Gay Straight Alliance 2018!

The Gay Straight Alliance, or GSA, is an organization where anybody -- gay, straight, or otherwise -- can go to as a safe space. It has just started at Hillside this year. The GSA is for everyone.

Mr. James, sophomore English II Honors teacher, is one of the advisors of the alliance. He shared his opinion. James describes the organization as a "safe space for kids to come and be themselves." Being that the name of the organization is Gay Straight Alliance, he emphasizes that members "don't have to be gay, transsexual, or anything! They can be anything. We welcome alies, and anybody!"

GSA meets weekly from 4:00 to 5:30. At GSA meetings, students discuss, tell stories, and share anything they feel comfortable sharing. When asked how he feels about the organization, Mr. James responded, "I like it and it's fun! We now have twenty members and everybody is growing."

GSA isn't just at Hillside. It's a national organization made to give kids a space of peace. It promotes equality and an open, safe space for everybody. Some kids may go through things and never speak on it and hold in their feelings, so with GSA you have conversations. You stories and secrets are private. You can be given advice and maybe others can relate.

The Hillside chapter of GSA was started by teacher Ms. Holly Jordan. Mr. James chose to help advise the club because he realized that there was a need for safe spaces around the school, and he wanted to help create one.