THE ECHO

By Grace Otey // Reporter

GSA stands for Gender Sexuality Alliance, a club created to promote acceptance throughout Avon Highschool and foster a safe space for LGBTQ+ students. While the club is geared towards LGBTQ youth, everybody is welcome as long as they are respectful.

How many years have you been in GSA? What motivated you to join?

Four years now. I was a freshman. I was looking for something to do, really. But, I mean, I ended up having a really good time, I learned a lot.

What does GSA mean to you?

I believe that first and foremost GSA is a safe space where LGBTQ youth can have meaningful interactions with their peers. After that, we try to focus on making it a fun club. Another big goal is educating people about the community and teaching them how to be civically engaged and understanding current events.

What do you believe the purpose of GSA is?

Schools with GSA are safer because students know they have the support of staff members and other students. The knowledge there is a network of support from club sponsors, officers, and members to the administrators who allow the club to continue means everything to a kid who’s nervous about being themselves in high school.

What was your all-time favorite GSA meeting?

I think one of my favorite days in GSA is the five-minute tangents. This is a special day where every member who puts their name on the board gets to talk to the entire group about whatever they want for five minutes. It’s important because every member is responsible for every other. It’s important to connect with other LGBTQ youth so we can support one another and keep each other safe. It’s also fun because so many members have special interests that they like to talk about.

What makes you a good GSA leader?

I think when I initially became an officer, I was useful because I already had a good relationship with a lot of the club members. That helped because I was able to read the mood of our members and tell the more senior officers when we needed to do something fun or prioritize group involvement. Now I am one of the more senior members. Now I am one of the more senior officers and I’m still establishing personal relationships with every member, but I’m also doing more organizational tasks and planning.

What does a GSA meeting look like?

We actually alternate between education meetings where we talk about the community and just conflicts, that sort of thing, and then we have fun meetings where we do things like Just Dance.

Were there any members of GSA your freshman year that motivated you to keep going?

So there was Steven, Ethan, and Percy. They were all really nice to me.

Were you instantly good at leading meetings or did it take some time?

Yeah, I don’t think I led a meeting by myself until like, spring of my first year as an officer, and it went well, and I’ve just been easing into it.

What are your future plans for college and career?

Right now, I’m looking into going to a public school, maybe getting an English degree and working from there. I’d love to go into editing, writing.

Are there any clubs or organizations you are a part of?

I’m in Philharmonic Orchestra, which takes up a lot of time because I’m one of the three harpists, so pretty much just orchestra.

Do you have a job?

No, but I volunteer a couple places, dog shelters and library book sales.

What would you say your main talent is?

I keep at it.

Are there any books or TV shows you especially love?

Well, standard gay kid response, I like the Owl House and Gravity Falls. Yeah, I also get into some Simpsons. A bit of Brooklyn 99.

What is your favorite class you’ve taken?

The first semester junior year I took a creative writing class that was really fun. I want to publish my own work someday, but in the meantime, it just feels good to be in a small, close kit class with people who have similar interests.