The Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) club has been around for about 20 years.  Ms. Joan Greenberg created South High’s GSA in response to the widespread homophobia at South High. “It really became evident, the homophobia that was prevalent and the lack of information,” said Ms. Greenberg. “I think people who [identified] as gay wanted a place to be.”

Even now, the GSA continues to provide a safe space for queer students at South. It’s a place where students can hang out freely without fear of judgment, without the fear of being outed, without the fear of being alone. The GSA can be a voice for queer students, pushing for awareness and activism with posters, counselors, and pride ribbons. But first and foremost, it is a place for students to simply exist as their real selves. 

Having that space is invaluable. Even in South High, even in New York, even in the U.S., anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments are inescapable. New laws are passed to prevent trans individuals from using the bathroom; hate crimes in New York have risen by over 50% in the last few years, and students throw around slurs in the halls. Some aren’t safe in their own homes. Students have skipped out on club photos for fear of their parents finding out. 

And while South High is better than most schools at seeming accepting, it still isn’t safe. Every day, the word gay is still used as an insult in the halls. The f-slur has been written across gym doors. A former GSA member was followed to the bathroom because another student felt the need to see which one they went into. 

Why do we still need the GSA? No matter the number of safe space stickers on doors and iPads or how many pride pins you see on bags, hate and judgment have never disappeared. Sometimes, all someone has is the GSA. It might not be enough, but it’s a start.