Transforming Tomorrow: GSA Organizing + Civic Participation
Published: Mon, Sep 30, 2024
In this second issue of STARDIAL, we reflect on how our queerness connects us all, across time and space. At the Gender Liberation March in Washington D.C. on September 14, our GSA Network group was reminded of this by speakers like Miss Major. “Trans, queer, and two-spirit people have always existed. We’ve been here, and we’re still here.”
We send our love and support to those affected by Hurricane Helene in the U.S. South, as well as those in Lebanon and Palestine fighting for their right to live. Our resilience is a powerful reminder of the global fight for justice. Let us uplift one another as we move ourselves toward healing and regeneration, always with a vision of sovereignty guiding us.
Mark your club present. Visit gsanetwork.org/gsa-registration to register!
Want to keep up with our campaign? Follow us on Instagram for giveaways, resources + community.
Remembering the Future.
October is Trans, Queer, and Two-Spirit History Month! First observed in 1994 by a Missouri teacher, this month is a time for us to reflect on the roots of our justice movement. Our history runs deeper than the myths and stereotypes. We are tied to the wisdom and power that shines in each of us, helping us not only survive but do so fabulously. It’s more important than ever to act from these deep roots of knowledge, especially as we face well-funded, anti-democratic organizations and institutions that resource efforts to ban books, dissolve queer clubs, and erase TQ2S+ people. We refuse to forget what we know and by remembering the future, we commit ourselves to acting with intention today, carrying the lessons of the past and the hopes for tomorrow, so that we can create a world where justice, equity, and liberation truly thrive for future generations.
Every day, month, or year is a chance to ‘seize the moment,’ as Angela Davis said. Despite facing our attempted erasure and othering we honor this month to celebrate our histories. Being human today can feel overwhelming, our communities are experience genocide, ecocide suffering en masse and sometimes it’s hard to find a reason to keep going. To be human, is to be witness to devastation. In these moments, community is key. Being with other humans and nature especially when you feel like you belong, makes life easier. Gathering as a GSA club or with friends is one of the simplest ways to feel connected, and from that connection, we can support each other. Together, we can create the conditions for healing. GSA Network is here to help with that.
Meeting the moment is our offering to our collective future.
To do that, we need to understand civic engagement—working together to improve our communities and advocate for justice through intentional action. Civic engagement means being an active participant in shaping the world around us. It’s more than just showing up to vote; it’s about encouraging others to work through what is possible in the world of governance, engaging in political debate to sharpen our understanding of our conditions, and practicing accountability by flanking our leaders when they take risk and realigning them when they shift from the interests of the people. This election is just one way to do that. It’s a crucial opportunity to involve our friends, families, and neighbors in the work of building a better future. But remember, elections are not the end. They are only one tool in our larger fight for justice.
GSAs have a vital role to play. They bring trans, queer, and two-spirit history to our schools through visibility campaigns and education projects, ensuring our stories are told in our own voices. GSA clubs can also lead community actions like voter education drives—not just encouraging people to vote but helping them understand who’s running for office and what their plans are for our communities.
History teaches us that change doesn’t stop with elections. Democracy is a tool we can use to transform our culture and support the well-being of everyone. Trans, queer, and two-spirit youth are a key part of this transformation, and the work we do now will shape the future.
What is your GSA club doing to encourage civic engagement?
GSA Network, National Association Partners + GJLP Alumni in Washington DC at the Gender Liberation March. Watch our speech recap here.
Mutual Aid Opportunities
New Disabled South Instagram has a list of organizations and groups that provide aid for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Please spread this information widely and donate. We’re sending aid and love to our people in the Southeast as they navigate this catastrophic event.
Essential Resources for GSAs
As GSA clubs gear up for an impactful school year, we are here to support you with a range of resources designed to empower, educate, and engage.
Download our one-pager to access all our essential faves in one place!
