GSA (Gay/Straight
Alliance) and GLBTQ Support Group
Recognizing the particular needs, concerns, and issues our gay,
lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) students
face, Seattle Public Schools encourages all high schools to provide
some form of student support groups. We support all students and
believe their physical and emotional safety is a high
priority.
Many
schools provide a variety of confidential support groups for a
number of student populations. For example, schools may have girls'
groups, or special education groups, or groups for students from
other countries. Some schools also provide a confidential support
group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning
students. These support groups are run by trained staff or
counselors. Both GSA groups and confidential support groups strive
to provide a safe school environment for all students.
Presently, groups are
being run at twelve schools. Students who attend groups may be gay,
lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning their sexuality, have
parents or family members who are, or simply want to express
support. Groups are generally co-facilitated by an on-site staff
person and a trained community agency person.
The
objectives of the group are to:
- Create a safe space
for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and
family members
- Increase school
retention, reduce dropout and other high risk behaviors
- Allow youth to meet
and connect with others who are having similar life
experiences
- Provide an opportunity
for youth to learn about gay and lesbian historical figures and
role models
- Provide a vehicle for
youth to learn about the gay community
The
Comprehensive Health Education Office is coordinating these groups
because our GLBTQ youth are at an increased risk for a number of
serious health problems. GLBTQ youth:
- Are
far more likely to make a suicide attempt which requires medical
treatment
- Have increased risk of
drug and alcohol problems
- Make up a significant
percentage of Seattle's homeless youth
- Are
more likely to report feeling unsafe at school and missing school
due to feeling unsafe
The
sites with active GSAs are:
- AS
#1
- Ballard
- The
Center School
- Eckstien
- Franklin
- Garfield
- Hamilton
- Nathan
Hale
- Ingraham
- Rainier
Beach
- Roosevelt
- Sealth
- West
Seattle
- NOVA
- Salmon Bay
- Summit
- Whitman
For
more information about GLBT support groups, please contact the
Comprehensive Health Education Office at 252-0982.
