The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Strength in alliances

What are teacher GSAs and QSAs?

Information provided by ATA executive staff officer Dan Grassick

Queer–straight alliances (QSAs) and gay–straight alliances (GSAs) provide safe spaces for individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions to meet, socialize and support one another.

The many benefits of GSAs/QSAs are not limited to those groups that focus on supporting 2SLGBTQ+ students and their allies. Research continues to affirm the value of teacher-focused GSAs/QSAs as well, as our locals can become key spaces for supporting sexual and gender minority teachers.

Several locals have already formed teacher GSAs/QSAs and others are in the works.

First-hand experience

A Q&A with Andi Molloy and Tiff Pino, co-chairs of Edmonton Catholic Teachers’ GSA (ECTGSA)

Q The Edmonton Catholic Teachers’ Local No. 54 founded the first teacher GSA in Alberta. What sparked the creation of this teacher GSA?

A The ECTGSA was started in 2015 after a teacher made a request for a GSA committee to then local president Greg Carabine, who was very receptive to the idea.

The first official meeting was exciting and scary. Only a handful of people attended the first few meetings, and we remember being nervous to take a group photo—some sat out to protect their identities. We knew we were doing something that would put us at risk but, meeting together, we were reminded that this type of task defines bravery.

Q What has been the response of teachers in the local?

A In the first year, the group grew quickly, with members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies attending. The numbers have settled to around 15 to 20, but grow again at big events. While most attendees are teachers, we open our doors to anyone who is looking to build a safer community in education.

Q What happy surprises or challenges did the local encounter?

A Finding solidarity with locals across the province and realizing how many allies exist within our education community have been happy surprises. Early on, there was pushback from some who did not believe a GSA belonged in a Catholic local. However, we have had such meaningful support in our local and experienced so much success since then.

Staff are feeling safer about coming out and being authentic versions of themselves, though work must continue to ensure 2SLGBTQ+ staff feel truly safe, valued and as though they belong. We hope that eventually our GSA will gather less to discuss concerns and more to celebrate who we are and how far we’ve come.

@ECTGSA can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Tiff and Andi's advice on forming a local teacher GSA

Speak with your ATA local executive to gain support.

Connect with established teacher GSAs.

Consider using social media to organize activities—both important work and fun events.

Gender in World Perspective

Raewyn Connell and Rebecca Pearse

Available through the ATA library.

Forming a teacher GSA/QSA in Alberta: A Guide for Teachers

The Alberta Teachers' Association

Available at www.teachers.ab.ca under My ATA > Professional Development > Diversity, Equity & Human Rights > Resources

Get social! Join the Alberta GSA Network on Facebook! @AlbertaGSANetwork