Photo by Andrada P.
The Gay-Straight Alliance is creating a new, more inclusive St. Joseph's! The club is on its third year on its journey to make our school more accepting towards the members of the LGBTQ2 community.
The GSA hasn’t always been the way we know it though. It started out as a diversity club around seven years ago, later being initiated as the Gay-Straight Alliance in May 2016 by a St. Joseph’s graduate.
The club’s goal is to create a safer environment for everyone interested in, and part of the LGBTQ2 (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Questioning, 2-Spirited) community, and bring awareness to all the members of the school.
“The goal of the GSA is twofold. First, it is a safe space for students to talk and to be supported by peers, in this manner students can feel safe, supported and that they are not alone regardless of how they identify. The second goal is to raise awareness to the rest of the school community about LGBTQ2 issues, anti-bullying initiatives, inclusivity and safe spaces. We are motivated to inform people, eradicate ignorance and create the most inclusive environment we can at St. Joseph's,” says the group’s teacher moderator, Mrs. Owchar.
The group is currently working alongside administration and student council to organize information sessions for both staff and students, to raise awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ2 community.
Meetings are held every Wednesday at lunch in the chapel, and usually have around 10-20 members present, representing each grade level. Attendance is not mandatory and everyone is welcome to attend. At every meeting, a discussion topic is chosen by the leaders of the GSA, Hannah Denomme and Jay Gray-Johnson, and the teacher moderator, Mrs. Owchar.
These topics range from gender, sexuality, labels, stereotypes, bullying, community and school events or simply everyone’s experiences. The GSA has taken part in and organized awareness campaigns and booths, and have attended the "We Shine" conference at Catholic Central High School. Within the club meetings, there have been former Lasers and GSA members invited as guest speakers.
For more information about the Gay-Straight Alliance, contact Hannah Denomme and Jay Gray-Johnson (club leaders), Mrs. Owchar (teacher moderator) or attend any meeting at lunch, in the chapel.