On October 8th, students gathered together to celebrate National Coming Out Day. GSA hosted a party during all grade level lunch hours. Many went and had fun!
The room was filled with decorations and students sported rainbow flags, tattoos, stickers, bracelets, and many other rainbow themed things and items that had the flag for their identities.
National Coming Out Day is a day to celebrate those in the LGBTQIA+ community who have felt comfortable enough to tell others about who they are (A common metaphor used is “coming out”, henceforth the name National Coming Out Day. The metaphor coming out is derived from the saying "skeletons in the closet” which is usually said for a family secret).
On National Coming Out Day, we also remember those who don't feel comfortable yet to come out to family and friends. National Coming Out Day is important to celebrate so that students that identify with the LGBTQIA+ community feel as though they belong.
There might be students in our school who do identify with this community who can't attend GSA. It is amazing that the JJHS community is so accepting of everyone.
If anyone can attend GSA please do! GSA is open to anyone a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and those who are allies.
Allies are those who support the LGBTQIA+ community and love all no matter who they are, cause we are all human. One ally said, “I am an ally because I believe it is essential for people to be themselves and love whomever they choose.” Also, Ms. Palubicki said, “It IS a space for our LGBTQIA+ Patriots to come and feel safe, but our straight Patriots play an important role in that, too. Kids need their peers to show them friendship and acceptance.”
GSA is very important to the JJHS community, as one student said, “GSA is beneficial to JJHS because it lets people be themselves, and it is a place to feel comfortable and accepted”. GSA is a wonderful club that is helping JJHS be a diverse, loving, and accepting community by doing things like putting up posters and just being there.
GSA is open to everyone no matter who you are. If you are interested please join them on Thursdays before and after school in Ms. Palubicki’s room. Listen for announcements to know when the next meeting!