​Clubs for LGBTQ+ students

By Faye Seidler

fayeseidler@gmail.com

A report called The 2013 National School Climate Survey was released a few years ago by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network). This report, which can be found on their website, takes a deep look into the lives and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students and goes into detail about the impacts of homophobia and transphobia on the daily lives of LGBTQ+ students.

Essentially, the findings were that students in schools without supportive staff, without positive LGBTQ+ history, and/or without support groups, experienced lower grades and attendance, were more likely to feel unsafe, and had higher risks of suicide. While there are other factors to consider, the survey paints a clear picture of the consequences of a hostile learning environment.

Unsurprisingly, the more support a student has access to, the better they are able to do in school. The survey highlights the importance of student support groups for LGBTQ+ students, often in the form of a GSA, which stands for either Gender Sexuality Alliance or Gay-Straight Alliance, and goes on to say that it can provide leadership opportunities for students and potential avenues for positive school change

Since this was a national survey, the next question would be, “How are we doing in Fargo/Moorhead to support our LGBTQ+ students?” I asked Alex Rezac, the student leader of the North Fargo GSA, this very question!

High Plains Reader: What is your Role?

Alex Rezac: I am the leader of the GSA. Previously, I did a lot of teaching, I created curriculum and taught lessons, including lessons about LGBT+ history, the complexities of gender, and inclusive sex education. This year I am mixing things up and providing more time for students just to have fun, but there will always be some education involved.

HPR: What is a GSA?

AR: A GSA is an LGBT+ and straight alliance club for LGBT+ students and allies to have a place to be that is safe; meaning everyone is respected and not judged for being who they are. Some GSA’s go a step further and also provide education and activities, but some solely serve the purpose of being a place for students to socialize and talk about their experiences in a safe environment.

HPR: What do you think the value of a GSA is?

AR: Most importantly, GSA’s provide a place for students to feel free to be themselves without being afraid of people disrespecting them. GSA’s also provide a place for students to get advice from peers about problems they are having, such as coming out, unsupportive family and friends -- or having help finding themselves and accepting themselves.

HPR: With privacy being a concern, how private is a GSA? Further, how does someone find out about one or get into one?

AR: Our GSA is very open, we advertise as much as we can within the restrictions put on us by the state. We want everyone to know that it exists and what it is: we encourage everyone with an open mind, who is willing to learn, to come. The only thing that is kept private is who is in the club, for the safety of the students who may not be out yet, or whose parents aren't accepting.

HPR: What is the processes for starting a GSA at a high school?

AR: You can go about it as you would to start any club. I went to my counselor at school and said that I wanted to make sure there was a GSA, after the teacher who started it left, and she advised me to talk to the principal. He okayed it and I booked a room and a date and we started two weeks later. The hard part comes next, which is to get people involved and put together a program. Free food is a must for any new GSA wanting to attract members, word of mouth and any school announcements and posters you are allowed as well. Then you have to make sure that they want to come back, do activities and spark conversation, make sure every single person feels like they are getting what they want and need out of the club.

HPR: Is there anything else you'd want to say about a GSA?

AR: GSA’s in the state of North Dakota are classified as non-curricular clubs, and so they are hindered in what they can do -- and sometimes they can’t even exist. I hope that someday very soon GSA’s will be a standard thing in all high schools, because until homophobia and transphobia are gone, there will always be young people in need of a safe haven, a place to educate themselves, a place to get advice, and a place to feel like they are worthy, valid, and loved.

You can contact Alex at rezacalex@gmail.com