When You’re Here, You’re Home

Gables Paradigm (GSA) is without a doubt is one of the most accepting and diverse clubs at Gables. The club continuously aims to promote individuality among the students. Their culture of acceptance creates a safe environment which allows students to freely express their feelings when it comes to being part of the LGBTQ+ community. They strive to create a place where you can be whoever you want, free of any labels or judgement.

“GSA is a warm environment and is very welcoming for anyone in the the school that is interested. We are open to all races, religions, all members, any gender expression and any sexual identity. Every single person is welcomed,” Ms.Barrow said.

On account of October being LGBTQ+ history month, GSA is providing its members with documentaries that speak about the beginnings of the gay rights movement and the struggles that the LGBTQ+ community has had to face. Aside from this, every Wednesday they encourage their members to go to Rainbow Circle, a discussion group where members talk about their past or current experiences in the LGBTQ+ community. If you are interested in attending this event, it is from 6-8pm in the library of Coral Gables Congregational Church at 3010 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, 33134.

To draw awareness to the hardships many LGBTQ+ students endure, GSA has a series of events throughout the year that bring their members together to stand up for the ones who are bullied and harassed on a daily basis. In recent years, they have pushed for students at Gables to wear purple to support LGBTQ+ Spirit Day. Later on in the year, they also organize the Day of Silence, where students take a vow to remain silent the whole day to bring awareness to those who are silent in the LGBTQ+ community because they are either bullied or harassed to point where they can’t express themselves.

“Its a safe place for all of the LGBTQ+ members and allies to come together and celebrate their differences as a community,” sophomore Virginia Beneditti said.

Gables Paradigm, along with their sponsor Ms.Barrow, are working effortlessly to create a safer environment in the school so students can express themselves and essentially have a home away from home. GSA gives students the opportunity to meet more people with the same struggles and ideas they have. If you are interested in joining, you can subscribe to their remind by texting @gablesgsa to 810-10 or visit their website to stay updated on club activities. If you are hesitant about joining because you are afraid of being outed, then you do not have to worry because Gables Paradigm has a strict privacy rule, meaning that no one is entitled to know if you attended the meetings. If you have any other questions about GSA then you can talk to Ms.Barrow in room 4126.

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