The Importance of Safe Spaces for Queer Students in Schools, by Anonymous

 Please enjoy this article written by a student in DMHS's "Introduction to Journalism" class!

It is important for schools to have safe spaces for queer students and allies. Fortunately, DMHS has one it is called SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance). SAGA is a safe space for queer students and allies.  

DMHS’s SAGA group is run by Lauren Lyon, the farm school psychologist. In an interview with students attending SAGA, she states, “SAGA is just a fun space where everyone feels safe and comfortable to be themselves for students but that also includes me.” When asked, she feels about the importance of schools having a safe space for queer students, Lauren says, “It's important so that LGBTQIA+  students have a space at school to create connections and be their authentic selves.” 

Having a safe space for queer students its becoming increasingly important with current legislation being made around queer people. By having a safe space in schools where queer students can build friendships and establish a support group with other LGBTQ+ students and staff. Many studies have shown that queer people are more than two times more likely to attempt and consider suicide than heterosexuals. 30% of suicides in America are from queer and trans people. This truly shows the importance of a safe space for queer youth in schools, in order to help guarantee the safety and comfort of queer children. 

Queer students are also more prone to bullying than heterosexuals. A supportive group that celebrates queer identities can help queer students battle bullying and build friend groups. 55% of queer people have reported physical harassment and abuse at school due to their sexuality or gender identity. 90% have heard homophobic or transphobic comments at school. Having queer friends can help queer students become more comfortable with their identities and can help them come out.

Many queer students have unsupportive, homophobic, or transphobic families. Having a supportive group can give students a safe space where they are celebrated and accepted.

DMHS’s SAGA group have been described as a “Fun upbeat environment.” Not only can students share their experiences as queer people in America, they also have a group to have fun in. Evyn Marsh, a staff member who has attended SAGA a few times states, “SAGA is important. It's a place for people to come together and have a collective group and something that a lot of people will never go through.”

Having a group for a vulnerable minority of students can make them feel comfortable and accepted. William Matyjevich, a student that attends SAGA, says, “I feel safe in SAGA because I'm with people that I can relate to.” Many queer students struggle with relating to their peers. Having a safe space can help them to relate and build friendships. 

DMHS’s SAGA group takes place in the La Casita every Thursday during lunch and recess. Anyone is welcome to join, as long as they are respectful. Every SAGA meeting starts with the students sharing their name, pronouns, and an answer to the check-in question. SAGA is mostly used as a social group for queer students but many times students discuss important topics such as anti-LGBTQ legislation, discrimination, and how to work to help. Sometimes students also watch videos on queer people, queer relationships, various queer identities, queer experiences, and discus them as a group. 

Many students that attend SAGA have reported feeling safer at school after joining. Many of them have also found new friends and have found a safe space in their community. Many students have felt more comfortable and accepted at school after discovering the SAGA group. SAGA provides a safe space for queer students to socialize, build friendships, and to discover their identities. The founder Lauren Lyon states, “I think that all students at school are all equally important and valued and students who statistically experience bullying and mental health issues deserve more attention and care.” 

Therefore Sexuality and Gender Alliances are incredibly important in order for queer students to feel safe, happy, accepted, and celebrated in their communities.