American Civil Liberties Union

High School Student Raises Awareness Through Popular GSA Group

Trevor Gilmore, a dedicated Boy Scout from childhood, had to work hard to establish the first Gay Straight Alliance at his high school in a politically conservative region. His hard work paid off. Thanks to Trevor's meticulous research and writing skills, the school administration and the Associated Student Body approved the charter constitution and the GSA was formed.

Within three months of the GSA's inception, the club began to draw larger crowds than many other established social groups at the school. Fellow members of the club attribute the turnout to the intriguing community speakers that Trevor recruits. Trevor is currently organizing a Day of Silence demonstration to promote equality for gay and lesbian members of the school community, and is reaching out to Davis teachers to discuss how gay and lesbian issues affect the student body.

Trevor, who last year dropped out of the Boy Scouts because of its anti-gay policies, credits the organization for awakening his drive to become an activist: “I think the explanation of ‘Obedient' in the scout law book explains my motivations best: A Scout obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them. ”

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