Tarleton GSA builds safe spaces, support

BY CAROLINE CRAIN / News Editor

The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at Tarleton State University is a student-led organization promoting inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ students and allies.

Prairie Parnell is a co-adviser for the GSA and has been with the organization since it was founded.

“GSA finds value in people’s lived experiences and welcomes the variety of those backgrounds,” Parnell said. “By championing this diversity, we cultivate a safe and welcoming campus culture.”

Established at Tarleton in 2012, the GSA has become an influential part of campus life. It ensures LGBTQ+ students and allies have a space to express themselves.

The Gay-Straight Alliance at Tarleton serves to support LGBTQQIP2SAA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Pansexual, Two-Spirited, Asexual and Allies) students within the community. The group aims to provide a fun and secure environment for everyone.

“We are proud to offer a space of support and safety for students to express themselves. We are happy to connect students to information for resources on safe sex practices and health issues that concern them,” Parnell said

The GSA holds meetings every Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the OA Grant and Humanities building room 104 with no dues or membership fees required. These gatherings feature a range of activities designed to build community.

The GSA also hosts several annual events, including “The Vagina Monologues” and Tree Wrapping in October, Transgender Day of Remembrance in November and a Pride Festival along with a 2nd Chance Prom every spring semester. These events make a much larger impact than just on campus.

“A major achievement of the GSA is our annual contribution to non-profit organizations that support the Stephenville community. For example, since beginning The Vagina Monologues project in 2014, GSA has donated over $10,000 dollars to various organizations,” Parnell said.

While the GSA has made a significant impact, it has also faced challenges. Senate Bill 17, a Texas bill passed early this year that greatly limits state universities’ ability to promote diversity and equitable access to education, challenged the GSA’s ability to maintain its presence on campus.

“Senate Bill 17 has created some challenges for students including our organization. Thankfully, we have community support that allows us to continue to provide safety and involvement opportunities,” Parnell said.

Looking ahead, the GSA plans to build on its impact by expanding its initiatives.

“The GSA is excited to produce the 10th annual Vagina Monologues performances on October 18-19 and even more excited to engage in dialogue with the greater community in the spring when we host a new, unique storytelling experience built of our own monologues in April,” Parnell said.

As the GSA continues its work, it remains focused on creating an inclusive campus. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join, as long as they bring their humanity, respect and open-mindedness.

“The GSA wants to continue its accomplishments as being an organization for all to feel safe and accepted,” Parnell said. “We want to grow within the Stephenville community as more students, more people, figure out who they are and who they choose to be.”