Gay straight alliance organization

Overview

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 LGBTQ2S+ students overcome feelings of isolation and alienation that are a result of homophobic and transphobic bullying. They enable 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 get and learn how to extend support.

Supporting GSAs

The Education Act (Section ) outlines the roles and responsibilities of school authorities and principals around supporting GSAs and QSAs - so that students can get the support they need - when they require it.

The act:

  • requires school authorities to create welcoming, caring a

    Starting a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) in Your School

    This content is intended to serve as general information; it is not legal advice nor intended as legal advice.

    What is a Gender and Sexuality Alliance?

    Genders and Sexualities Alliances (formerly known as Gay-Straight Alliances), or GSAs, are student-led and student-organized school clubs that aim to create a reliable, welcoming, and accepting school environment for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. GSAs provide a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming (LGBTQ) students, as well as those who are perceived by others to be LGBTQ, are questioning their identity, have LGBTQ friends or family members, or just tend about LGBTQ issues.

    Why should I start a GSA at my school?

    GSAs help make schools safer for all students by providing support, educating others in your school about LGBTQ issues, and engaging in awareness activities enjoy the national Day of Silence. GSAs also allow LGBTQ and straight students to work together to take on issues

    Click here for a printable PDF version.

    Gay-Straight Alliances, or GSAs, are student-led and student-organized school clubs that aim to create a safe, welcoming, and accepting academy environment for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. GSAs provide a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, as well as those who are perceived by others to be LGBT, are questioning their identity, have LGBT friends or family members, or just care about LGBT issues.

    GSAs help make schools safer for all students by providing support, educating others in their school about LGBT issues, and engaging in awareness activities like the national Day of Silence. GSAs also allow LGBT and straight students to function together to take on issues that affect all students, including harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Research has shown that LGBT students hear fewer homophobic slurs, experience less harassment, have better attendance, and perceive safer at schools that possess GSAs. Like any

    Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Network

    We’re pleased to support a growing network of students, schools and community organizations creating safer spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff.

    The GSA network provides consultation, training, event funding, school visits, networking and more to people involved in a GSA, or those who want to start one.

    Due to Calgary Board of Education restrictions on outside organizations in schools, we are unable to facilitate workshops or visits to CBE schools. However, we can provide digital resources, a GSA package, buttons and other assistance. Contact us for more details!

    For more information, contact our GSA Network Coordinator.

    What is a GSA / QSA?

    GSAs are school-based groups that are student-run with teacher assist. Different groups use different names, but some common names are Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) or Queer Straight Alliance (QSA).

    These groups work to create safe, compassionate, supportive and inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff and their allies. Students meet, socialize and support on