Triton’s GSA, the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, has a huge impact on everyone who attends. It provides an nonjudgmental space, no matter who you are. Senior CJ Weisenstein has been a member of GSA since her sophomore year.
“It’s a very accepting group of people,” said Weisenstein. “I like that the younger members can look up to me in a way.”
Well, what is GSA? According to the article “What is a GSA club?” on gsanetwork.org, “Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) are student-led clubs that unite TQ2S+ and allied youth to build community, support one another, and organize for change.” GSA is a safe space for EVERYONE here at Triton.
“GSA provides community,” said Christian, “hopefully this article opens some minds.”
The seniors in GSA provide a type of guidance for new members, showing them it is okay to be themselves. GSA is supported by other teachers as well! Dr. Adam Lothrop thinks that GSA is amazing. “I was almost the advisor.” said Lothrop.
But why is GSA so important? GSA is an amazing support for the queer youth. LGBTQIA+ youth have been faced with many challenges throughout the year. One of the most dire happening in July of 2025. In the article “Trump administration pulls the plug on suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth” by John Yang and Claire Mufson on the PBS Website, the authors write, “Next month, the Trump administration will end specialized Support on the 988 National Suicide Hotline for Young LGBTQ callers, a group that has disproportionately high suicide rates.” Over the years, teens who are part of the community in more closed-minded states have had the HIGHEST suicide rates. Providing a safe space for these kids can truly save lives.
Teachers such as Lothrop and Ms. Heather Walter were both members of GSA in their high school years, whereas Ms. Karen Christian wishes she had a club like GSA growing up. “I wish I had something like it in high school,” said Christian. “Back then it wasn’t really talked about.”
What does a GSA meeting look like? Meetings are usually just the advisors and the members hanging out, often planning activities such as game nights, and movie nights. We offer a safe space for our members to hang out and plan our future ideas!
Current advisors Mr. Godbout and Ms. Christian both enjoy their positions very much. “I love being able to work with Ms. Christian,” said Godbout, “and all the wonderful students who attend.”
GSA is for anyone, there are no “requirements” to join. The members of GSA are all very accepting. “Anyone and everyone is welcome,” said Christian.
Teachers stop by ever so often as well. “I like to go and see the people there,” said Lothrop, “I’m glad Triton has something like it.”
Weisenstein loves all the students in the club, many of them becoming her close friends throughout her time there. “They’re a very accepting group of people,” said Weisenstein, “I love you all.”
So, if you’re ever looking for a place to feel accepted, or support your friends, the doors to GSA are always open on the first and last Tuesdays of every month. Make sure to remember a positive attitude, and feel free to drop by at our next meeting, on January 27, 2026.
