GSA welcomes all to its safe space at Watertown High

Have you seen the colorful poster outside of the Math Lab? With bright blue backing and rainbow-colored paper butterflies, it’s hard to miss. The beautiful poster was created by Watertown High School’s GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance).

The GSA strives to provide advocacy for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Sean Morris has been an advisor of the highly accomplished club since the 2019-2020 school year, when Mr. Hughes and Ms. Ferraro asked him to take over. When asked what the club means to him, he says, “The GSA to me is not only a safe place for LGBTQ+ students and allies to discuss issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, but also an opportunity to educate others, staff and students alike, on those issues.”

The poster alone provides helplines and infographics showcasing the increased rates of bullying experiences and suicide attempts among young LGBTQIA+ individuals, and even more information is provided during the GSA’s Tuesday meetings. This information is invaluable to both members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community because raising awareness in our school can lead to increased care for affected individuals – especially concerning their mental health.

The club’s reach extends on their Instagram, where they are followed by almost 50 WHS students.

At 8 a.m. on Tuesdays, club members and the faculty advisors, Mr. Morris and Elizabeth Mundy, meet to discuss possible events, fundraisers, and important social issues in the LGBTQIA+ community. The club has a student president and vice president, who organize club members’ ideas. In this way, the club is largely student run. Faculty advisors organize scheduling and funding, and provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for students to express their identities and ideas.

“In the past we have done movie nights, we’ve done fundraisers for local charities, we’ve marched in Boston Pride, and have presented to the WHS faculty,” Mr. Morris said in describing some of the events the GSA has hosted and participated in, during one such fundraiser last year, the GSA raised $1,587 for Greater Boston PFLAG!

“I am beyond proud of how hard the students worked to make this happen!” Mr. Morris said.

The GSA’s first meeting of the year was held on Sept. 20, but it’s not too late to join the club! Both allies and LGBTQIA+ community members are welcome. For more information or to get involved with the GSA, contact Ms. Mundy, Mr. Morris, or a club member. Also, follow the GSA on Instagram and be sure to keep an eye on the poster outside of the Math Lab for an updated calendar!

–Dec. 3, 2022–