GSA observes National Day of Silence
Get to know the Gender and Sexuality Alliance through a Q&A session the organization. High School students are observing National Day of Silence on Friday, April 12.
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
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Q: What is the mission of the GSA?
A: We are proud that we were the first USN student organization to have a mission statement. Adopted in 2017, it reads, "The University School of Nashville Gender and Sexuality Alliance seeks to promote a welcoming educational and social environment for all students; to raise awareness of issues surrounding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other non-binary identities; and to partner with others both in and beyond our community on matters of student diversity, equality, safety, and well-being."
A: We are proud that we were the first USN student organization to have a mission statement. Adopted in 2017, it reads, "The University School of Nashville Gender and Sexuality Alliance seeks to promote a welcoming educational and social environment for all students; to raise awareness of issues surrounding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other non-binary identities; and to partner with others both in and beyond our community on matters of student diversity, equality, safety, and well-being."
Q: How many years has the GSA been in existence?
A: The GSA has been around a long time — it certainly precedes my arrival 15 years ago. My overall sense is that its numbers ebb and flow over the years. When I first became faculty advisor nine years ago, there were only four or five kids who met a few times each semester. Since then, the numbers have swelled, and we meet every week of the school year, sometimes more.
Q: What does GSA hope to accomplish?
A: In the short term, our goals are embodied in our mission statement. In the long term, we look forward to a day when the GSA has outlived its usefulness — when the world that we seek to create becomes a reality.
Q: Does GSA have any upcoming events?
A: GSA has numerous events throughout the school year, from student presentations and panel discussions to movie screenings and lunch-and-learn guest lectures. The capstone event, Day of Silence, occurs on Friday, April 12. On that day, participating USN High School students will take a vow of silence, standing in solidarity with LGBTQ youth across the city, the state, the nation, and the world whose voices go unheard.
Q: What is it like to be a member of GSA?
A: There's no definitive answer to that question. It's like asking "What's it like to be a teenager?" What I can tell you is that because we are an alliance and not an affinity group, our doors are open to students of any sexual orientation and gender identity who wish to join us for a common purpose.
Q: If interested in joining the GSA, what are the next best steps?
A: Our meetings take place every Friday at lunch in the Payne Library Room and are open to all USN High School community members.
The GSA is always open to all students, regardless of their identity. Those who want to know more can visit usn.org/gsa.
The GSA is always open to all students, regardless of their identity. Those who want to know more can visit usn.org/gsa.
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Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
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2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.