February 6 is National Gay-Straight Alliance Day, when gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight ally students and adults strengthen their bonds and work to raise awareness about homophobia and transphobia.
Organized by the Iowa Pride Network, the event also honors Gay-Straight Alliances nationwide and reminds us that in many areas students are denied the right to form such groups.
Think GSAs don’t matter much? Here’s some interesting facts from the 2011 GLSEN National School Climate Survey:
*LGBT students in schools with a GSA heard fewer homophobic remarks than students in schools without GSAs.
*LGBT students were more likely to report school personnel intervened when hearing homophobic remarks.
*LGBT students were more likely to experience less victimization related to their sexual orientation and gender expression.
*LGBT students were less likely to feel unsafe because of their sexual orientation; and had a greater sense of connectedness to their school community than students without a GSA.
You can participate in National GSA Day by tweeting a message with #gsaday.