Adults
For all adults:
Everyone knows or is related to someone who identifies as LGBT or as a straight ally. It could be a sibling, a parent, friend, son or daughter. Regardless of whether you are celebrating this day in support of them, or because you yourself are LGBTA—you, as an adult, have an important role to play in this national celebration!
Be Visible
Let people know why you love and appreciate your GSA and how they can be involved!
- One of the most important things you can do to support GSA Day is to be visible. Young people need to know that there are LGBT and allied adults who support their work in creating safe schools. Friends, family members and co-workers need to know that you value the bond between LGBT people and straight allies.
- Does your company have an LGBT employee resource group? If so, have the group plan a party and make sure that people know it exists
- Have a conversation with a friend about the day and tell them why you are involved.
- Make t-shirts
- Make fliers and hand them out at lunch
- Have a panel discussion and invite local high school and college GSA members to participate
Show Appreciation
- Do you know a student who is in a GSA? Do you know about a fantastic GSA advisor? Do you have supportive teachers, administrators or community members? Let them know by giving them a card or thank-you note—or even a message on Facebook or email
- Show appreciation for local, state and national organizations that are supporting GSAs by donating to them, whether it be your time, talent or treasure (see “Get Resources” page)
Join the GSA Day Video Campaign
- Tell the world about how important it is for LGBT and allied people to come together to fight homophobia, transphobia, bigotry and hate. Mentioning that you’re a parent or family member, teacher, counselor, school or college administrator or school board member will be powerful and you can be as creative or simple as you want!!
Celebrate!
- In the midst of planning for this amazing day, don’t forget to have fun and really celebrate! You are part of a social justice movement that is laying the groundwork for equality and respect of all people while eliminating racism, homophobia, sexism and hate!
Parents and Families:
Parents and families play a huge role in the lives of young people. Supporting them and their efforts to reduce hate and violence in schools should be applauded. In addition to all the things adults can do (as seen in the “For all adults” section), none is more important than supporting your young person’s efforts in celebrating this day. Additionally:
- Letting your young person know that you are an ally (or LGBT!)
- Telling them how proud you are of them and the their work
- Helping (as needed) to plan the day
- Asking them how the day went and reflecting with them
- Providing support for your young person if they are trying to start a GSA and face resistance from their school or college
- Getting educated on LGBT issues and the importance of GSAs
- Advocating for GSAs with other parents, families and schools
Teachers and Counselors:
As the people who work most closely with students on a daily basis, your input, feedback and support will be crucial to students who are planning a day of celebration or trying to use this day as a way to begin forming a GSA. In addition to all the things adults can do (as seen in the “For all adults” section), none is more important than supporting student’s efforts in celebrating this day. Additionally:
- Getting educated on LGBT issues and the importance of GSAs
- Providing support for your students if they are trying to start a GSA and face resistance from their school or college administration (which can include connecting students to local, state and national organizations that help students create GSAs)
- Letting students know that you are an ally (or LGBT!)
- Advocating for GSAs with other teachers and counselors
- Telling students how proud you are of them and the their work to create safe schools
- Helping (as needed) to plan the day
School/College Administrators and School Boards:
School and college administrators and school boards set the tone. Supporting GSAs in your district and at your college can make these institutions safer, more welcoming places for ALL students. In addition to all the things adults can do (as seen in the “For all adults” section), none is more important than supporting student efforts in celebrating this day. Additionally:
- Getting educated on LGBT issues and the importance of GSAs
- Serving as an advocate for students if they are trying to start a GSA and are facing resistance from other school/college administrators or school board members (which can include connecting students to local, state and national organizations that help students create GSAs)
- If you are a school administrator or school board member, learning about the legal rights GSAs have in public schools
- Letting students know that you are an ally (or LGBT!)
- Advocating for GSAs with other administrators and school board members and making clear to school officials that you encourage their formation
- Telling students how proud you are of them and the their work to create safe schools