Andrew Minard
Waterloo West High School

"When my friends and I wanted to start a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at our school, we were a little unsure about what to do or how to go about it. Thankfully, the Iowa Pride Network was there to answer our questions and networked us with other GSA’s from around the region through its Cedar Valley GSA Coalition. At our monthly meetings we talk about what’s working in our high schools and how best to plan for the future. This feedback we get through networking with others has enabled our GSA to go above and beyond our own expectations.

Equally as helpful is the annual Gay-Straight Alliance Conference. This year over 150 students and advisors attended the all-day event held at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. What was great was the conference was FREE and focused on a number of issues including maintaining and strengthening GSA’s, student’s rights, and preparing for college. Our GSA advisors even had the opportunity to network and brainstorm with other GSA advisors from around Iowa while focusing on topics relevant to them to meet the needs of LGBT students.

The resources and opportunities the Iowa Pride Network provides to LGBT and Allied students is invaluable. As a student preparing for college I’m thankful to know that there is a statewide network dedicated to helping ensure my success."