As members of the LGBTQ community, many of us have heard the terms GSA and GSA Club, but may not be familiar with exactly what they do. We’ve done a bit of research, and believe that what we have learned is important to share.


GSA is the acronym for Gay-Strait Alliance and GSA Clubs are student-run organizations designed to better unite student members of the community with their allies.  They build and support connections, something which is, without a doubt, invaluable.


GSA Clubs Helping the LGBTQ Community

The growth and adaptation of these clubs are significant. They initially were developed to provide “safe spaces” to youth who identify as LGBTQ. Some may ask what does lgbtq mean and it stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, and Queer. Today they truly affect change, helping to make the communities in which they are located better places to live.  


The clearest example of this is the fact that now GSAs are created for specific purposes. Support GSAs function much as the originals were intended. They continue to provide space for LGBTQ youth to share their issues. The help these young people get from their peers helps them to better address their own personal issues and hopefully pave the way for a better future for all. 


The purpose of social GSAs is clear - they provide an avenue for all members of the LGBTQ community and their allies to gather, meet and make friends. In middle schools, high schools, and colleges, these organizations can help kids feel welcome and at ease more quickly. Having any kind of lgbtq community resources is a good thing. 


Finally, many of these groups have become Activist GSAs. Their members identify inequalities or issues in the schools in which they are located. Together they work to increase broad-based awareness and brainstorm solutions to the problems. Their activism helps pave the way for a better and more equal future.


The beauty of GSAs lies in their flexibility. Each group can decide its purpose and how to focus. We all know each school poses unique challenges and opportunities. Students can organize to meet their local needs.

 

At Rainbow Depot we proudly support all GSAs and applaud today’s youth for their proactive approach to helping make life better. We know they are making a huge difference in their LGBTQ community. The camaraderie they offer is so valuable, and the work they do is simply incredible. If you are reading this and belong to one, know that we applaud you!