GSA FAQs

A GSA (which historically stood for Gay/Straight Alliance, but is now more commonly referred to as Genders and Sexualities Alliance or Gender/Sexuality Alliance) is a student-initiated and student-run club in a public or private school. The goal of a GSA is to provide a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer (LGBTQ+) and straight ally youth to meet and discuss sexual orientation and gender identity issues, and to work to create a school environment free of discrimination, harassment, and intolerance.

Some GSAs may go by a different names such as QSA (Queer Student Alliance) or Rainbow Club. 

No! GSAs cannot be banned if other non-curricular student clubs are allowed to exist at the school. The Federal Equal Access Act and the First Amendment of the US Constitution establish the requirement of equal treatment for all non-curriculum related clubs regardless of the content of speech at the club meetings.

Findings from a growing body of research demonstrate the positive impact that school-basedresources, such as clubs that address LGBT student issues (commonly known as Gay-Straight Alliances) may have on school climate.  GSAs often advocate for improved school climate, educate the larger school community about LGBT issues, and support LGBT students and their allies.

A recent study from GLSEN found:

1. The presence of GSAs may help to make schools safer for LGBT students by sending a message that biased language and harassment will not be tolerated.

 2. Having a GSA may also make school more accessible to LGBT students by contributing to a more positive school environment.

3. GSAs may help LGBT students to identify supportive school staff, which has been shown to have a positive impact on their academic achievement and experiences in school.

4. Most students lack access to GSAs or other student clubs that provide support and address issues specific to LGBT students and their allies.

Yes, they are!  

Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 75, Section 6: NO PERSON SHALL BE EXCLUDED FROM OR DISCRIMINATED AGAINST IN ADMISSION TO A PUBLIC SCHOOL OF ANY TOWN, OR IN OBTAINING THE ADVANTAGES, PRIVILEGES, AND COURSES OF STUDY OF SUCH PUBLIC SCHOOL ON ACCOUNT OF RACE, COLOR, SEX, GENDER IDENTITY, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION.

Boston Public School’s Non-Discrimination Policy:

THE BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, BY ITS NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY, DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE IN ITS PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, FACILITIES, EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BASED ON RACE, COLOR, AGE, DISABILITY, SEX/GENDER, GENDER IDENTITY, HOMELESSNESS, RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETICS OR MILITARY STATUS AND DOES NOT TOLERATE ANY FORM OF RETALIATION, INTIMIDATION, THREAT, COERCION AND HARASSMENT THAT INSULTS THE DIGNITY OF OTHERS AND INTERFERES WITH THEIR FREEDOM TO LEARN OR WORK. 

Principles for Ensuring Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Students: https://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/lgbtq/Principles-SafeEnvironment.html

If you want to start a GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) at your school, please get in touch with GSA Coordinator Shaq Jones (He/Him) at sjones3@bostonpublicschools.org. If you already have a GSA and want more resources, please register your GSA with this form. GSA Registration Form