Gay Straight Alliance

GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE

West Boylston GSA Student Pledge

We the undersigned agree to try our best to not take part in any acts of discrimination in any form. Our purpose is to create a friendly and respectful environment for students in our school and people in our community, as well as promoting pride in self. We will address issues concerning sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, economic class, gender, and body type.

The Gay Straight Alliance is a school based support group made up of students and teacher advisers to help reduce anti-gay violence, harassment and discrimination by educating the school community about homophobia. It also encourages a greater degree of understanding from students and faculty. The GSA meetings provide students with a safe place to discuss their feelings and fears related to sexual orientation and to plan activities that foster the dissemination information and promote tolerance and acceptance. All students are welcome to attend. Informational materials and resources are available free of charge to Massachusetts residents by accessing the Department of Education's Safe Schools Program for gay and lesbian students- Health, Safety and Student Support website.

1. people who make homophobic comments are usually in need of something. Either they are in need of accurate information, attention, a sense of being part of a group, or fitting in.

2. Acknowledge them. If possible, call them by name. Give the recognition, acknowledgement, and attention immediately. You can do so without necessarily agreeing with them.

3. Acknowledge where others are too - that there are other points of view. Speak from personal experience. Use "I" and "my" statements. You can't argue with personal experience. Give them accurate information, dispel myths and stereotypes.