How to Form a Gay/Straight Alliance

A gay/straight alliance (GSA) is a student run club. It provides a safe space for students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, two-spirited, questioning, queer, intersex (GLBTQI) and straight to socialize, support each other, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and work to end homophobia and heterosexism.  GSAs (sometimes called "Rainbow Alliances") are a great way to build community at your school and lessen the isolation that GLBTQI students might otherwise experience.

1. Research the process

Each school board has its own way of creating and recognizing clubs within the school system. Creating a GSA should follow the same process as creating any other club. Look in your Student Handbook for your school’s rules or ask your school administrator for the approved guidelines.

2. Get teacher and administrative support

Once you know the rules established by your school board, seek support from teachers and administrators. A supportive teacher, librarian, nurse, counselor or administrator can act as a faculty advisor. Tell administrators what you are doing right away (ie. principal, vice–principal). They can be useful liaisons to teachers, parents, students, community members and the school board.

3. Make guidance counselors, community and social workers aware of your club

These individuals may know students who would be interested in attending your club. If there is a GLBTQI community centre or service provider in your area, you may want to connect with them for referrals, information, potential speakers and/or joint events.

4. Find a location

Location can have a large impact on your club. For example, if your school is very homophobic, than you may want to limit access to your club’s agenda and meeting spot. Students should not be scared away from participating in the GSA because their security and privacy is being threatened. If the safety of those involved cannot be ensured by administration, then approaching a community centre or neighbourhood association may be a good place to start. If you choose an off-school location, make sure it is close to public transit and will not indicate that there is a GSA meeting inside. Although you want to be proud of your efforts to end homophobia and promote GLBTQI Pride, you still need to make sure you stay safe and offer some level of privacy.

5. Get the word out

Advertising via morning announcements, flyers and word of mouth are all great ways to encourage participation. An announcement can include the date, time, and location of your club provided there are no safety concerns. Otherwise, students can send inquiries to a specific email address set up for the GSA or check in with the faculty advisor. It’s important for everyone to know that people from all sexual orientations are welcome and that the activities are free.

6. Bring Food

Having food, music and games makes the environment more welcoming and less daunting for those who are unsure. It also provides an incentive for people to attend, especially if the food is free.

7. Have your first meeting

The first meeting can be an informal introductory event for the GSA. Students may feel anxious and not ready to discuss sensitive issues. Having multiple activity areas (pool tables, video games, comfy couches, food, movies, magazines, music, etc.) will help keep people busy and allow them to socialize. The GSA student facilitators may want to introduce themselves, talk about the location (smoking areas, washrooms etc.) and start with some “get to know you” games.

8. Establish group guidelines

Many groups have guidelines in order to ensure that group discussions and activities are safe, confidential, respectful and equitable. Some groups have a guideline that no assumptions or labels are used about a group member’s sexual orientation.

9. Plan for future meetings

Brainstorm activities, events, topics to discuss and set goals for what you want to accomplish. Decide what you want to learn about (“How to deal with homophobic comments”), events you want to organize (Pride Day at school, Queer history month, Queer Film Fest, etc) and social outings (dances, bowling, movies). If there is a faculty advisor present they can offer guidance and ideas, keeping in mind that it is a student run club.

Adapted from GSA Network