Haven’s GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) continues to play a powerful role in shaping Haven’s school culture by providing a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students and allies while also engaging in activism and education throughout the community.
As a student-led club, the group focuses on advocacy, education, and community-building. Meeting every other Monday during fifth block, the club offers a place for students to relax, connect, and support one another.
Students lead the club’s advocacy work throughout the year, including policy efforts and charitable fundraisers. One of the group’s longest-running traditions is its annual donation to the Ali Forney Center, an organization that provides housing and resources for homeless LGBTQ+ youth in New York City.
Occasionally, members also participate in writing campaigns.
“[The writing campaigns] might be things like writing to a local state representative about a law or a bill that’s before the legislature that could affect people in the club or things that we care about,” club adviser and English teacher Mr. Matthew Morris said.
GSA has also been involved in school-wide equity efforts.
“We’re trying to have a more inclusive school… We’ve helped revise the equity statements, and we’re currently trying to help reopen the unisex bathrooms,” senior co-president Gordon Morris said.
Education is another major part of the club’s mission. GSA leadership partners with sophomore health teachers to teach lessons on gender identity, sexuality, and respectful language.
“We go into the tenth grade health classrooms and talk a little bit about what it means to be queer and some of the issues that go along with it. Because there can be some misinformation and lack of understanding,” co-president and senior Pearl Tweedy said. “Just defining some simple things and letting people know that there’s more than what they might have originally thought as far as gender and sexuality.”
GSA also works to unite the school community. This spring, student leaders hope to revive Haven Heartthrob, a pageant-style fundraiser. According to Gordon, it was last held four years ago. The event is intended to replace the Rainbow Dance that was held in past years.
Student leaders are still in the early planning stages, but they hope Haven Heartthrob will be an engaging way for the community to come together.
“We just think it would be a very fun activity and fundraiser for us to run,” Gordon said.
For members, GSA is most defined by the sense of community that it creates. Throughout the school year, GSA provides a welcoming environment to relax and connect with others.
“It’s just a good way to be yourself… it creates a sense of community. It’s how I met a lot of people,” Tweedy said.
While initiatives change each year, GSA remains committed to building community and supporting students.
“My biggest wish in the world is for members of GSA to be able to make the friendships that I was able to make through that club, because it has lasted me all of high school,” Tweedy said.
