What is a GSA?
GSA is an abbreviation for the term gay-straight alliance.
A gay-straight alliance is an organization formed by students (usually, but not always, in high school or college) which specifically aims to provide a safe, supportive, and LGBT-friendly space in the school community. The GSA meetings during X-Block are forums in which to discuss ideas and opinions, socialize, plan events, watch movies....
Most GSAs, Newton North's included, also work to make the school itself more aware of LGBT issues. This is usually accomplished by organizing school-wide events: ToBGLAD, for example, or the Day of Silence.
Here are some answers to commonly-asked questions, or commonly-held beliefs, about GSAs in general and this one in particular.
Is it "the gay club"?
The GSA is a safe space for people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. However, no, the GSA is not intended to be a place for only LGBT people. Anyone who is allied with the purpose of the GSA is welcome to join. The sexual orientation or gender identity of any given member has no effect on their "standing" in the club. We're on equal ground here.
Do you talk about sexual acts in GSA?
Not really. We do talk about sexuality sometimes (and about gender identity the rest of the time).
Discussion of sexuality is different from discussion of sex, although the difference may be hard to wrap around one's head at first. The GSA, by its very nature, does talk about sexuality; that is, the social and cultural phenomena which are related to the actual act of sex. "Gay," "lesbian," and "bisexual" are terms which people use to discuss the natures of their individual sexualities. Sexuality affects the way a human being interacts with the world on a daily basis, and the physical act of sex is only a smallish part of that.
If I attend GSA, do I have to tell the other members what my sexual orientation/gender identity is?
Nope. You can if you'd like, though. Keep in mind that the GSA is a confidential environment; no one will discuss your identity publicly if you don't specifically tell them it's okay.
How do I become a GSA member?
There isn't any "official" list of members, although you'll find that there's a group of regulars that makes up the core of the GSA. If you want to come to the meetings, come to the meetings! You don't need to ask anybody for approval or permission beforehand.
Doesn't the presence of a GSA encourage people to be gay/have gay sex?
There's an S in GSA as well as the G, remember—and the GSA's purpose is to create an atmosphere of respect, support, and education around LGBT issues. We would like people to strive towards acceptance, and to feel accepted; we're not trying to change anyone's identity.
The GSA doesn't sanction either the act of having sex or the act of abstaining from sex. That's beyond its domain. We'd like you to be safe and happy with your choices, whatever you decide to do.
Does the presence of a GSA mean that Newton North High School endorses a particular sexual orientation/gender identity?
Nope. Newton North is required by law to allow the GSA as an official club. It doesn't endorse gayness/bisexuality/transgender any more or less than it endorses, say, chess or animé or philosophy. (Those are other NNHS official clubs.)