Many queer students benefit from having spaces in school where they can come together to support each other, discuss issues related to sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, and work towards making their school more inclusive. These clubs can be a very important resource for queer students in providing a safe space—a place you can be yourself, explore your identity and sexual orientation, and meet other like-minded students. Students have the right to a queer-positive student club at your school.
These clubs are often called GSAs, but other names are also used. In the past, GSA stood for “Gay-Straight Alliance”, but today it sometimes stands for “Gender Sexuality Alliance” in order to be clear that the club welcomes students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Other students have chosen names such as the “Rainbow Alliance” or “Pride Club”. Because GSAs are the most common name for these clubs, we have used this term.
Studies have shown that GSAs have a positive impact on queer students, and on school environments overall. A 2014 study from the University of British Columbia concluded that GSAs help prevent homophobia and discrimination against queer students, as well as suicidal ideation and attempts amongst both queer and heterosexual students. Research also shows that schools who had GSAs for at least 3 years had lower levels of alcohol and drug use among both queer and straight students.
Some schools have tried to prevent or limit students’ ability to form GSAs, slowing down the process of forming one, and creating delays and obstacles to their formation. In some cases, school officials have directly banned these clubs.
One way schools restrict GSAs is by allowing the formation of a general “diversity” or “differences” club, but not a GSA. Some schools might allow students to form a club but won’t let students use words like “gay” or “queer” or “2SLGBTQIA+” in the club name.
