{{Short description|Nonprofit organization}} {{Infobox organization | name = Genders and Sexualities Alliance Network (GSA Network) | formation = {{start date and age|1998}} | image = GSA Network logo.png | caption = GSA Network logo | founder = Carolyn Laub | type = 501(c)(3) | tax_id = EIN 20-5367752 | headquarters = Oakland, California | location = United States | leader_title = Co-executive directors | leader_name = {{Unbulleted list|Ginna Brelsford|Geoffrey Winder}} | website = {{Official URL}} | former_name = Gay-Straight Alliance Network }} [[File:GSA network (9181856218).jpg|thumb|GSA Network supporters marching at San Francisco Pride 2013]] '''GSA Network''' is a nonprofit organization that assists students with starting gay–straight alliances (GSA) to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools. Originally, GSA Network focused on supporting youth in California, and still has its headquarters in Oakland, California, but is now active nationwide.
== History == GSA Network was founded by Carolyn Laub in 1998, working with 40 GSA clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area. The organization expanded and in 2001, GSA Network became a statewide organization. In 2005, GSA Network began operating programs nationally. In 2008, GSA Network incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Prior to that, GSA Network was a fiscally sponsored project of The Tides Center.<ref name="gsan-history">{{cite web | url=http://www.gsanetwork.org/about-us/history | title=History and Accomplishments | publisher=GSA Network | accessdate=July 4, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Philanthropedia">{{cite web | url=https://www.myphilanthropedia.org/top-nonprofits/national/lgbt-equality-and-support/2012/gay-straight-alliance-network-gsa-network | title=Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA Network) | work=Philanthropedia | accessdate=July 4, 2014 | archive-date=July 14, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714112135/https://www.myphilanthropedia.org/top-nonprofits/national/lgbt-equality-and-support/2012/gay-straight-alliance-network-gsa-network | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="huffpo1212">{{cite news | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/18/gay-straight-alliance-network-lgbt-schools-donations_n_2293316.html | title=30 Days Of Holiday LGBT Giving: GSA Network | work=Huffington Post | date=December 18, 2012 | accessdate=July 4, 2014}}</ref>
In 2015, Ginna Brelsford and Geoffrey Winder assumed the roles of co-executive directors of GSA Network.
In the spring of 2016, GSA Network changed its name from "Gay Straight-Alliance Network" to "Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network" to better reflect the diverse range of identities of the youth participating in its programming. At the same time, the organization adopted its current tagline: "trans and queer youth uniting for racial and gender justice."
GSA Network currently has staff based in Oakland, Fresno, and Los Angeles, California, as well as New Orleans, Louisiana, and Chicago, Illinois.
== Programs == Current GSA Network activities and programs include:<ref name="Philanthropedia" /><ref name="gsan-what">{{cite web | url=http://www.gsanetwork.org/what-we-do | title=What We Do | publisher=GSA Network | accessdate=July 4, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502005307/http://gsanetwork.org/what-we-do | archive-date=May 2, 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
; Supporting GSAs : Helps students start GSA clubs and provides resources and opportunities for GSAs to network and receive support. As of 2012, there are over 880 GSA clubs in California alone.<ref name="huffpo1212" />
; Student leadership training : Provides students with training on most effective ways to operate a GSA club.
; Safe schools advocacy : Helps GSA clubs become activist clubs that can educate teachers and students to improve the school climate.
; Public policy advocacy in California : The organization supports youth-led advocacy by providing resources to help address issues related to creating safer schools and advocating for non-discrimination laws.
; Supporting the national GSA movement : Helps build the capacity of organizations in the United States to network and support GSAs in states other than California. As of 2012, 37 states have organizations in the National Association of GSA Networks.<ref name="huffpo1212" />
; #GSAs4Justice campaign : Supports student advocacy for school districts to adopt recommendations around restorative justice and push back against punitive discipline policies that create a school-to-prison pipeline for youth of color, youth with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth.<ref name="lgbtw314">{{cite news | url=http://lgbtweekly.com/2014/03/25/gsa-network-joins-teachers-advocates-in-calling-for-restorative-practices-not-suspensions/ | title=GSA Network joins teachers, advocates in calling for restorative practices, not suspensions | work=San Diego LGBT Weekly | date=March 25, 2014 | accessdate=July 4, 2014 | archive-date=July 14, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714124725/http://lgbtweekly.com/2014/03/25/gsa-network-joins-teachers-advocates-in-calling-for-restorative-practices-not-suspensions/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
== See also == {{Portal|LGBTQ|United States}} * LGBTQ rights in the United States * LGBTQ youth vulnerability * List of LGBT rights organizations
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * {{Official website}} * {{ProPublicaNonprofitExplorer|20-5367752}}
Category:LGBTQ youth organizations based in the United States Category:1998 establishments in California Category:LGBTQ political advocacy groups in California Category:Student organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1998 Category:Organizations based in Oakland, California Category:501(c)(3) organizations