GSA meets every other Thursday in room 209 from 2:45 to 3:30 to discuss current and local things that affect HHS students.
GSA once stood for Gay-Straight-Alliance, however, in 2016 the network changed it to Genders and Sexualities Alliance Network. This network continues to represent over 400 GSA Clubs across the nation.
One of the many changes GSA has faced was the change in sponsors. HHS counselor Mrs. Ginger Steinhauff and co-sponsor Mr. Brian Johnson with Preferred Family Health Care. After not having consistent GSA meetings since 2021, the new GSA sponsors plan ways to bring back a long-running tradition. Mrs. Steinhauff was the original sponsor ten years ago under former principal Dr. Lorenz when he asked her to sponsor the club.
High school can be a time of development and figuring out who you are, and sometimes that can be challenging. Mrs. Steinhauff is passionate about giving students a safe space to do so.
“In the early nineties when I was in school at Odin High School, GSAs did not exist,” Steinhauff said. “My best friend was gay, but was too afraid to tell anyone for fear that he wouldn’t be supported. There were no adults that he felt comfortable enough to talk to at school. I don’t want any students to ever have his experience, so when I was asked to sponsor a GSA years ago, I was absolutely certain that I wanted to.”
As GSA sees various changes, veteran members reflect on their time in GSA in effort to make the club better for all involved. GSA President Jaxon O’Halloran hopes to make GSA a welcoming environment for all members, new and old.
“I want to be as welcoming and accepting to new members who are figuring out who they are or never heard of the club.” O’Halloran said “I want to have as many people as we can be interested in it.”
Sophomore Derrion Howell is a new GSA member this year and looks forward to making the most out of the club.
“I hope to take away a sense of safety and kindness from GSA,” Howell said.
When thinking of GSA there can often be some misconceptions; However, GSA members and sponsors welcome anyone and everyone with open arms.
“It’s not ‘just a gay club’ like so many people believe, Steinhauff said “We support every student that falls under the LGBTQ+ umbrella and their allies!”
