Yulee High School

WHAT IS THE GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE?

GSA was established at YHS in 2008. A student-led club, it seeks to create a safe environment for all YHS students by advocating for tolerance, respect and equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their straight allies. Through education and advocacy, the GSA works to curb bullying against LGBT students, expand understanding between all students, and end discrimination. "Regardless of a child's ethnic, socioeconomic, religious, sexual orientation, or physical status, all children have a right to safety. When victimization through bullying, verbal abuse, and physical violence is prevalent in a school, the entire school community experiences the consequences. When abuse against a particular group is perceived as acceptable, intergroup hatreds can become established... Students who are different from the majority of their classmates because of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or other personal characteristics are at increased risk for being bullied. Gay, lesbian, or bisexual students, and students perceived to be gay by their peers are often victims of repeated verbal abuse and physical assault," Center for Disease Control and Prevention.