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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
When you become a member of the GSA Network, you'll get exclusive resources, site visits, first knowledge of upcoming events, and so much more!
Don't have an established GSA, but want to stay in the loop? Fill out the form to get connected! Be sure to include your name, school, and contact information. If you're a student, list "n/a" for the Advisor Name & Email fields. If you're an educator, list "n/a" for the GSA Leader Name & Email fields.
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