Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the acronym GSA stand for?
A: GSA currently stands for Gender and Sexuality Alliance. When GSAs began in the 1990s, they were commonly called Gay Straight Alliances. In order to be more inclusive of transgender people, the names of these clubs has changed.
Q: What does the acronym LGBTQIAP stand for?
A: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic Pansexual.
For complete definitions of these terms,
click here (for kid friendly language
click here).
Q: Do I need to be a part of the LGBTQIAP community to join the GSA?
A: No, everyone is welcome in the GSA! Everyone has a gender and a sexuality and we would love for people of all identities to join. We believe in inclusivity and diversity in the GSA.
Q: What does it mean to be an ally?
A: An ally is someone from a dominate/majority group who helps end the oppression of a minority group. In terms of the LGBTQIAP community, an ally is a straight/cis-gender supporter of equal rights for LGBTQIAP people.
Q: Briefly, what is the difference between gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation?
A: Gender Identity is the way an individual perceives themselves in terms of gender (as a man, woman, a blend of both, neither, or any other chosen identity).
Gender expression is the external appearance of one's chosen gender identity, and is commonly expressed through clothing, behavior, hair style, voice and many more. These characteristics may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors or to qualities deemed "masculine" or "feminine."
Sexual orientation is emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to other people.
These are important parts of our identities and make us unique. For more information,
click here.