GSA Club

By Brielle Neimark

Google Classroom Code: 2wgulhp

Medina High School has a great collection of diverse students! However, diverse groups often face challenges such as discrimination and bullying that can take their toll on students.

In Medina, there are many safe spaces for any sort of person to go to, one of them being our very own GSA! It is held in the Media Center or Mrs. Oehler’s room (2200) every other Monday from 2:30-3:30.

Mrs. Oehler, the advisor of the GSA, explains, “I believe that GSA is really important for creating a safe environment for all students in the building. The Constitution of GSA says that we are working to fight against homophobic or transphobic ideas and discrimination, so we want to normalize...normal people! Hopefully, the more support people feel, and awareness in the building the more everybody will realize that people of all identities should be respected and shouldn’t be disrespected. I think the GSA helps to spread awareness about those issues”.

It is very true, this club and other safe spaces for students can help people feel less alone. GSA started back in 2009 with Spanish teacher Dr. Wozolek (aka Dr. Woz) and Mrs. Oehler when they agreed that there needed to be an organized club for students. It is very apparent that Mrs. Oheler takes great pride in being the advisor of GSA. The community has only gotten bigger as time has gone on!

Mts. Oehler went on to say, “My favorite part about the GSA is just being able to create the safe space and to see students be comfortable as themselves in my classroom. I think my favorite time of the year is on the first meeting of the year and everybody comes together and there’s always lots of laughing and hugging, just students who are happy to be together to celebrate their authentic selves.”

Last year, in 2020, when we all had to do school virtually, the GSA’s first meeting was online. However, students ended up having a dance party to Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” with all of the cameras on. It craeted a fun atmoshere within a time that was scary and uncertain.

Aurora Vana, Treasurer of the GSA, discussed some of the challenges the executive board members face.

“Honestly, just making sure we find the right balance of education and fun. I know many people come to the club because it’s with people who are like you [in a general sense] and you just wanna have fun and hang out with them, but we also want to make sure you guys are educated on what is going on with the community and different identities and labels”.

Similar to what Mrs. Oehler had said about her favorite part of the GSA, Aurora explained the fact that the club has gotten so big it had to move to the media center and that we’ve gotten a lot of new underclassmen was one of the nicest parts about the club this year!

Zoey Tiffin, a member of the GSA, explains why we should have a GSA. “I think it creates a good safe space for people who are either just entering the community and just figuring themselves out. I think it’s a good opportunity for people to learn about different genders and sexualities and just other ways people identify. It helps people feel like they’re not alone.”

The GSA is a great place full of friendship and support, and it has been impressive to see what they have been able to accomplish over the years! This club is available to anyone, even if you’re just an ally and want to help out. You can expect visitors of local support groups and snacks, and of course, there is always someone there for you!