Gender and Sexuality Alliance

GSA

INFORMATION SOURCES

Founded in 1972 with the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG is the nation's largest family and ally organization. Uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends, and allies, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality and full societal affirmation of LGBTQ people through its threefold mission of support, education, and advocacy.

Web Site

Mission Statement

Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy, and education, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders works in New England and nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation.

Web Site

What is GLSEN?

GLSEN, which stands for the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization working to create safe schools for ALL students. We strive to ensure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Web Site

What is the It Gets Better Project?

In September 2010, syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage created a YouTube video with his partner Terry Miller to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, they wanted to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell LGBT youth that, yes, it does indeed get better.

Web Site

We provide high quality, comprehensive health care, research, education and advocacy.

In 2001, Fenway launched The Fenway Institute, an interdisciplinary center for research, training, education and policy development focusing on national and international health issues, especially related to LGBT communities.
Information Flyer

Web Site

GSAMission/Goals:

improve the school climate for all students regardless of sexual identity, gender identity/expression, or other differences
provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for students to discuss the issues/challenges of identifying themselves as an LGBTQQ+* individual or Ally**
reach out and provide information /support to peers who may be struggling with their sexual/gender identity or simply looking for an open-minded place where they can feel accepted
discuss LGBTQ*-related issues occurring in our school, community, nation and world
raise awareness of the social injustices experienced by LGBTQQ+ individuals and their allies through education, discussion and activism
gain more allies in our school and our community by encouraging others to voice/show their acceptance and take a stand against harassment, discrimination and bullying to any student

*LGBTQQ: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning
**Ally: a person who works to end oppression by supporting and advocating with the oppressed population

By joining the Gay-Straight Alliance, students will be provided with:

a safe environment to discuss personal issues/struggles and receive encouragement from accepting, open-minded and supportive peers;
discussions about current events, issues, and history of the LGBTQQ+/GSA community;
opportunities to openly express their views/support for LGBTQQ+ individuals and their struggles by organizing and participating in our school’s observances of the nationally recognized LGBTQQ+ and anti-bullying events that occur each year, such as Ally Week and the Day of Silence; and,
information about out-of-school LGBTQQ+/GSA resources and events.

Mansfield High School