Gay Straight Alliances

The Youth Project is a big supporter of Gay Straight Alliances. A Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) is a youth led school group that works to make schools safer for LGBT youth. GSAs are for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities and are a great way to meet friends, create a safe place within the school, and work to make schools safer. There are many schools in Nova Scotia that have GSAs. Here are some things we do to support GSAs:

Visits

We are always happy to come out to schools and meet with GSAs. We can chat about upcoming events, challenges, new ideas, issues that face LGBT youth, etc. It is great to stay connected.

Training and Workshops

Does your GSA want to do some education in your school or elsewhere? Does your GSA want to learn more about transgender youth? Does your GSA want to learn how to make a PSA or use theatre as a teaching tool? Does your GSA want to learn how to run effective meetings and organize successful events? The Youth Project frequently offers opportunities to GSAs to learn and experience new skills and ideas. We are available to come to you or we often host events open to all GSA members.

GSA Network

We are working on creating a GSA network. This network would allow GSAs to register their GSA on our online network. You can update your information, see what other GSAs exist and what they are up to, and connect with networks across Canada. You will be able to see what great opportunities are coming up that your GSA may want to take part it. Finally, you will be able to communicate with other GSAs in Nova Scotia.

Special Projects

The Youth Project has run several special projects with GSAs and will continue to pursue those opportunities. In the past we have created T-shirts, filmed a Public Service Announcement, which can be viewed on our YouTube site, did some cheerleading for the International Day Against Homophobia, and held a one day conference. We are always open to new ideas.

Resources

We have many resources available for GSAs. We have a GSA manual available that helps GSAs get started, provides some meeting and project ideas, and addresses some common challenges. We have plenty of other resources such as novels and DVDs available for GSAs to borrow.

Help

If you are having trouble getting your GSA started or your GSA is having trouble getting things done or your school won’t let you have a GSA, we can help. We can work with your GSA and/or school to try and overcome some of these challenges. Our staff has the expertise and knowledge to help GSAs who are struggling. We also may be able to get the right people involved to help ensure your GSA is allowed to run. There is often plenty of support out there and we can help you find it.

Making Noise!

This year the Youth Project held a day long conference for Gay Straight Alliances across Nova Scotia. This great event was held at Halifax West High School and was attended by 75 students and advisors. We welcomed Jeremy Dias from Jer’s Vision, an organization that works for social justice, as our guest speaker. We also held workshops on using theatre to fight homophobia, making your GSA more transgender inclusive, understanding privilege and oppression, how to start a GSA, how to maintain your GSA, and how to facilitate.

Thanks to everyone who helped organize this event and to all those who attended!

News

Connect The Dots!!

We have an exciting new program meeting in libraries around HRM - the YP is now hosting social support groups for LGBTQ youth ages 18 and under! They meet in public libraries in Sackville, Cole Harbour and Spryfield! Check out our Programs page and click on "Connect the Dots" for more information.

16-1-2012

YP Fundraiser Auction!

Thank you thank you to everyone who supported us through the auction. Big thanks to our auctioneer Neville MacKay, speakers Hayley, Matty, and Lindsay, and all who attended and were so so generous. We couldn't have done it without you, and we are so lucky to have such a supportive community!

3-10-2011

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