliance in the photography web site Flickr.
If you think you could benefit from having a gay-straight alliance, here are the experts’, GLSEN’s, five steps to forming a GSA:
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 Employment Directives protect 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.
