What are GSAs? Why are they important?

What is a GSA? Gay-straight alliances (GSAs) or queer-straight alliances (QSAs) are peer support networks or communities that exist in schools to promote safe, respectful and inclusive spaces and learning environments for all students. These alliance groups can create a space for LGBTQ students to develop a sense of belonging, as many sexual and gender minority students experience intense feelings of isolation and alienation as a result of harassment and bullying. The GSAs are run by students and supported by school staff. Students are able to meet, socialize and support one another as they discuss their experiences with gender and sexuality. GSAs are meant to be confidential spaces, where no assumption is made about anyone’s sexual or gender identity. Heterosexual and cisgender students are just as welcome as LGBTQ students, and GSAs are good places for all students to learn how to be supportive of others.

GSAs are meant to provide a safe space for students that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging 

Alberta Progressive Conservative Party leader Jason Kenney 

I was not fortunate enough to have these kind of resources at the small, rural Saskatchewan high school that I went to, and I have to admit that I have only really learned about GSAs recently when they became the subject of controversy in Western Canadian politics. It was just at the end of March that Jason Kenney, who was just voted the leader of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party on March 18^th, made a rather controversial comment concerning how GSAs in Alberta schools are operated.
When he spoke with a Postmedia editorial board, “He said that parents should be told by school staff when a child, gay or straight, joins a GSA unless it's believed telling the parents would cause harm to the child,” CTVNews reported. And while Kenney has said that if he becomes premier that he has no intention of repealing the law that compels schools to allow GSAs, there is currently no legal provision in place to prevent schools from notifying parents about students who have joined a GSA. Kenney’s comment was widely condemned as an extremist view by critics on both social media and in Alberta politics. 
 
It is obvious that young people need to make the decision themselves of when and where to come out to their parents. It’s completely inappropriate for a school to out a student to their parents. A teacher should never reveal a student’s sexual orientation to a parent or colleague without the express consent of that student. This kind of unwanted disclosures can have potentially devastating and even life-threatening consequences to LGBTQ students. While some may want to believe that child’s parents will always have their child's best interest in mind, in reality, many parents are not abusive until they are. After Kenney’s recent comments, both Edmonton Public Schools and the Calgary Board of Education have commented that they do not notify parents when students join GSAs.

Pride flag flying high during Queen City Pride

But why are GSAs so important?  The truth is that LGBTQ youth generally face much higher rates of bullying and discrimination than other students. They may face rejection from both their family and their peers. Many LGBTQ youths become isolated and feel that they must hide or repress their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression from everyone. This discrimination, stigmatization, and isolation can significantly cause a negative impact on the physical, mental and educational lives of students. Research has shown that sexual minority youth are between 1.5 and 7 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Having a place where they can feel safe and accepted can be life-changing for many students, as this is something that sometimes students do not have at home. Having a GSA established in their school, students are more likely to feel safer at school, experience less harassment and show increased academic achievement. There is generally less discrimination in a school that actively promotes a sense of community and of appreciating differences. And it is not just beneficial for gender minority students. Research has shown that schools that have had established GSAs for 3 years or more showed a reduced rate of suicidal ideation and found that it promoted mental health in all students, not just those who participated in the GSA.

While legislation exists in Alberta that requires all publicly-funded schools to help students form a GSA where one is requested, there is no such legislation in Saskatchewan. A provincial policy exists that obliges Saskatchewan schools to oblige a request for a GSA to be formed, but no law. The Saskatchewan NDP has in the past introduced a bill that would, in part, legislate this, Bill 612 - The Respect for Diversity - Student Bill of Rights Act. But the Sask. Party has claimed that a law is not necessary. There are students in Saskatchewan that have been denied their request for a GSA under the current weak policy.


I believe it is very important that we show support for gay-straight alliances in our schools, and not let politicians undermine important progress that has been made.