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The Rainbow Clause:
Giving us the right to choose who; where; when; why; and how.
Celebrating Diversity
Students across the country establish Gay-Straight
Alliances in their high schools
Despite the reality of harassment and discrimination
against gay and lesbian students, a growing number of teenagers are coming
out in high school - and many of their peers are openly supporting them.
Gay, lesbian, and straight teens alike are standing up and telling their
administrators that they will not tolerate an anti-gay school environment.
Among their efforts is the establishment of Gay-Straight Alliances, or GSAs,
in high schools all across the United States.
GSAs are student-run organizations open to all
students, regardless of sexual orientation. Their mission is to foster the
development of an accepting, safe and welcoming school community. Their members
include gay; lesbian; bisexual; and transgender teens, as well as teens who
consider themselves straight but are interested in supporting gay issues.
Many have gay or lesbian friends or family members; some have gay or lesbian
parents. There are more than 400 GSAs in the United States today. That's
more than one-third of the nation's high schools.
Gay-Straight Alliances serve a number of purposes,
not the least of which is bringing to the attention of school administrators
just how important it is to address GLBT (gay; lesbian; bisexual; transgendered)
issues. They are a support group for youth unsure of their sexuality; they
are a social group for kids who feel isolated and want to make new friends;
they are a politically active entity that educates others and encourages
conversation. GSA is like any after-school extracurricular club. Its members
decide how the club will spend its time and raise money, from sponsoring
a school dance, to participating in community service, to circulating a petition.
GSAs also have a national presence through the
Gay-Straight Alliance Network. This youth-led organization works to link
GSAs with community resources and each other. The Network plans social events,
involves members in community activities, and serves as a voice for those
who need representation.
Of course, the presence of a GSA in a school
does not mean that discrimination does not exist there. Administrators are
often reluctant to allow students to form GSAs, and members can be targeted
by other students for harassment and, at times, violence. What is important
to remember is that federal law requires schools to allow GSAs to form; they
are considered to be a non-curricular after-school activity just like sports
or Chess Club. Administrators are also legally obligated to protect their
students, and to let those who harass and degrade others that their behavior
is unacceptable. Teens who have faced resistance in their efforts to start
a GSA at their school have a basis for legal action.
At a time when the rights of gay and lesbian
Americans seem to be constantly under attack, many members of the GLBT community
find it refreshing, and even comforting, that our youth are unafraid to speak
up. Even better, it would appear that they are being heard. While discrimination
may never truly be a thing of the past, our teenagers are proving that they
are ready to take on the challenge of creating a better world, one where
intolerance and ignorance are not welcome.
For
more information on starting a Gay-Straight Alliance, or working with the
Gay-Straight Alliance Network, visit
www.gsanetwork.org.
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