January 27, 2010

>Today is ‘Iowa Gay-Straight Alliance Day’

Today marks the fourth annual ‘Iowa Gay-Straight Alliance Day,’ organized by the Iowa Pride Network to honor students and staff who work together to end the harassment and intolerance endured by LGBT youth in Iowa’s schools.

The 2009 Iowa School Climate Survey conducted by the Iowa Pride Network, discovered that LGBT students who have GSAs in their schools are:

47% more likely to report that at least some of their classes included material on LGBT culture, history, or events
53% more likely to report that the representations of the LGBT community portrayed in those classes were somewhat or very positive
49% more likely to report that the school library makes resources on the LGBT community available.

According to the Journal Express, there are now over 120 GSAs in Iowa, up 60 percent from four years ago.

After we started the GSA at Hoover, more students are thinking twice before using anti-gay slurs. There are students out there who get picked on for being gay or being perceived to be. This day let’s them know that they aren’t alone and that they’re supported.

-Stephen Wayne Boatwright, a senior at Hoover High School and Iowa Pride Network board member

About Elizabeth Free

Elizabeth Free is the communications manager at GLSEN--the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Elizabeth joined GLSEN in 2009 to make schools safer for all students and says one of the best parts of her job is working with GLSEN's Student Ambassadors. She is originally from Texas and has a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Houston.

GLSEN Blog

>Today is ‘Iowa Gay-Straight Alliance Day’

About Elizabeth Free

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