Here they are, the winners of GLSEN's first ever GSA of the Year Award,
from James Hubert Blake High School in Silver Spring, Maryland, Allies 4 Equality.
Thank you.
This room is a safe haven for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight students.
This is the sign that's on the wall of most classrooms at Blake High School in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The sign that is on the walls of our classrooms typifies the goal for our school
that we create a safe haven for all people, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ability, or disability.
As the leaders of Allies 4 Equality, we represent many other students at Blake High School when we thank you for this award.
Not only do we thank GLSEN, but we thank all the supporters and sponsors here tonight who help to raise awareness about LGBT issues.
GLSEN is an invaluable support to us in planning many of our activities, and we know that their resources are available because of your support.
Because we are the leaders of a student-run group, we asked our fellow Allies what they wanted us to say tonight.
We asked them what A4E means to them and why it is important in our school and in the greater community.
And here are some of their answers:
All GSAs deserve an award just for existing and supporting their communities.
A4E is about standing up to oppression of any kind.
People at Blake know that we’re here, and that makes the whole school an accepting place.
There are many openly gay kids at Blake who are not in the group – they may not attend our meetings, but they support us.
A4E is a supportive family – it’s a place you can go to make new friends and feel safe and feel welcome.
I can feel welcome, knowing that I will not be judged, and eat baked goods.
We have a great mix of people, including the straight allies, who are very important to us.
It’s because of them that we are not the so-called “gay club.”
I love coming here because if I am having a bad week, it makes my week better, and if I’m having a good week, it’s the cherry on top.
Although A4E has been in existence for 12 years, this is the very first year that we have been able to have an impact far outside our own community.
We created our Allie the Ally campaign as a way to demonstrate the widespread support for LGBTQ youth.
Now, thanks to President Obama, we know that the support for LGBT issues goes all the way to the highest reaches of our government.
The creation of Allie the Ally was truly a group effort, including the artistic talents of Heidi and Jenna in the design of our mascot.
We sent her image to friends and family who we knew were supportive of our cause.
In our letter, we explained that we wanted them to take a photo with Allie and send it back to us with a message of support for LGBTQ youth.
Allie has succeeded beyond our initial hopes. She has traveled around the globe to places such as Vietnam, Poland, and Australia.
She has visited the sets of TV shows in Hollywood and played golf with celebrities.
She has also found homes with other GSAs in our community.
We have even bigger dreams. Allie is on every table in this room.
We hope that all of you will take Allie with you and send us photos with her new friends on her new adventures.
We will share your photos via Facebook, tumblr, and Twitter,
and you will continue to help us spread the message of support for LGBTQ youth.
We would also like to thank all of the adult allies who support us in our efforts.
Without the help of our incredible sponsors we would not be here today.
Thank you for always being there to encourage us in whatever we do. Thank you to our administration as well.
Our principal especially has been very supportive of our efforts, often stopping by our meetings
to hear our plans for No-Name Calling Week, and Day of Silence, as well as other activities.
Thank you so much for this GSA of the Year Award.
This recognition validates all of our hard work and we want you to know how much your support means to us.
You give us the strength and courage to continue in our efforts to provide a safe haven for everyone in our community and around the world.
Thank you.