Newly Launched GSA Seeks to Provide Safe Space

The GSA poses for a photo at their first meeting of the year / Photo via @sww_gsa on Instagram 

Walls has revived its Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA)! Senior Niamh O’Donovan has relaunched the club after a two year hiatus. 

The GSA seeks to provide a welcoming environment for all students, offering opportunities to connect with peers while also advocating for the changes they want to see in the school community.

GSA clubs, which started over 30 years ago, were created to be safe havens, offering LGBTQ+ students a supportive and affirming space in the school environment. Today, GSA clubs continue to provide such spaces for students of all identities, while also encouraging advocacy to ensure everyone feels safe and valued in their schools.

O’Donovan (‘25) founded the club because it didn’t exist when they were a freshman and shared, “I really think it could have helped.” They also wanted to “create a system for a club that could last after I graduated.”

Co-President Emonn Bowie (‘28) said, “GSA creates a community where students can feel safe and comfortable. I love the activities, and I really like the people in GSA—they’re nice and fun to be around.”

Members of the GSA enjoy community-building activities, such as trivia and Pictionary, which help students relax, make friends, and bond in a comfortable environment. Camille Metzler (‘28) said the GSA provides LGBTQ+ students with “a community and a safe space,” while Abby Dannenberg (‘28) shared, “It’s a great way to unwind after a long week with fun activities and bonding games.”

“We can create the change we want to see at our school,” O’Donovan explained. They have many goals for the GSA, mostly centered aqround advocating for the LGBTQ+ community at SWW.

Ultimately, Niamh says, “I wanted to benefit our LGBTQ+ students.”