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GFS works to support gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning parents, students, faculty and staff. We strive to be a welcoming and affirming community where all members are able to be safely out and open about their identities and to find powerful allies in our school. There are a number of initiatives and groups that address LGBTQ issues at GFS, including our student-led Upper School Straight and Gay Alliance (SAGA) and a lesbian and gay faculty/staff affinity group.
Faculty Initiatives
Many of our faculty are actively engaged in supporting gay and lesbian families, in exploring sexual orientation and identity, and are leaders in diversity at GFS. We encourage all faculty to engage in professional development around gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues.
Some key projects are as follows:
All faculty participated in an In-Service in October 2006 on Sexual Orientation and Identity, facilitated by speakers from the Bryson Institute.
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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Taskforce: The taskforce works with Lower School teachers to better access language and vision around gay and lesbian issues. It has sponsored workshops and book fairs surrounding LGBTQ issues for faculty and has provided age-appropriate classroom resources that affirm the diversity of families. The LGBTQ Task Force has been an important voice in bringing awareness and support to the entire school community.
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School-wide Diversity Leadership Team: A K-12 group of faculty and administrators who support diversity efforts and help to deepen the diversity conversation across the divisions, this group supports faculty in issues of teaching and learning pertaining to diversity and multiculturalism, and helps to build positive community interactions in our diverse school community.
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The School Environment Research Project: A research project is being developed as a chance for teachers to raise and explore questions about students’ experiences at GFS. The findings of this project will stimulate informed discussion about issues including gender, race, class, and sexual orientation.