By: Monica Aviles
Due to social distancing, and adjusting to online learning, there have not been many active clubs. However, the GSA (gay – straight alliance) club made sure to keep their regular meetings, and encouraged others to join. The GSA has gotten more members, and has grown to have about 18 members (including officers).
President of the GSA Club, Alyssa Abasto, 21’, is a cisgender lesbian (she/her), and has been a member of the club since her freshman year. She runs the meetings, shares ideas with the club officers/members, and welcomes any new members into the club. The goal of GSA is to “provide a safe space (especially since we live in a very conservative county).” Before the lockdown, the plan was to“shift to an afterschool program so kids could stay afterward if they felt uncomfortable at home”Abasto also plans on having some guest speakers, and doing some social activism in Visalia, “but for the time being, it (GSA) acts as a safe place for people to be themselves, and not be scared to ask questions.”
In GSA, the members spend time discussing personal stories, issues, and achievements. “We provide a connection to the Source Visalia for information regarding sex ed. and transitioning safely” explained Abasto. She also believes with online learning, the meetings are now much “easier” since “there’s more time compared to the 35 min lunch we typically would work with.”
GSA is a safe place that “does not require any labels or confessions.” Abasto encourages those who “want to learn or feel safe to come and talk” during meetings. “Membership is anonymous if you want, nobody but the club needs to know that you’re there.” Abasto hopes to inform and educate Redwood about the LGBTQ+community, and to keep the club safe, since it is the “most important” part.
“Love is love, and this club (GSA) is about learning to love yourself despite all of the hate thrown your way.” – Alyssa Abasto
Vice – President, Graciela Isabel Cruz Mendoza, 21’, is bisexual (she/her). She explains how GSA is welcoming, and “allows everyone to be who they want. It allows the members to meet new people who will understand them, and who they can go to for quite literally anything.”
For the most part, Mendoza believes that the pandemic has affected the club meetings, time management, and bonding. “We don’t have time to talk or chat due to some people having internet issues, we don’t get that full connection with others…It’s hard when all of the kids are at home, and don’t want their parents to hear.”
Mendoza hopes more people get involved “even if they’re just an ally. We always include everyone in our conversations and it’s always such a fun time to hang out, talk, and plan some activities.”
“It’s okay if you’re not ready, we’re always here if you need to talk to.” Graciela Mendoza
Club member, Brianna Martinez, 21’, is also a cisgender bisexual (she/her) and is in her first year of GSA. “We plan to bring awareness to different sexual orientations and gender identities, and help people in the LGBTQ+ community feel comfortable in who they are.” She joined GSA to “be more of an activist for the LGBTQ+ community, and this club seems like a great place to start.”
To those who feel anxious about joining, “You have nothing to be nervous about, everyone in the club is super nice, and welcoming…the club has been more open and safe over the years.”
“All sexual orientations and gender identities are valid, and we should all learn how to be more accepting.” – Brianna Martinez
You can reach out to Redwood’s GSA Club online: Instagram redwoodhighgsa