FRAMINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL  GSA

October is a very important month in which we honor LGBTQ heroes, especially those who have spent their lives in emotional hiding from the public for fear of ridicule, violence and in many times death from homophobic people. 

October 11th is National Coming Out Day.  This day honors those who have been very courageous in coming out in spite of the startling statics.   Nine out of ten gay children are victims of bullying and the gay adolescent suicide rate is alarming. (GLSEN)

October 15-19 is National Ally Week.  GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) defines this week as a time for students to identify, support and celebrate Allies against anti-LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Questioning) language, bullying and harassment in America's schools.

During this month we have many activities that we hope will encourage our students, their peers, and all staff to sign an Ally Pledge.  We urge everyone to go on to: http://www.allyweek.org/about/    supported by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian Straight Educational Network. to sign the following pledge showing support for our LGBTQ students and allies.  

The pledge is as follows:

I believe all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression,
deserve to feel safe and supported. That means I pledge to:

 

1. Not use anti-LGBTQ language and slurs;

2. Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where other students are being harassed;

3. Support efforts to end bullying and harassment.

 

 We need to work as a team to assure that ALL people in our school community, regardless of race, religious affiliation, skin color, culture, sexual orientation or gender identity/expression feel safe and valued.