In recent years, students have collaborated to bring the Gay-Straight Alliance club, GSA, to Timber Creek as a student based, all-encompassing organization.
Their mission statement reads as: “This club is designated to provide a safe environment where LGBTQ+ and allied students can feel comfortable to discuss important issues and provide support for one another. Our Gay-Straight Alliance will give students a safe haven in which they know they are accepted by everyone around them, and are free to be who they are. During GSA meetings, we will discuss issues related to the LGBTQ+ community and its relevance in our school, share helpful advice, and organize LGBTQ+ awareness projects, as well as participating in off-campus events.” Click here to read more on the Talon.
The first GSA meeting of the school year will be held in room C120 Mrs. Romero’s classroom, from 3:50-4:30 P.M. Meetings will be every Thursday after school in C120. There are no fees or forms to join, simply attend a gathering to become a member.
To receive Remind updates of the group’s upcoming meetings and/or events, text @TCHSGSA1 to 81010.
The Gay-Straight Alliance club is built upon students of all status, welcoming of differences.
“We have students of all different sexuality, genders, races, political and religious beliefs. There’s a misconception that GSA is a club for LGBTQ students only, but that is not the case. The acronym stands for Gay Straight Alliance; we welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about LGBTQ issues. We have several members who are straight and cisgender,” Romero explains. “It’s an open-minded place.”
To ensure the privacy of all parties involved, names and/or pictures of members will not be revealed without their permission. GSA strives to create a safe atmosphere for all students to express themselves freely and unapologetically.
Each GSA meeting will vary, depending on what members are interested in discussing and partaking in.
Romero described some weeks to cover, “religion in the LGBTQ community, coming out, dealing with parents, transgender awareness, mental health, etc.”
“Other weeks, one of the leaders or perhaps a member volunteer will prepare an educational presentation for the group over an LGBTQ issue such as gay rights, LGBTQ history, homelessness in the LGBTQ community, LGBTQ life in other countries, etc,” she explained. “Other meetings are devoted to games and getting to know you activities or doing charity work for the community.”
Today, students within the LGBTQ community face struggles on a daily basis. According to the results of a youth census in the National School Climate Survey by GLSEN, 98% of all LGBTQ students heard “gay” used in a negative way at school, and 93% reported that they felt distressed because of this language.
However, Timber Creek will not be tolerant of bullying of this degree. Further unity and acceptance among peers are a challenge that these students are not afraid of. These members are continuously building self-love, confidence, and pride within themselves and others.
GSA has not always been available at this high school. Local concerns were voiced about social injustice, leading to the group coming on to its third year of establishment. Given so, it is also noted in the GLSEN study that, LGBTQ students in schools with an LGBT- inclusive curriculum were less likely to hear “gay” used in a negative way… (49.7% compared to 72.6% of other students).
“[GSA is] part club, part support group, and part family. In the past, members have shared that they didn’t feel they had a place in school until they found GSA,” Romero said. “It’s a place to make friends, find a listening ear, and learn more about the LGBTQ community.”