Resources

Visual Resources
Below are a number of new visual resources you can use to educate, inform, and raise awareness. For prices and ordering information please download this form.

Safe Zone Sticker

Students regularly tell us that one of the easiest ways to show your support is to display a Safe Zone sign in your classroom or office. Now GSAFE has our very own Safe Zone sticker. The small print reads:

Lesbian ∙ Gay ∙ Bisexual ∙ Transgender ∙ Questioning ∙ Straight
This is a place where people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcomed and affirmed.

“I Just Heard You Say, ‘That’s So Gay!’” Poster

Our “I Just Heard You Say, ‘That’s So Gay!’” series was inspired by students at Velma Hamilton Middle School in Madison, WI and re-imagined by artist and student activist Kate Erickson. Hang this poster in prominent locations around your school and you’ve already gone a long ways towards setting clear expectations for language and behavior with students – and staff!

“I Just Heard You Say, ‘That’s So Gay!’” Postcard
The postcard is a smaller version of our poster. It’s perfect for your door or window – or for sending quick notes through the mail.

“I Just Heard You Say, ‘That’s So Gay!’” Business card
Educate on the spot with our business cards. The back side is the same as our poster and postcard. The front says, “Expand Your Vocabulary.” The next time you hear someone say, “That’s so gay!” simply hand her or him this card. They’ll get the point without you having to say a word.

For prices and ordering information please download this form.

The Panel Project


In November 2006 Wisconsin voters amended the state constitution to ban not only marriage for same sex couples but also civil unions and other similar forms of legal recognition. In the months leading up to the vote GSAFE worked with students to help them get engaged in speaking out about their views on the ban. One piece of that was the Panel Project. Almost 200 students expressed their views through decorated quilt panels. The individual panels are on view at www.thePanelProject.blogspot.com.

Please contact us if you are interested in bringing the Panel Project to your school, community, or state.

The Panel Project Guide
Do the Panel Project with your school, community, or state. Download the guide here.

Resources for Student Clubs and Advisors

"10 Steps for Starting a GSA"
Would you like to start a Gay-Straight Alliance at your school, but aren't quite sure how to go about doing that? This resource will walk you through the basics, including what to do if your school says "no".

"Elements of a GSA"
Gay-Straight Alliances can serve a lot of different purposes. This activity will help students and GSA advisors think about what "kind" of GSA they would like to have. Are we a social group? Are we activists? Can we be both? Download this resource.

“Keeping the Momentum”
Gay-Straight Alliances are a great way for students to practice their leadership skills and exercise social activism. But what happens when those students graduate? This resource discusses a number of ways to “keep the momentum going” and stay connected to LGBT activism in the state of Wisconsin. Download this resource.

“Teaching It Back’” Handout
A guide to talking about HIV/AIDS with your GSA. Download it here.

"Frequently Asked Questions about Day of Silence"
Information about the legal responsibilities of schools and the rights of students.Download it here

“Is it Chess Club or a Gay-Straight Alliance’”
Is advising GSA the same as adivising Chess Club? Download this document to better understand both the similarities and differences.

“Best Practices for adults interested in working with Middle School Gay-Straight Alliances”
What is the role of the middle school GSA advisor? Download this resource to get a a better idea.

“Gay Straight Alliances: Best Practices in Youth Development and After -School Programs”
How can adult advisors support the success of middle school GSAs? Created by Madison School and Community Recreation staff. Download it here.