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The GSA Network
The Iowa GSA Network empowers students in their mission to foster inclusive spaces through GSAs. Designed with LGBTQ and allied students, educators, and advisors in mind, the network is a source of resources, support, and connection of GSAs statewide.
What is a GSA?
Gay-Straight Alliances or Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) are student-run clubs or groups in schools that serve as a safe space for all students, regardless of their orientation or gender identity/expression.
GSAs provide a place for students to meet, support and listen to each other about their experiences, talk about issues related to orientation and gender identity/expression, and work to end homophobia and transphobia in their school.
Why should I have a GSA at my school?
LGBTQ youth are six times more likely to feel seriously depressed than their non-LGBTQ peers, and in 2017, LGBTQ students attempted suicide eight times more than their non-LGBTQ peers.
Schools with GSAs create safer and more supportive learning environments for all students through peer-to-peer education and advocacy. A 2017 national survey found that LGBTQ students who attended a school with a GSA:
- Were less likely to hear anti-LGBTQ remarks or slurs
- Were less likely to feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation or gender identity
- Were less likely to experience bullying, harassment, or other victimization related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
- Were less likely to miss school because of feeling unsafe or uncomfortable
What is the GSA Network?
The Iowa GSA Network is a program of Iowa Safe Schools, designed to empower students on their mission to create safe spaces through their GSAs. It is designed to provide resources and assistance to LGBTQ and allied students as well as the educators and advisors who support them. The Network assists students interested in starting a GSA at their school, and connects GSAs around the state. The GSA Network’s ultimate goal of enriching the lives of LGBTQ youth is accomplished through partnerships with student leaders, collaboration with GSA advisors and community members, as well as organizations and companies throughout the state. The Network offers resources, support, and direct interactives services to GSAs, students, and their advisors. GSAs who join the GSA Network are provided an e-toolkit of materials and ideas to help the group:
- Support students who have been victims of bullying, harassment, or assault
- Build a space where students can express themselves and live their truth
- Problem solve issues within the group and create a strong foundation for the GSAs continued success
- Create positive change in their school and community
Why Should Our GSA Become a Member of the GSA Network?
There are so many ways that Iowa Safe Schools supports GSAs!
The GSA Network also helps groups connect with each other! Iowa Safe Schools believes that students should collaborate with and support each other, and we help provide spaces and opportunities for GSAs to do just that.
Whether your GSA has been around for years, or you are interested in starting a GSA for the first time at your school, Iowa Safe Schools wants to support the work your group is doing to create safe and inclusive schools and communities for LGBTQ youth!
Members of the GSA Network receive individualized support and resources for their group, as well as assistance to groups who are facing road blocks or issues from inside (or outside) of the group.
