Nov. 12 marked the third annual Gender-Sexuality Alliance, or GSA, Summit that took place at Antelope High School, bringing together students and advisors from high schools across the district.
The goal of the Summit was to discuss the happenings of the clubs and the schools, as well as extracting if there is anything to be done by the school to help support the GSAs and the students within them.
The first discussion topic brought to the table was presented by guest speaker David Larson, an older member of the LGBTQ community who has had experience working for the city.
Larson talked about his own experience as a gay man, from his youth to his 60s. He spoke of the importance of community support and growth, as well as the necessity for one to “hold to their values.” He urged students attending to speak and communicate openly about their issues in regards to being LGBTQ.
“Be the louder voice, your confidence will save you,” Larson said.
When asked for his idea of the best way to insight change, Larson responded that you have to show up– show up to school boards, councils, on social media, etc. Many do not recognize how privileged and fortunate they are to live when they have so many resources at their fingertips.
“Advocacy is your best friend, and transformation happens through education and experience,” Larson said.
Felix Freitag, a senior and current Oakmont GSA president, has been to all three of the Summits, saying that he enjoys the meeting being a safe space and also a place to meet like-minded people. He hopes to gleam some inspiration for what to do with the club moving forward.
One of the things that was most interesting to learn about was the activity- or rather the lack of activity- seen from other GSA clubs in the district.
Sophia Trujillo and Val Delorge showed up as two of the only active GSA members at Antelope High School, being there to find ways to build the club and to learn about resources for possible members.
Caitlyn Bland, a junior from Woodcreek High School, claims that she was in attendance because her school does not have a GSA and she wanted advice on how to establish one. Roseville High School had a similar situation, only sending an advisor instead of students because of the lack of an active club.
Some people came in as speakers from programs outside of high school, one of which was Rory Vasquez, a representative for Sierra College’s Rainbow Alliance. Vasquez attended on account of wanting to offer support after high school.
“It’s ok to be worried about what your future will look like, but there will always be a support system wherever you go,” Vasquez said.
In an act of support and alliance, school board member Tiffany Coleman showed up for the first half of the meeting, her first-ever GSA-related meeting. She claims she went to gain a better knowledge and understanding of the LGBTQ community in the district, as well as to meet students and staff.
The meeting proved to be overall beneficial to the students and staff who attended. They were not only able to create new personal connections, but also were given new resources and access to support or help, which they may not have been aware of beforehand.
