There is a large LGBTQ+ presence at FLVS, undoubtedly. A problem with not being in brick-and-mortar schooling, though, is that we do not have a way to meet other LGBTQ+ students. It is illogical to think that LGBTQ+ students in middle and high school are not struggling in some way. Therefore, I and some other students have decided we would like to start a GSA at FLVS.

In case you would like to educate yourself more on what exactly a GSA is before making a decision on signing, here is a Wikipedia article explaining what a GSA is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay–straight...

Please do not feel pressured to sign. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, there is, of course, no reason to sign or participate.

A GSA is open to any and all members of the LGBTQ+ community and anyone who is a supporter of said community. Therefore, it would be open to nearly all students of FLVS.

A FLVS teacher has shown support for the idea and offered to be an adviser for it already, as well as about a dozen students at the moment. In June of 2017, another petition was made that racked up around sixty signatures, but unfortunately it was lost. If it is found again, I will link it.

GSA's were started by an organisation called GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network), which is a "US-based organisation attempting to end discrimination, harassment and bullying of LGBT school pupils.". Any school that creates a GSA can then register it with GLSEN on their website ( https://www.glsen.org/participate/student-action/g... ) and become one of over 6,500 schools with GSA's in them. A FLVS teacher informed me that FLVS does not create "social clubs," but will create clubs backed by an organisation. This club is both backed and created by an organisation. To contact GLSEN, you can send an email to [email protected], or call them at 212-727-0135.

Update: The old petition has been found! It has 51 signatures and can be found here: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/get-our-school... :)