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2 ND ANNUAL GSA CONFERENCE 2013 CALGARY

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4 days Workshops Sex Ed Art-Based Physical Musical Endless Possibilities Safe Not Alone Volunteer Run Counselors Medical care Speakers

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UNSAFE SCHOOLS An overwhelming majority of Canadian students who identify as; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) feel unsafe at school and most do not feel comfortable taking to staff at their school. [EGALE, 2009]

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GAY-STAIGHT ALLIANCES Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) have been identified as a critical component in creating SAFE, CARING, SUPPORTIVE and INCLUSIVE schools for LGBTQ students (and staff) and their allies.

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GOALS & INTENDED OUTCOMES Build awareness of LGBTQ issues in schools Share strategies, resources, supports, and community connections (Hopefully) enhance comfort, skills and capacity to support and provide safe spaces for LGBTQ students and staff.

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QUICK REVIEW Gender Orientation Sex

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ISSUES FACING LGBTQ STUDENTS & STAFF Stigmatization & marginalization Lack of support Non-inclusive policies & curriculum Minimization of discrimination Discrimination Bullying & Harassment Emotional and verbal abuse Physical assaults

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NEGATIVE OUTCOMES FOR LGBTQ FOLKS Academic Performance Truancy (attendance) & Graduation Rates Drug and Alcoholic Abuse Mental Health Issues Suicide Homelessness

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LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE POLICIES Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms The ATA Code of Professional Conduct The Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities for Teachers ATA Diversity, Equality and Human Rights Long-Range Policy 18.A.35 The ATA supports the establishment of gay-straight alliance groups to create awareness and action that promotes the creation of safe learning environments for all students in Alberta high schools. [2005]

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LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE POLICIES The Alberta School Act Section 45(8) Each student is provided with a safe and caring environment that fosters and maintains respectful and responsible behaviors. Schools should promote and support environments that contribute positively to students physical, psychological and emotional development. This responsibility extends to all students regardless of race, ethnicity, ability, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity.

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WHATS A GSA? Gay-Straight student alliance (GSAs) are student-run and teach- supported school-based groups that work to create safe, caring, supportive and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ students and their allies in schools. Provides a safe space for students to meet, socialize and support one another as they discuss their feelings and experiences related to sexual orientation and gender identity issues.

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WHY HAVE A GSA? VALUE AND BENEFITS Students at schools with GSAs feel: Safer at school, Less likely to be harassed for their differences, More likely to have supportive adults who want them to succeed More likely to say that teachers treat them more fairly and with greater respect.

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WHY HAVE A GSA? VALUE AND BENEFITS GSAs: *Positively affect relationships with school administrators, teachers, family and peers Counter negative outcomes and lower risk factors

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TYPES OF GSAS Safe Spaces Counselling and Support Raise Visibility and Awareness Effect Educational and Social Change

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IMPORTANT ASPECTS Right to Self-determination and Self-identification Confidential No Assumptions No one has to identify Must be inclusive Welcome space to ALL FUN

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10 STEPS TO STARTING A GSA 1.Follow all school/district policies and guidelines. 2.Find a GSA advisor. 3.Speak to your school administration. 4.Inform school counselors and other school resources 5.Develop a mission or vision statement. 6.Find a safe meeting place. 7.Advertise your group. 8.Plan your first meeting. 9.Establish clear guidelines. 10.Plan for the future.

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GSA ACTIVES Brainstorming Session Films and Discussions Guest Speakers Events Pot-Luck lunches Projects Community Involvement Art: button or t-shirt design Make PSA videos Fundraisers Bake Sales Discussion forums Education and Awareness Campaigns endless possibilities!

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HOW CAN WE SUPPORT EACH OTHER? What would you like to know more about? Questions? Lets: Problem-solve Strategize Share ideas & resources Build Community

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SUPPORTS: INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES & ONLINE RESOURCES LGBTQ & Human Rights EAGALE: Canadian Human Rights Trust www.egale.cawww.egale.ca GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network www.glsen.orgwww.glsen.org Pride Education Network: www.pridenet.ca/resourceswww.pridenet.ca/resources Human Rights Campaign: www.hrc.org A Resource Guide to Coming Outwww.hrc.org Gay-Straight Alliances GSA Network www.gsanetwork.orgwww.gsanetwork.org EGALE: My GSA www.mygsa.orgwww.mygsa.org

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2 ND ANNUAL GSA CONFERENCE 2013 CALGARY PRESENTATION Adam Wall INFORMATION 2 ND Annual GSA Conference 2013