Within the crowded halls of AHS, there exists a closely knit niche based on the open acceptance of people regardless of color, creed, age, or sexual orientation.

Within the walls of our classroom meetings, there is a mutual understanding of self respect and outward respect to the identities of those around us.

One of the most basic (and significant) things that the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) provides is a secured zone for students to approach each other and find a place where they can be completely open about who they are and who they love.

The GSA also organizes various activities throughout the year to provide open environments for students, including an outreach program with The Gay Mens Chorus of Washington D.C., a factor of a large scale national GMC.

The singers come in and perform for students at AHS, as well as answer questions for LGBTQ youth or anyone with any sort of inquiries. Currently the GSA is working with the Fairfax Domestic and Sexual Violence Program for outreach.

The club works with The Trevor Project, multiple times a year. The Trevor Project is an advocate for LGBTQ youth, they provide hotlines and online forums for anybody struggling in the community.

The primary purpose of the GSA is to be an able body for students of any orientation to approach, looking for ways to openly advocate the further movement of the LGBTQ population.

Many people think that changing your profile picture to a pink equal sign or only supporting marriage equality constitutes as being an ally. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Being an ally is about actively supporting a minority group and actually helping the forward progress of understanding and equality, and the GSA is there to help.