GSA : A STUDENT-LED INITIATIVE TO FOSTER INCLUSIVITY
The Gay Straight Alliance ( GSA ) is one of a number of recent student-led initiatives at Scotch , with the aim of creating a safe , inclusive environment within the School so that all boys feel valued and respected . Boys and members of staff were asked to respond to the question ‘ What does the GSA mean to me ?’ Here is a selection of responses .
Often , it is in the last five minutes of a counselling session that a boy will say to me , ‘ I ’ m not straight ’. Many boys are worried about how their friends and families will react to finding out that they may not identify as heterosexual . Some have heard homophobic language and views being expressed , and are concerned they will be bullied or rejected . Many wish they were not same-sex attracted .
Statistically , it is well established that about 10 per cent of Australian young people experience same-sex attraction . Nonetheless , often boys tell me that they think they might be the only gay , queer , or bisexual boy in their form , House or year level . Of all the conflicting feelings they are having , sometimes the feeling of being different and alone is the hardest . To me , that is why the GSA is so important .
Boys who identify as gay , queer or bi are about five times more likely to succumb to mental illness or suicide than boys who are straight . The dire statistic is dramatically reduced for boys who are in schools and family environments where they feel supported and accepted .
When I tell boys who are same-sex attracted about the GSA , I see the look understanding that they are not alone , and that they are supported , cross their faces . To me , the GSA is an integral part of how Scotch College accepts , nurtures and supports all boys in a safe , respectful environment .
LARA SILKOFF , SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
As is the case increasingly at Scotch , boys are looking to speak out about their convictions and vocalise their thoughts rather than waiting for a member of staff to lead the way , and the GSA is testament to the power of such an approach . It is a student-led initiative , supported by staff , recognising the importance of supporting everyone at Scotch who exists across the broad spectrum of sexual identity . That is its charm – it is not just aimed at supporting students who identify as LGBTIQA +, but encourages the whole Scotch community to act as allies and stand in solidarity against homophobia , prejudice and fear . JOSH MCNEILL – HEAD OF FIELD HOUSE
In the years I have been at Scotch , I am heartened to see boys take the lead on what they view , rightly , as concerns relating to their safety and wellbeing . In my early years , I was saddened to note the number of boys who identified as gay , but did not come out to their peers for fear of being bullied or ostracised . Outside of school , I am cognisant of the harm caused to so many in the LGBTIQA + community stemming from discriminatory attitudes and disrespectful language .
That student-directed initiatives in recent years to actively combat homophobic attitudes in the School have now led to a formalised active involvement through the GSA is a natural , desirable consequence . Our School is committed to respecting the inherent dignity of our students – whatever their race , religion , colour , cultural and social values – and this initiative is another step to provide an inclusive environment to support all our boys , whatever their sexual or gender identity . DURGA KAMTE – ENGLISH TEACHER
What it means for me is being able to support those in the School who are discriminated for their sexuality , giving them confidence in who they are and preventing a climate where boys are unable to be themselves . THOMAS LAW – YEAR 12
I feel that I now have a place to express not only my sexuality but my past experiences .
For me the GSA is practical : it allows the School to consult with representatives of the queer community on queer issues . It supports queer students and allows them to express any grievances they may hold with their environment . But it also represents a greater shift towards an open and accepting Scotch . It represents a shift towards a Scotch College in which one ’ s sexuality doesn ’ t diminish one ’ s school experience . LUKE O ’ BRIEN – YEAR 12
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