Penn High School has over 3,500 students walking around the hallways. Add teachers and staff and you have nearly 4,000 people. One of the problems that they are faced with is the use of the word “Gay” and how many students use it as a derogatory term.

Realizing this, a group of students and staff came together to try and make a difference in the way people react to these differences. This group, more commonly known as the Penn GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance), was formed and has already helped thousands of students. It has provided students with the opportunity to feel supported and given them the chance to talk about their problems with people who can relate to them. As more students join the group, it’s effect on the community will continue to grow.

When the Penn halls don’t feel that safe, the Gay-Straight Alliance works to make it feel safer and guarantee a positive school year for all students.

By Kevin McNulty

Kevin McNulty teaches English and Mass Media Studies at Penn High School. He advises the Penn News Network and manages the PNN Studio and news room. For more information, navigate your browser to www.massmediastudies.net.