Gay-straight alliances (GSAs) and queer-straight alliances (QSAs) are peer support networks run by students and supported by school staff and would be grounded in the principles of promoting:
- equity for sexual and gender minority students
- safe, caring and inclusive spaces for all students
- healthy, respectful environments and relationships to prevent or eliminate bullying and discrimination
As peer support networks, GSAs/QSAs help LGBTQ students overcome feelings of isolation and alienation that are a result of homophobic and transphobic bullying. They empower students as they develop a sense of belonging in their school. GSAs/QSAs also help interested students become allies for their LGBTQ peers and provide a safe place to help understand and learn how to offer support.
Meetings:
- Open to all students
- Monthly meetings
- Lead teacher: Sonia Hiebert
What do we do in the school?
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Anti-bullying Cupcake Campaign
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QSA bulletin board across for the office
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Safe space stickers around the school
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Food, music videos, Youtube clips
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Flags representing our QSA and the identities of students in our group
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Slurpee/Pride Walk
An Act to Support Gay-Straight Alliances, formerly Bill 24 came into effect on December 15, 2017. It strengthens the School Act by:
- Requiring school authorities to create welcoming, caring and respectful policies and make them publicly available by June 30, 2018;
- Strengthening the Minister of Education's ability to ensure that every school authority complies with the law;
- Clarifying that parental notification around courses of study, educational programs or instructional materials does not apply to student organizations or activities, including a GSAs and QSAs;
- Protecting the establishment of GSAs and QSAs to ensure this is done at the school-level like other student organizations;
- Ensuring that students are allowed to name a student organization a GSA or QSA; and
- Ensuring principals help students create a GSA or QSA in a timely manner.
Experiencing crisis or distress?
Bullying Helpline: 1-888-456-2323
Family Violence Info Line: 310-1818
Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642
*all of these phone lines run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week