“We aren’t just a GSA, we are a FAMILY”

Submitted by Becky Hoogenes, staff advisor for the SHDHS GSA: In society, it is not commonly accepted (especially in Huron County) to be part of the LGBT community; that, on top of regular teenager life stresses, like trying to be ‘perfect’, school, family, friends, etc. can be very challenging to a person and leave them feeling stranded. The GSA at SHDHS allows students to have a place where they can be themselves and express how they’re feeling with the support of fellow students going through the same things; it helps students find out who they truly are and assist them [with] whatever they need. The GSA is a supportive, loving, and caring, unbiological family for the students at SHDHS.-- I personally have joined the GSA because I was in the process of figuring myself out whilst being in a dark place in my life and I really needed the support and they really delivered. The GSA is my second family and I do appreciate each and every member with my whole heart; they gave me hope and showed me how a true family should love and accept you, no matter your sexuality or gender orientation. I really hope the GSA can help other people figure themselves out and show them the love and support they have shown me; it truly is an amazing group.-- The South Huron District High School GSA group is not just a gathering of LGBT community members at lunch every Friday-it is full of supportive people, who, if you need to talk will be there for you, will cry and laugh with you, will give you advice and anything you need. The group has straight members, gay members, bisexual members, pansexual members, etc. We accept EVERYONE. We aren’t just a GSA, we are a FAMILY.