Brittany Deal
Johnston GSA

It was hard getting a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) started at Johnston High School. We had to get approved by the school board, and it took several months for the district to understand how serious we were. They were continuing to put up road-blocks. Thankfully, the Iowa Pride Network stepped in to remind the district of their legal obligation in allowing our Gay-Straight Alliance to form.

Now, Johnston High School has an official GSA. The meetings have been eye-opening and productive. Students are discussing LGBT issues at my school and students feel safer—myself included. I use to be called names; “faggot” was one of them. Talking to students like myself has made me feel comfortable about who I am. I doubt I would have come out this year if the GSA had not been created.

Thanks to Iowa Pride Network’s help, what had only been a dream became a reality. Thank goodness it became a reality! No longer do I have to be hesitant or afraid. I am who I am, and I’m proud of it!