GSA SUPPORT

We support local GSA clubs throughout Western North Carolina in two ways—founding and visiting—with a personalized approach every time

Founding GSAs

We help students and school faculty in Western North Carolina launch vibrant GSA meetups with our collaborative brainstorming, planning, and facilitation methodologies

What is a GSA?

A GSA is a youth-led organization that creates environments for LGBTQIA+ (and allies) where safety, expression, education, advocacy, and community are freely accessible. GSA once stood for “Gay Straight Alliance” but has also since been updated to the more gender-inclusive “Gender & Sexualities Alliance”. GSAs may use these titles interchangeably based on their peers’ needs around safety, inclusion, privacy, and more.

GSAs are typically led by students currently enrolled in middle schools, high schools, and other higher education institutions. They usually organize recurring GSA meetups to be held at their school, often qualifying as an extracurricular club or activity.

However, non-institutional GSAs are becoming more common, especially in rural areas of WNC. Non-institutional GSAs may be led by a youth community member at a hosted location such as a church or a community center. Non-institutional GSAs are generally not affiliated ethically or socially with their hosting location unless otherwise stated.

GSAs of all kinds are important as they allow LGBTQIA+ youth and allies to organize support networks, build safer communities, and access vital resources.

Visiting GSAs

We design and facilitate personalized education, art, connection, or advocacy activities at existing GSA clubs looking for LGBTQIA+ leaders, creatives, and advocates

Click here for our GSA Support + Interest Form

GSA Support from Youth OUTright includes:

Help finding a venue to host your GSA
Help defining goals for your GSA
Help planning activities for your GSA
Help spreading the word—including flyer design
Help bringing the overall vision and organization of your GSA to life so it can be easy to produce on your own!

We’ve visited and/or helped launch GSA clubs in the following counties in North Carolina:

Buncombe, Mitchell, Transylvania, Yancey

Fill out the interest form below if you want our help launching a GSA of your own!