How to Start a GSAs

The Gay-Straight Alliance Network (www.gsanetwork.org) and GLSEN, Inc. (www.glsen.org) have excellent material on organizing and starting a GSA on your campus. Safe Schools South Florida has compiled a starter kit that you can order by email to safe@safeschoolssouthflorida.org or click starter kit to download the files and get started right away.

It is true that some schools’ administrations are opposed to using the name “Gay-Straight Alliance” or “GSA.” While it is a form of discrimination it is more important to have the club organized and present at your school, working to create alliances between LGBTQ students and their straight classmates. Other names that we have seen include “Diversity Council,” “Rainbow Network,” “Our Space,” etc. Try for GSA but don’t make it a sticking point.

Also, through a generous bequest of a long-time Safe Schools South Florida supporter, Lewis Serbin, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in collaboration with Safe Schools South Florida have created a handbook of laws that affect students in Florida’s schools. GSA sponsors may request a copy for your GSA by email to safe@safeschoolssouthflorida.org.