The Gender Sexuality Alliance club is an all-inclusive space where students are invited to come in and openly speak about their identity. GSA is a club where both members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community are given a space to come together and be free to talk without scrutiny.

Megan Kashman is the GSA club president, and all members of the club have made safety their number one priority. This has given many students the ability to be who they are without having to worry about judgement.

“We create a safe space for LGBTQ+ students and allies,” Kashman says. “We try to make students feel as welcome as possible, and allow them to get to know themselves, the history of the community and each other.”

As part of GSA, high school students are able to collaborate with students from the middle school, as well as those from different districts. Additionally, speakers come in and talk about their experiences.

“We work with the MCMS GSA, along with other schools’ GSA clubs, to mentor the students and support them while they learn about their identities,” Kashman said. “We will also be having Victoria Cruz, an LGBTQ+ activist, speak about her experience as a first-hand witness to the events at the Stonewall Riot.”

Club meetings are held Thursdays and Fridays at lunch on odd days, and members have open discussions about the culture and history of the LGBTQ+ community. Club members can also take part in fun activities such as cookie decorating and interactive games.

“GSA has a very big impact at the school,” Club Treasurer Bing Heine Van Fossen said. “It really promotes inclusivity for all those who can’t feel included at home.”