California Membership Meetings
Open to California youth ages 13-18 who are looking to build meaningful connections with fellow Trans, Queer, and Two-Spirit (TQ2S+) youth, as well as GSA student leaders. This is a unique opportunity to join a supportive community, share experiences, and grow together as we work toward creating more inclusive and affirming spaces in schools across the state. Whether you're new to organizing or already leading a GSA, this space is for you! Register for our next Membership Meeting on Thursday, October 24th at gsanetwork.org/ca.
Trans | Trust | Funds Program – Deadline Extended!
In partnership with the Brown Boi Project, GSA Network's Trans | Trust | Funds (TTF) program is designed to support trans and gender-expansive youth of color in the South as they build financial wellness practices. Over a 6-month journey, participants will explore their financial narratives, tackle money myths, and gain practical skills like budgeting, saving, and credit-building—all from a trauma-informed and anti-capitalist perspective.
Applications are now open until October 5th! If you are a trans or gender-expansive youth of color aged 16-20 (or up to 24 on a case-by-case basis) and live in the Southern states (FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, KY, TN, AL, MS, LA, AR, TX), don’t miss this chance to invest in your future.
Learn more and apply at ourtranstruth.org/trans-trust-funds.
Youth Freedom Fund GSA Minigrants
The Youth Freedom Fund will begin accepting applications starting today, Monday, September 30, 2024 to provide $500 mini grants to GSA clubs all over the country! Past awards have gone to support trans and queer students to go on field trips, visit LGBTQ community centers, and host their monthly meetings. Applications close on Monday, 10/7.
To qualify, ensure your club is registered with us this year and has the backing of an adult advisor or school administrator. The application should be completed by your club’s President, Vice President, or Adult Advisor.
Not ready to apply yet, or is your GSA still getting started? No worries! Applications will be accepted at the beginning of each month, through November.
Apply to the Youth Freedom Fund. Let’s devise freedom together.
Questions? Email us at development@gsanetwork.org.
GSA Network of California
Attention Central Valley and Norcal Students!! We are accepting applications for our Statewide Campaign Committee.
The Statewide Campaign Committee is a virtual leadership development program for Trans, Queer, and Two-Spirit students ages 13 to 17 in California. Committee members will develop their skills in youth organizing, campaign work, and leadership to advance committee priorities and build Trans, Queer, and Two-Spirit youth power. Some of the work will include leading campaigns in school districts and developing a statewide campaign & organizing infrastructure to support other local GSA youth-led campaigns.
Accepted members will earn up to a $300 educational award every 3 months, make organizational decisions as a member leader, and advance decentralized GSA youth-led campaigns and priorities to win local improvements.
For more information about our campaign committee and to schedule a training, email us at california@gsanetwork.org.
Community Research & Surveys
The National Queer Women’s Mental Health Study is currently conducting a research study to improve their understanding of suicidal thoughts among young lesbians, bisexual women, women-loving women, and genderqueer/non-binary people who love women between the ages of 14 and 30. They are particularly interested in hearing the voices of people of color. If you or any members of your network are interested in participating in the study, please complete the eligibility screening form here. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact them directly at QWCohort@ucf.edu.
The REACH Study Team at Rosalind Franklin University is recruiting LGBTQ+ teens across the U.S. for a study about identity, stress, and mental health. This is an online survey, and eligible participants are generously compensated for their involvement - find out if you're eligible here.
Thank you for reading the second installment of Stardial. We want to leave you with this question to discuss in your meeting spaces, over a meal, or in your heart.
What opportunities exist for building more accountable and inclusive governance during election cycles, particularly in the face of efforts to marginalize TQ2S communities?
Feel free to respond to this newsletter with your learnings, as well as any questions and ideas you’d like to suggest for future Stardials.
May we stay grounded in our history, walking side by side with our communities and rooted in a vision for liberation.
we love you,
Maya LaFlamme & J. Gia Loving
GSA Network Co-Executive Directors
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