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July 16, 2021 - LGBTQ+ YA Column by Ella Walker

Cape’s GSA—A Student Body Role Model



LGBTQ+ students, allied youth, or any students who want to be part of a supportive community all comprise the diverse club known as the Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA). The GSA at CHHS serves as a club that supports all students, from those struggling with gender identity and sexuality issues, to all things yet to be realized.


The GSA puts forth many efforts to create a better social atmosphere for students by representing a supportive community that students can be part of. GSA strives to ally students by promoting equality and inclusion on all levels, and projecting themes of empathy and student cooperation. One of the club advisors is Jayne Fetterman. Describing the GSA’s approach to connecting students, Fetterman says the club connects students by allowing honest discourse to occur in club meetings. 


“We have seen nationally- and locally-divisive issues such as politics and race; it is up to each of us to exchange ideas and differences in an honest discussion,” Fetterman says. “I think it is a skill to be taught. I am ever hopeful we can communicate with an open mind.”


Describing how the GSA assesses social issues at the school, GSA adviser Garnet Rhue says enlightening students on benevolent themes is the fundamental goal the GSA strives towards. “As with any schools when you have diverse populations, it is always important to teach empathy and inclusion,” she says.


As for the current social dynamic at Cape, Fetterman and Rhue believe that differences such as class, race, gender, and sexuality can threaten a positive social dynamic, but students at CHHS harmonize effectively.


According to Fetterman, “social dynamics at Cape mirror the world...the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots.’ We have students living very comfortable lives and students wondering where their next meal will come from. It is important to have ‘the conversation’ with one another so we can see one another and support one another in our reality.”


And the student view? GSA member Kris Bard is a Cape Junior who is training to be a future leader of the GSA. Kris is a non-binary student who goes by they/them pronouns. Bard says the GSA is a “good shoulder” for students who are struggling and need a safe haven. Their favorite aspect of the GSA is the family-like atmosphere the club has. “We’ve been able to grow comfortable around each other and make each other feel safe,” Bard says. “And the family expands each passing year.”


Rhue says the positive atmosphere the GSA contributes to should be seen as a precedent of admirable cooperation in a world that projects social contrast. “The students always amaze me with how well they get along, considering the many differences that surround them.”


Whether students at CHHS are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, Rhue says the GSA’s goal is to be seen as a positive role model that inspires the student body to reflect those connections the club has enriched and nurtured so well. “We lead by example,” Rhue says.▼

 

Ella Walker (she/her) will be a sophomore at Cape Henlopen High School (CHHS) and is an aspiring writer. Writing has always engaged her, but after being introduced to the world of journalism in her Intro to Publication class at CHHS, she realized she could use writing for much more than leisure. Writing is used every day as an impactful tool to convey messages to local and national audiences. Ella is a staff writer for her school newspaper, the Viking Ventures. There, she writes about the essential aspect of her school, the people. The teachers, clubs, and students are what make CHHS exceptional, so she devotes her writing to giving them a voice to speak about their opinions, thoughts, accomplishments, and any ideas they want to vocalize to the school and community.
– Barbara Antlitz 

Barbara Antlitz, CAMP Rehoboth Youth Up Coordinator, works with Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) in middle and high schools in Kent and Sussex Counties, and with other groups supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Barbara can be reached by email at bantlitz@camprehoboth.com.

‹ July 16, 2021 - Out & About by Eric C. Peterson up July 16, 2021 - Candidate Forum ›

Past Issues

Issues Index

  • December 17, 2021 - Issue Index
  • November 19, 2021 - Issue Index
  • October 22, 2021 - Issue Index
  • September 24, 2021 - Issue Index
  • August 20, 2021 - Issue Index
  • July 16, 2021 - Issue Index
    • July 16, 2021 - Cover to Cover with Issuu
    • July 16, 2021 - The Way I See It by Beth Shockley
    • July 16, 2021 - In Brief
    • July 16, 2021 - Out in Delaware by David Mariner
    • July 16, 2021 - Intentionally Inclusive by Wesley Combs
    • July 16, 2021 - CAMPNews
    • July 16, 2021 - SUN FESTIVAL 2021
    • July 16, 2021 - It's My Life by Michael Thomas Ford
    • July 16, 2021 - Community News
    • July 16, 2021 - Volunteer Spotlight by Karen Laitman
    • July 16, 2021 - Summer Treats by Fay Jacobs
    • July 16, 2021 - Words Matter by Clarence Fluker
    • July 16, 2021 - Membership Matters by Marj Shannon
    • July 16, 2021 - Who's That?.... That's CAMP! by Anita Broccolino
    • July 16, 2021 - Health and Wellness by Marj Shannon
    • July 16, 2021 - Health & Wellness Classes
    • July 16, 2021 - COVID-19 & HIV by Ashley Innes
    • July 16, 2021 - Out & About by Eric C. Peterson
    • July 16, 2021 - LGBTQ+ YA Column by Ella Walker
    • July 16, 2021 - Candidate Forum
    • July 16, 2021 - Dining Out by Fay Jacobs
    • July 16, 2021 - Out & Proud by Stefani Deoul
    • July 16, 2021 - CAMP Houses by Rich Barnett
    • July 16, 2021 - Celebrity Interview by Fay Jacobs
    • July 16, 2021 - Music from the Heart by Matty Brown
    • July 16, 2021 - Cover Story: Historic Poodle Beach by Fay Jacobs
    • July 16, 2021 - Straight Talk by David Garrett
    • July 16, 2021 - CAMPShots
    • July 16, 2021 - Summer Treats by Michael Gilles
    • July 16, 2021 - Booked Solid by Terri Schlichenmeyer
    • July 16, 2021 - Historical Headliners by Ann Aptaker
    • July 16, 2021 - Spotlight on the Arts by Doug Yetter
    • July 16, 2021 - Summer Treats by Ed Castelli
    • July 16, 2021 - The Real Dirt by Eric W. Wahl
    • July 16, 2021 - Theatre Is Back by Michael Gilles
    • July 16, 2021 - View Point by Richard J. Rosendall
    • July 16, 2021 - Visiting View by D'Anne Witkowski
    • July 16, 2021 - We Remember
  • June 18, 2021 - Issue Index
  • May 14, 2021 - Issue Index
  • April 16, 2021 - Issue Index
  • March 19, 2021 - Issue Index
  • February 19th, 2021 - Issue Index

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