GSA changes its name to reach a wider audience

With the abundance of sexualities and genders that people identify as, the GSA at Watertown High has made the decision to change its name from the Gay Straight Alliance to the Gender Sexuality Alliance. Part of this, says club president Jeremy Holt, is to recognize these genders and sexualities instead of just gay or straight or female or male.

“We changed it to the Gender Sexuality Alliance to make it less binary and more affirming for those who are all over the gender sexuality spectrum,’’ said Holt.

A good majority of students at Watertown High lack the education about this spectrum and how it works, said one student, which is what the GSA wants to change.

With only 12 states requiring that sexual orientation be taught in schools — with Massachusetts not being one of them — stereotypes and negative attitudes that are thrown onto LGBTQ+ teens can flourish and create a daunting task for them to come out to friends and family.

This change of name is also is to raise awareness for these identities that have been put on the back burner by media and society today. In one third-period gym class, for example, only three students out of 24 could explain what people mean when they identify as “two-spirited.” That is one of the more broad terms, and it is an example of something that the GSA’s is focused on changing through the club.

The non-binary genders today face much stigma, typically due to bias or ignorance from those who are not exposed to it. Teenage years are the development years to many, and the lack of education available to students makes it hard for them to figure out their identity. The GSA’s steps toward recognizing this and giving those who want to learn what is around them demonstrates how today’s youth is progressive and does not just care about their friends or phones, but instead wants to give peers more information and promote a cause they think is worth fighting for. This club at Watertown High raises awareness of social justice issues and creates teens who are going to be great leaders for tomorrow.

The Watertown High GSA’s goals include creating a safe environment in its school community, which is why it is participating in the National Day of Silence on Friday, April 17.

“[The National Day of Silence is] to show solidarity with LGBTQ people who have had to suffer silently because they can not safely express their gender identity or sexuality,” said GSA member Sarah Pardo.

Those at WHS who want to participate can stand in silence for the full day or even a part of it. The GSA will also be screenprinting T-shirts that can be purchased for $2, or people can bring in their own T-shirt to print for free. Wearing purple to represent the LGBTQ+ community is also a way students can get involved.

The GSA at Watertown High welcomes members all year round, and meet Wednesday mornings at 7:30 for those who want to find out more information or want to join.

“[The GSA’s name change is] just a formality to modernize the club and how we present ourselves to the club,” said Holt.

In other words, the GSA will stay the same great club, only more accommodating to others.

–April 16, 2015–