Out for Equity - Gay/Straight Alliances

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Gay Straight Alliances

Check out these links to find out how to get involved in the Gay Straight Alliance at your school! If your school doesn't have a link, contact us or talk to your counselor to find out more about the GSA at your school.

Arlington High School GSA	Highland Park High School GSA
Central High School GSA	Humboldt High School GSA
Como Park High School GSA	Johnson High School GSA
Harding High School GSA

Gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender students often lack the support they need to make it through school. Studies conducted by departments of education show that gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender students are at least four times more likely than their straight peers to skip school because of feeling unsafe. Many gay youth are forced to drop out of school rather than face daily harassment. A number of studies show that they are three to seven times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers.

In response to unsafe educational environments, a few courageous students began to form Gay/Straight Alliances. As part of a larger GLBT youth movement, GSAs have become one of the main systems of support, socializing and organizing for students who believe all young people deserve a safe educational environment.

Out For Equity supports the initiation of Gay/Straight Alliances in our Saint Paul schools. They are student driven, after school social action groups. Gay/Straight Alliances help to reduce anti-gay violence, harassment and discrimination by educating the school community about homophobia and by encouraging a greater degree of understanding from students and school personnel. The groups also give all students a safe place to discuss their feelings and fears related to sexual orientation.