Queer Straight Alliances (QSAs), also known as Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), are groups that provide opportunities for students of all gender identities to come together in a safe environment.
GSAs focus on support, raising awareness about the issues faced by queer and trans people, and challenging discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. A GSA can be peer-led by students, or led by a GSA sponsor who is a supportive adult such as a teacher, youth worker or parent.
If you want to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth in your town and learn facilitation, advocacy, and peer support skills, these resources can help.
This manual was developed to enhance the resources available to LGBTQ+ youth and supportive adults who are taking on leadership roles to create safer, more inclusive communities for LGBTQ+ youth.
Egale.ca is Canada's website for developing inclusive schools for the LGBTQ+ community. The Equity and Inclusive Education Resource Kit was designed to provide schools with the information required to support the creation and maintenance of safer and more inclusive school communities.
The BC Teacher's Federation has resources to help improve access to resources on LGBTQ+ issues for teachers and provide support for rural students.
Pride Net's guide to creating and supporting a Queer Straight Alliance is a tool both for students and adult ally sponsors.