The Student News Site of Rock Bridge High School

Bearing News

The Student News Site of Rock Bridge High School

Bearing News

The Student News Site of Rock Bridge High School

Bearing News

GSA sponsors Ally Week

GSA+sponsors+Ally+Week

RBHS students hosted Ally Week, a Gay Straight Alliance sponsored event, from Nov. 17-21.
Ally week is a national event to promote allies among youth in K-12 schools against anti-Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender harassment, according to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. It was created by youth members of the GLSEN National JumpStart Student Leadership Team in 2005 to diminish stereotypes and highlight peer support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members.
The RBHS chapter of GSA participated in the event by setting up a booth in the main commons and hanging up  the pledge cards students signed. The pledge encourages students to sign a pledge promoting acceptance of LGBT, GSA president senior Rachel Kirchoffer said.
According to the pledge sheet written by the LGBT, students sign to, “Not use anti-LGBT language or slurs, intervene, if I safely can, in situations where students are being harassed or tell an adult, support efforts to end bullying and harassment, and to encourage others to be allies.”
GSA hosted the event for the first time in several years this year, to promote acceptance and create a sense of understanding for students hoping to come out or express themselves, Kirchhofer said.
By signing a pledge, Kirchhofer said, and hanging them up in the main commons for all to see, it makes LGBT students feel more supported.
To promote ally week, the GSA put up posters around school and advertised on info bruin, Kirchkofer said. They also put posters out throughout the week that explained different homophobic behaviors and how to stop them when seen.
“I think Ally week is a fantastic show of support to fellow human beings,” sophomore, Rucsaunda Juncou said. “It can be very stressful to come out, especially in highschool and having a wall of people that will support you through all of the confusion is amazing.”
By Katherine Sarafianos
Photo by Gregory Kirchhofer

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