One in three members of LGBTQ+ youth believe their chances of living to age 35 are low, according to the Trevor Project. The mental health epidemic especially impacts queer youth, who are often victims of homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination. There is no true solution to this issue, but many schools are creating clubs as a safe space for LGBTQ+ students.
Eastern’s Genders and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) provides a comforting setting for both queer students and their allies. The mission of GSA is “to expose people to those(LGBTQ+) issues,” says club advisor William Fulton. He recalls it all starting when “there was a group of LGBTQ+ students who just wanted a place to come, and they just wanted to hang out and play games. They mostly played Uno.”
But this club would eventually turn into something more than basement-like hangouts. Fulton recognizes that “the LGBTQ+ community is an oppressed community, for no other reason than being themselves.” The club’s goal has been to promote activism and acceptance towards the LGBTQ+ community and encourage allies to support that.
Luckily, both he and the club’s participants give that purpose a life. On November 14th, 2023, the GSA invited local mother and transgender child Diane and Teddy Rugala to educate the Eastern community on respectfully using pronouns in the Recital Hall. Fulton also posts a variety of resources on Google Classroom as well as his door, including helplines, scholarships, and information for organizations such as Trevor Project, GLSEN, PFLAG, and Kaleidoscope.
President Logan Smith ‘24 and member Willow Mignone ‘24 use a poster board titled the “Gay Agenda” to plan for the club. The Gay Agenda is used to plan all club fundraisers and events, as well as write down slogans such as “Be gay, do crime”. This phrase does not encourage members to vandalize, commit theft, or murder, but rather to be who they are, even in the face of opposition and governments trying to make their own identities illegal.
In late March, GSA created and sold queer-themed buttons in the main lobby. They ranged from various pride flags to the infamous green M&M repping she/they pronouns. The club earned around 150 dollars, which will go towards club t-shirts and supplies for their upcoming event celebrating Pride Month.
Aside from advocating for queer rights and fundraising, the GSA also has its fair share of lighthearted fun. As Mignone recounts, “We watch Doctor Who at lunch, like at lunch a lot.” She says it is her favorite club activity.
Mignone has quite a lot to take away from her experience. “I think that we learn how to be better advocates by being in the club,” she emphasizes. Smith was also positively influenced by GSA, stating that “I think it has helped me to be more empathetic and understanding of other people.”
It is a common misconception that a GSA is exclusive to LGBTQ+ students. While the GSA is majorly made up of queer students being supported, it is important to remember the necessity of supporters outside of their community. As Smith states, “Being exposed to people who are different than you can really give you a better outlook on the world, and help you to see there’s probably more than one side to a situation. Even if you’re not gay, being there will still be good to help people.”
The club is welcome to all students. Fulton emphasizes this point, highlighting that “ if anybody needs guidance or anything like that, if you’re in the club or not, come by. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find the answer”.
The GSA at Eastern may be small, but its impact is insurmountable. The club allows students a space to express themselves without judgment, connecting with students of similar and vastly different experiences, united under one belief.
Every child deserves a place to exist, and discover who they are without fear. In a world where society drives teens like Nex Benedict to suicide, Eastern’s GSA creates an atmosphere where all students, no matter their gender or sexuality, are welcome.
