QAS GSA

The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at QAS is a club for both LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual+) and Heterosexual (straight) individuals. People’s attendance is never highlighted to anyone and the level to which a person contributes is completely up to them.

The GSA has a number of display boards around the school highlighting the groups purpose, famous LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout history, helplines, programmes and TV shows and they spread general awareness. Meetings are held in the 'sit' of Maddock, Senior Boarding House each Wednesday at 12:50pm, where students can enjoy the comfy sofas and have a guest appearance from Branston, Maddock's House Parent's puppy!

The GSA was extremely busy last term with regular meetings back in full swing. The group have discussed a range of topics such as microaggressions, questioning your sexuality, being misgendered and more. They planned and delivered wellbeing sessions for the L5s, which will hopefully be expanded and brought into the other year groups. ‘Just Dance’ has been a regular in their meetings with members choosing to play the game at least once every 6 weeks; this has been vital in aiding people to feel comfortable in opening up, allowing the group to tackle important issues. They hope to put up more posters on the various boards around school which will further educate the school.

Additionally, they are currently planning an assembly for the Sixth Form on misconceptions surrounding the Stonewall Riots and underrated queer icons in history.