The Academy’s GSA

gsaThe Academy’s GSA

by Ruby Chase
The Academy’s GSA works to support the LGBTQ+ community, in an effort to make our school feel more embracing of all genders and sexualities. It’s important to note that our student-run GSA is a “Gender and Sexuality Alliance,” which makes it more inclusive. Academy students really care about the community as a whole and how we can make it more inclusive for all. Twice monthly, the GSA meets to discuss topics relevant to the LGBTQ+ community including current events or upcoming projects, and also provides an opportunity for anyone to raise issues that are important to them.

Last semester a number of Academy GSA members attended the GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) Conference in Westfield. School-based GSAs from all over the country participated. We also purchased a rainbow flag to put on the school’s flagpole. It was an easy thing to do and we hope it will inspire more support for the LGBTQ+ community. Our upcoming projects include participating in the Pride Parade in Northampton in May and possibly Greenfield in June. These marches celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and pride. We will also organize a day of silence (a day where people choose to spend a day in silence to spread awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of LGBTQ+ people), and a larger goal for our GSA is to visit elementary schools in the area to talk to students about being good allies. We would draw and create posters with the kids with positive messages about the LGBTQ+ community. We’ve done a lot of work this semester and we’re excited for more to come!