Gay/Straight Alliance
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LGBTQ |
About the GSA:
The Durfee High School Gay/Straight Alliance is a group of students including lesbian, gay, straight, bisexual, trangendered, and those who may be questioning their identity, who meet once a week to help support each other and to discuss pertinent issues.
You do not have to identify as any of the above to be a member.
Purpose of the GSA:
- To provide a safe, accepting environment where we can lend each support and discuss issues of daily life. To promote tolerance and respect for all students.
- To raise awareness in the school and community regarding LGBTQ issues and rights in effort to eliminate prejudice, bullying and hate crimes, and develop understanding and compassion.
- To help decrease the percentage of attempted teen suicides (it is estimated that 30% of victims of teen suicide identify as LGBTQ) and homelessness (26%) due to conflicts revolving around sexuality.
- To participate in activities that promote social awareness and sense of community such as Youth Pride March in Boston, Day of Silence, Leadership Conferences, working with other GSA groups, etc.
Upcoming Events:
- October 10th Showing of the Movie-“The Truth About Jane”
- October 11th National Coming Out Day-selling pins and stickers
- November 1-Post-Halloween Party
- November 3rd-Trip to see “The Laramie Project”
- November 8th-Guest Speaker-Diane Martins from the Woman’s Center Topic-Healthy Relationships
- November 15th-Open Mic
- November 28th (tentative date) Parent’s Informational Meeting
- December 6th-Performance by “True Colors” theatre Group of Boston
- December 14th-Open Mic (tentative date)
- April -Pride Week
- Wearing of Pride T-shirts
- Making Banner for Youth Pride March
- Handing Out Pride Ribbons
- Observing National Day of Silence
- May -Youth Pride March in Boston
- June TBA-Pride Film Festival in Provincetown
For more information, please contact faculty advisor Ms. Zema in room #27.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Faculty
Faculty members can show their support by being aware and sensitive to LGBTQ students and issues. You can designate your office or classroom as an LGBTQ SAFE ZONE. A SAFE ZONE is a designated area (see Ms. Zema for a sign or sticker) where students can go when they are feeling vulnerable, harassed or threatened by others knowing that their teacher or staff member will properly address the situation.
Faculty members can also put an immediate stop to derogatory remarks made by students and faculty members in reference to LGBTQ students. Terms such as “fag”, “dyke”, and phrases such as “that’s so gay” are offensive to most LGBTQ students.
Students
If you hear others using offensive terms in reference to LGBTQ students or teachers tell them that you support LGBTQ people and are offended by their remarks. Consider sharing your thoughts and feelings with members of the GSA by coming to a meeting.