Massachusetts state law mandates that all public high schools have GSAs (gender & sexuality or gay-straight alliances), supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ students, if their students want them, and the city of Boston is making sure that its schools and students are aware of it, reports NBC Boston 10 News.
“The law is already on the books, so now, we need to enforce it and create safe spaces for our young folks,” Quincey Roberts, executive director of the city’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement, told NBC Boston 10, which says Roberts is visiting many of the city’s high schools to promote GSAs.
Reports NBC Boston 10:
Roberts and other Boston city officials spoke at Boston Arts Academy Tuesday as part of their tour of schools. They are also announcing resources for GSAs and Beyond Pride Mini-Grants, which the city is giving to individuals and LGBTQ+-centered organizations that empower the community.
“This is a city for all people, and this is just one step in the right direction to make sure that happens,” Roberts said.
It is already happening at Boston Latin Academy, where sophomore Jevon Williams started a GSA to build community.
“Because I know how it feels and I know how it can feel to have nowhere to turn,” Williams said.
Williams, who went through a tough journey coming out in elementary school, said he is blown away by how many students show up every week to participate in the GSA. He hopes the group can be a model for the rest of the city and beyond.
“It isn’t just a place to talk,” Williams said. “It’s more of a place to say our voice is ready to be heard.”
The Amplify GSA campaign will be featured at Boston Celtics Pride Night on March 3.
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