Our motto is “we are a school for everyone” and the Gender & Sexuality Alliance is a perfect example of that reality. Our members reflect the diversity of the City of Brotherly Love in ethnic background, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
Unfortunately, the GSA is the only place some of the students feel safe to express their true selves.
In order to make our space as welcoming as possible, I want to provide a classroom library of LGBTQIA+ contemporary literature so they can see their lives reflected in the books they read. Literature is an important source of affirmation and my GSA members deserve to be able to come into a meeting and borrow a book without having to make a special trip to a library branch – especially if that means bringing home a book that could cause them problems at home.
GSA members often come to me seeking pins, flags, and other symbols of queer and transgender representation. I am creating a selection of pins & pride flags that students may choose from when they need a reminder that regardless of how they identify, we are here to support them. Thank you for your support!
My Project
My students often feel like outsiders among their peers and families and come to the GSA to feel like they belong. Although LGBTQIA+ representation has recently increased on TV and film, often high school students lack independent access to these resources. The best way for them to "see" themselves and others like them living their truth, exploring relationships, and learning how to relate to others, is through literature.
Sadly, like so many Philadelphia high schools, LHS no longer has a library.
Our library was turned into classroom space several years ago to help serve our ever-growing population. Increasing the number of LGBTQIA+/ethnically diverse books in my classroom library will provide students a place to find resources to support their emotional growth.
Finally, I am creating a bank of pride material that students can choose from to support their social and emotional well-being. Regardless of how isolated from their community they might feel at home or among their heteronormative, cis-gender classmates, students will be able to wear or carry the symbols of their personal pride at school in safety.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Newman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.