Many high schools in the county have a club dedicated to LGBTQ students.

WJ’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance (shortened to GSA) has made it a goal to raise awareness and provide a comfortable place for LGBTQ students.

Senior Aidan Gibbons, the club’s secretary, believes that the club provides a sanctuary for students.

“I think it gives a safe place for students who are LGBT or questioning… to be open about who they are,” said Gibbons. He said that the club is necessary for WJ.

“I feel like if we didn’t have the club, [LGBTQ students] might not find a place where they fit in,” he said.

The GSA has accomplished a lot this year, from gender neutral graduation robes to potentially advocating for gender neutral bathrooms.

The club has been around since before 2007, according to teacher and club sponsor, Aishling McGinty.

“We have kids who are transgender, we have gay kids, we have straight allies… I think providing a safe space for them is essential,” said McGinty. She said that there is some gay intolerance at WJ.

“I’ve heard from the kids that there’s a little bit [of intolerance]… what we hear is the unintentional [offensive remarks] like ‘That’s so gay’,” said McGinty.

She, along with the rest of the club members, encourages membership among students.

“We try to put up announcements… we encourage people to talk to other people…. I think [the club] will be here for many, many years,” said McGinty.