ADSB GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE GUIDEBOOK Drafted: May-August, 2014 | By Cameron Aitken 2 It is my pleasure to introduce to you, the first edition of the Algoma District School Board's Gay Straight Alliance Guidebook. This manual is meant to give leaders of GSA or other similarly named clubs ideas, tools and inspiration to run sustainable student lead clubs. As one of the cofounders and past leaders of the Superior Heights Gay Straight Alliance, 2010-2012, I know how difficult yet rewarding starting and then continuing a GSA can be. Looking back, I would say that all of the time I devoted to planning meetings, tie-dying shirts, baking cupcakes and speaking with staff/students was well spent! I still look back on the events that the GSA planned and executed with pride, because they brought out the support that existed in the broader school community. I not only gained memories that will stay with me for a lifetime, but marketable skills! For the past two years I have worked at Jer's Vision as a Educational Coordinator, Summit Coordinator and Educational Manager, in charge of their educational programming. The experience I gained from this position in turn lead me to my current summer job, as the LGBTQ Advisor to the ADSB, a job I am thrilled to do. I hope that this manual will assist you all in creating and sustaining student lead clubs that work to eliminate homophobia and transphobia in the Algoma Region and remember, all GSA's are important for schools to have, regardless of the scope of their activities. Sincerely, Cameron Aitken 3 Table of Contents Glossary of Terms Pages 4-6 Who, What, Where and When of GSA's Page 7-8 How to Start a GSA Pages 8-11 How to Maintain a GSA Pages 12-15 Making Your GSA Trans Inclusive Pages 16-18 Staff Advisor Information Pages 19-22 Icebreakers, Activities and Events Pages 22-26 EGALE School Climate Survey Pages 27-33 More Than GSA's Page 34-38 References Page 39 4 Glossary of Terms Diverse Sexualities Asexual– Describes a person who has: A) no apparent sexual attraction, but may desire to have motional, intellectual, spiritual relations with another person; B) a lack of emotional connection to sexual acts, but still engages in sex with partners; C) a lack of desire for or to instigate sex, though they may engage in sexual acts with their partner. It should be noted that there are varying biological and psychological reasons for a person to identify as asexual, such as dissatisfaction with one’s genitals, psychological barriers to intimacy and intercourse, and/or having no sexual attractions towards others. Check out asexuality.org for more information. Bisexual - A term used to describe a person who has (or desires to have) emotional, intellectual, spiritual and/or physical relations with someone of the same or other gender. Gay – A term used to describe a person who identifies as a man and has (or desires to have) emotional, intellectual, spiritual and/or physical relations with another self-identified man. It should be noted that this term when used as an umbrella term, excludes, silences and further marginalizes the rest of the rainbow community. Ex. Pride vs. Gay Pride. Heterosexual – A term used to describe a person who is attracted (emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and/or physically) to another person of the opposite gender. Homosexual – A term used to describe a person who is attracted (emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and/or physically) to another person of the same gender. Lesbian – A term used to describe a person who identifies as a woman and has (or desires to have) emotional, intellectual, spiritual and/or physical relations with another self-identified woman. Pansexual - A term used to describe a person who has (or desires to have) emotional, intellectual, spiritual and/or physical relations with another person, regardless of sex, gender identity or gender expression. Queer – The literal definition of the term ‘queer’ is synonymous with being different and originally held negative connotations. The term was reclaimed in Canada by queer people and is now used to describe all people who do not fit a heterosexual orientation and, in some cases, trans people. 5 Diverse Genders Cisgender - Refers to a person whose biological sex assigned at birth matches their gender identity (the antonym for transgender). • Correct: Cisgender men, cisgender women, cisgender person. Gender Queer, genderqueer - Refers to people who defy gender norms. Genderqueer people may identify as either male, female, both, neither or who may reject gender altogether. Intersex - Refers to a person whose biological/anatomical sex is outside conventional classification of male or female. This may be due to genetic, hormonal or anatomical variations. The term intersex is not interchangeable with transgender. Also refers to the condition, not the person. Trans - Of or relating to gender diverse individuals, groups or interests. This inclusive category is used by many who also identify as transgender, transsexual, cross-dressers, gender queer, two-spirit, intersex, etc. • Correct: Trans men, trans pride, trans rights. Trans Man - A person whose biological sex assigned at birth was female, but whose gender identity is male. Trans Woman - A person whose biological sex assigned at birth was male, but whose gender identity is female. Transgender - Refers to a person whose biological sex assigned at birth does not match their gender identity (the antonym for cisgender). • Correct: Transgender men, transgender women, transgender rights. Two Spirit- Some First Nations and Aboriginal people identify themselves as Two- spirit rather than or sometimes solely LGBTQ. Historically, two-spirit persons were respected leaders in their community and were afforded respected positions. Some traditionally two-spirit individuals took on same-sex partners, but it is up to an individual who identifies as two-spirit to decide this. Transsexual - Refers to a person who is Transgender, but has specifically achieved or is working towards medical treatments, such as hormone therapy andSex/ Gender Reassignment Surgery. The term is derived from an archaic medical diagnosis and many trans people feel that this term needlessly pathologizes something that is non-psychiatric in nature. Having said that, there are some individuals who still choose to self-identify as transsexual, while others find it problematic. As always, their preference must take precedence. 6 “Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?”-Ernest Gaines "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has" -Margaret Mead 7 The Who, What, Where and When Who can be involved in a GSA? The answer for this question is pretty obvious, EVERYONE! A GSA is mostly made up of LGBTQ students and their allies, along with a staff advisor. You can also include school alumni, parents and community members that want to get involved. Keep in mind if your GSA wants to be as inclusive as possible to make sure that it is a safe place for everyone not only free of homophobia and transphobia but also: ageism, racism, classism, sexism, religious discrimination etc. What is a GSA? GSA is an acronym for ―Gay Straight Alliance‖ which is a group or committee in either a school or even university that focuses on LGBTQ (lesbian gay bisexual transgender, queer and questioning) issues. This group is often used as a safe space for LGBTQ youth and their allies to share their feelings on their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. A GSA is also for heterosexual (straight) allies to support LGBTQ people (like their friends and family) or even get support for harassment they may receive for being an ally. Along with being a support group, a GSA can also be an activist club that can fight for the rights of LGBTQ youth in the school and facilitate awareness around LGBTQ issues in schools by running events, facilitating workshops, hosting awareness days, etc. Where would a GSA meet? A GSA will usually try and meet in the safest place possible. This can be a supportive teacher‘s classroom, the library, the school youth health center, student services, guidance office etc. 8 When do GSAs normally meet? A GSA can meet anytime you want it to meet, since it is a student directed club things like planning when the group meets and what you do at the meetings are up to you. A GSA should meet when people are most available, which depends on the student population, like if the school is mainly bus students you may want to meet at lunch, but if your school has 2 different lunch periods then it might be good to meet after school. As for the frequency of the meetings you could do bi-weekly meetings or meet every week, whatever is best for the members! As for length of the meetings, it is all up to what the group decides. How to Start a GSA Here are some important steps to start a GSA, keep in mind that every school is different and you may have to modify these steps create more or remove some to make them work. 1) Follow School rules about starting clubs Establish a GSA the same way you would establish any other group or club. Look in your Student Handbook or ask a staff member for the rules at your school. This will include getting permission from an administrator, finding an advisor, and writing a mission statement/club proposal. 2) Find a Faculty Advisor Find a teacher or staff member whom you think would be supportive or who has already shown they are an ally for LGBTQ youth.