Accepting all points of view and all people, Creighton’s renamed Gender and Sexuality Alliance (formerly Gay Straight Alliance) invites all students to its weekly meetings.
The group, which meets Monday nights at 9 p.m. in CoBA 316, was founded on campus in 2001.
“GSA exists as a support for students of all gender identites and all sexual identities,“ Arts & Sciences senior and GSA Club President Caitlin Slagle said.
When the club was first formed, the acronym stood for Gay Straight Alliance, but was changed to its current title in 2009.
“Our driving force behind this was to have a name that represents our inclusivity. We are an organization that exists for students of all sexual orientations, not just gay and straight. GSA is also a place that individuals of all gender identities are welcome, and we want to express that,” Slagle said.
The GSA refers to itself as a “safe space” where, according to Arts & Sciences sophomore and club Secretary Elizabeth Johnson, respect and confidentiality are the top priorities. She also said that as an education and support-based group, they respect that anything shared in the meetings stay in the meetings.
The GSA Mantra states the group recognizes diversity of sex, gender and sexual orientation. It continues to say that group members “respect that this is a safe space where all members are welcome without judgment or labels, and we respect the confidentiality and comfort levels of all members.”
Creighton’s GSA is a very campus-involved group, and boasts a four-year reign as champions of Homecoming Week. The GSA participates in Creighton-wide events such as Family to Family, Relay for Life and the Creighton Clean-up. GSA also hosts campus-wide events such as Ally Week in the fall and GLBTQIA Awareness Week in the fall during which they bring in speakers, show movies, have discussions and show GSA pride.
The GSA has discussion each club about LGBT issues, and is involved in that community — but it is emphasized that members do not actually have to identify as LGBT, or any specific category at all. The GSA is open for all students who are interested.
“The GSA is awesome!” Arts & Sciences junior and GSA Vice President for Education Shayla Covington said. “Anyone and everyone can join. We all come from different walks of life, this is just one place where we can gather and talk, laugh and learn together. GSA is my passion, but even if it isn’t yours — educate yourself! We’ll make it worth your while!”