2024 marks the 20th anniversary of PVHS’ Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). The club was founded in 2004 to create a safe space on campus for LGBTQ+ students and their allies. Two decades later, the club is still standing.
The establishment of the club was no easy feat, however.
“Back then we had to be very reactive because [of] the environment we were in,” founding president Ryan Falck said. “Our context 20 years ago is so different from what it is today…our struggles very much surrounded that naked, blatant homophobia and bullying.”
“There were students who were not supportive, not kind, and there were grown ups who were not supportive,” long-time GSA advisor Christina Varela said. “[But] we’re still here.”
One of GSA’s long standing traditions, the Day of Silence, began to stand in solidarity with individuals who feel pressured to hide a part of their identity that may not be accepted by those around them.
“There was just a lot of confusion and frustration between the faculty and students,” Falck said, recounting the first Day of Silence.
On the Day of Silence, LGBTQ+ students, staff and their allies vow not to speak, representing how many members of the community feel silenced.
Over the years, the Day of Silence has evolved from a day of “confusion and frustration” to one of beauty and unity.
The Day of Silence unity circle is held during lunch once a year, where members of the LGBTQ+ community on campus and their allies gather in one large circle at Sea King Park. During the 2019 Day of Silence, however, teachers and faculty created a second circle around the students, signifying their support.
“Custodians came out, security came out, teachers who had never come out to [Day of Silence] were there,” Varela said. “It was a beautiful thing.”
Despite the Day of Silence’s significance in past years, GSA is not planning to take part in the Day of Silence this year.
“Instead we’re going to do something else, because now is not the time to be silent,” co-president Lauren Colton, senior, said. “It’s the time to speak up and be active.”
Despite this new change, the club has other events and activities planned to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community at PVHS.
According to co-president Julie Stein, senior, GSA plans on educating students about important LGBTQ+ figures who have made an impact on the community.
In addition to new changes planned for this year, GSA also has a new advisor, art teacher Matthew Jaurequi.
“It’s nice to see…students that want to…be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Jaurequi said.
“We’re gonna work to make sure that we’re loud and proud…and have a strong healthy presence on campus.”
Despite the pushback LGBTQ+ students and staff have faced in the past, the 20th anniversary of GSA has left a lasting legacy.
“I hope that that legacy continues, and that GSA can define itself on its own terms,” Falck said. “It speaks to the necessity of the organization and promoting equity, partnership, and understanding is something that 20 years on we need now more than ever.”