GSA spreads the message of NOH8

– The Gay-Straight Alliance, once an underground club, is taking the initiative of using their voices to diffuse a powerful message.

“GSA is a Gay-Straight Alliance but it’s also a club of people where we are working to make sure that everyone feels safe, where we are working to make everyone feel welcome. We’re trying to provide our very best and to give a home here at school – regardless of who they are or what they believe,” club sponsor and social studies teacher, Matthew Pinder said.

Over the years that he had taught, Pinder had noticed a number of people who have struggled with their identity. Last year, he decided that he would become a more active participant and a more supportive member of the LGBTQ+ community. GSA, a safe space for LGBTQ+ teens and their allies, has a large project taking place.

On November 4, 2008, Proposition 8 was passed in California. This amendment banned same-sex marriage. The NOH8 Campaign was founded by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and partner Jeff Parshley, a reaction to Proposition 8. NOH8’s mission statement, which could be found on their site, states, “The NOH8 Campaign is a charitable organization whose mission is to promote marriage, gender and human equality through education, advocacy, social media, and visual protest.”

“We’re going to have a photoshoot in my room on the 10th of February where we’re going to use the NOH8 stickers. We have a professional photographer coming in during our normal club meeting in order to help us make the most professional poster for our club possible,” Pinder said.

They have guidance from the Human Rights Campaign national advisory committee and currently, the photoshoot is exclusive to club members only. However, the initiative is to have the exclusive photoshoot represent a kickoff, and lead to a larger photoshoot, inviting any student that would like to take part.

Since their establishment, the campaign’s slogan, NOH8, has been left open to interpretation. In recent years, the slogan has been viewed as a stand against bullying and discrimination.

“Our club is always growing and changing and our main goal is shifting from – primarily just a club that is where people get together and chit-chat, share videos, and laugh – but to expand that into one that’s more of a civil rights campaign, an active club that’s working towards the betterment of a safe and bully-free area for everybody at our school,” Pinder said.

For more information about the NOH8 campaign, visit www.noh8campaign.com.

GSA meets every Tuesday after school in P-23.