Students Lead Allyship Workshop for National LGBTQ Ally Week

On Wednesday, September 25, the Indian Creek GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) facilitated an Upper School student-led workshop for LGBTQ Ally Week. Ally Week is an event founded by GLSEN, which describes itself as “the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ students.”

Students from the GSA started by gathering all students in grades 9-12 and reading GLSEN’s definition of allyship: “Allyship is when an individual speaks out and advocates for a person or group that is often targeted and discriminated against. Allyship works to interrupt and end oppression by supporting and advocating for people who are stigmatized, discriminated against, or treated unfairly. […] For lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities, allyship in action is when someone supports and advocates for the rights of LGBTQ people. […] Anyone can work in allyship by working towards improving school climate and advocating in conversations where someone might not feel safe to out themselves or be visible.”

The organizers then invited students to stay for a workshop to discuss how students at Indian Creek can be good allies. The students who chose to attend divided into smaller groups, each led by two student facilitators, which discussed questions such as “How affirming do you think our school is for LGBTQ+ students? How do you know?” “Why do you think it’s important to be an ally to LGBTQ+ students?” “What are some actions people can take to be an ally in our school?” At the end of the workshop, students came together to share their insights. For the rest of the day, the hall was full of students wearing rainbow heart stickers, showing their commitment to allyship at Indian Creek and beyond.
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Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland.  Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.