This community is not for everyone. As a disclaimer, if you are hypersensitive or easily offended, do not expect to be catered to. Likewise, we make no excuses for being politically incorrect when discussing contentious issues. If you want hugs and flowers without the threat of being intellectually challenged, this community is not for you. See this post if things are unclear.

- OPINIONS OF MEMBERS -

"This is one of the best maintained communities on all of lj, and it's because you are present without micromanaging...We advertise gsa_lj on our community's user info page, not because you're the biggest gsa on lj, but because you're the best. Keep up the good work."
-jarrellwoods; July 25, 2005

"I love this community so much - it's filled with such intelligent, thoughtful people."
-playthfool; September 21, 2005

"Just decided to join this community. Through some brief observation, I found it to be truly one of the best on-line Gay-Straight Alliances. Ever. I really enjoy the news, stories, and diversity that this website brings to the world."
-proud_peacock; February 22, 2006

"First of all, let me just say I absolutely adore this community. Yes, I know there are tons of GSAs out there, but being that I do not know of one to physically and actively participate in, and the fact that a place like this is one of the most supportive I've seen, I'm amazed and pretty much in heaven."
-faceyourfate; March 28, 2006

"Some people may dislike the community but encourage others to join because they still don't know of a better one."
-halogencycle; July 4, 2006

"Thank you for founding and moderating such a wonderful community on LiveJournal (and now Facebook). Although I do not have anything to contribute to the ever-growing community, I quite enjoy reading most of the daily posts from gsa_lj on my friends' page. The perspectives and opinions submitted by the people of this community have been extremely informative and, quite frankly, I've learned more about the LGBT(...) community in the past few months than I've learned in my lifetime before I joined the community.

"Once again, thank you for the outstanding forum of thoughts, feelings, and opinions that you've provided to the LiveJournal world."
-rmpalpha; November 30, 2006

"gsa_lj is still my favorite lj community ever. I talk about it all the time with my friends in real life. It goes something like this: "So, I'm in this livejournal community called 'gsa lj', and the other day someone posted this interesting article about...."
-moonlight_in_vt; July 10, 2007

"You've done a fantastic job, and I think it's important that this community exists: in high school, I didn't have any other GSA-type establishments I could turn to. This community is important for those of us who live in rural areas and need to hear about life outside of the boondocks, and as a reminder of how diverse people really are."
-anarchys_savior; July 10, 2007

"I'm in love with this community."
-neverbeuseless; October 12, 2007

"I love this community. It's my favorite."
-jaralith; January 25, 2008

"Over the years, I've joined and left many communities. This is, in my opinion, the best I've ever found."
-mlkingston; January 25, 2008

"gsa_lj is and has been for some time a great place to come for the alphabet community of LiveJournal."
-solopatriot; October 17, 2008

"(gsa_lj) is possibly the only place on LJ where everyone is welcome."
-soluie; April 9, 2009

"Thank you so very much for the advice...this community has made a major difference in both of our lives. Thank you."
-nirvelli_lynn; July 11, 2009

"And once again thank you to everyone that runs this community. You guys are doing a really good thing."
-embracethefall1; October 12, 2009

To gain posting access, as well as the ability to freely comment in entries without them being automatically screened, you will need to join. Simply "watching" the community (adding the community to your friends' page) does not accomplish this.

A variety of Public Service Announcements have been created by members of this community to answer commonly asked questions and contribute to the global community. We hope they serve a purpose for you:

• GSAs
  
• Internet Safety
  
• Safer Sex (warning: sexual content)
  
• Coming Out
  
• Ally 101/Glossary of Terms
  
• Confronting Homophobia
  
• Trans 101
  

- ABOUT US -

Prospective member,

Welcome to gsa_lj! We exist as a safe haven for homosexual (gay or lesbian), bisexual, pansexual, questioning/confused, unclassifiable, and trans-gendered youth, adults, and their heterosexual (straight) allies! We are a diverse community based upon the assumption that neither sexual orientation nor gender identity should be a factor in how society perceives individuals. We welcome all who wish to further our goals of a world in which it is not considered to be evil or wrong to have a sexual existence that does not fit traditional "norms."

Discussions of various issues that are relevant to the community and its members are wholeheartedly invited, as we encourage an open dialogue that will benefit the various goals and needs of our individual members. Traditionally, pertinent political discussions, current events, and debates on topics facing our members are the primary composition of most entries. However, we encourage those who are legitimately seeking advice or support to tell their stories. Despite the usual heaviness of content, members are welcome to post things on the lighter side, including things of a comical or satirical nature (including relevant videos). Polls may also occur from time to time, and posts on controversial topics may be locked so as to avoid needless drama and trolling.

Please familiarize yourself with our tagging policy. Also, take note of pertinent tags used within the community. By helping us tag entries, you will help fellow members have an easier time navigating posts on related topics.

We look forward to your participation as we work to accomplish integration, acceptance, and tolerance of all people into the overall social fabric of society. Likewise, we encourage both parents and educators to consider joining.

Also, please feel free to list gsa_lj as an interest in your own journal, as well as encourage your friends to join our online family.

- STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR -

In an effort to create an open and comfortable environment for our members, the gsa_lj Code of Conduct is listed below. All members are expected to follow our simple rules. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to message us. We're always looking for feedback from our membership!

Do Not Post:

• Things in bad taste, or those which reflect blatant immaturity, pettiness, or attention-whoring
  
• Pornography - while definitions of pornographic material differ, keep in mind that the community is largely geared toward minors, so be responsible and apply common sense
  
• Profanity-laden or viscerally hateful rants
  
• Quizzes, memes, or excessively cross-post
  
• An article without properly attributing it to the original source, with a link
  
• More than one post promoting another community – please get approval beforehand!
  
• Things irrelevant to the subject matter of our community
  
• Commercially - this venue is not a glorified garage sale

Remember Not To:

• Disable commenting, automatically screen, or delete comments in your posts, as that defeats the purpose of discussion
  
• Resort to ad hominem reasoning, slander, harassment or threats
  
• Engage in personal attacks, especially based on (but not limited to) someone's actual or perceived race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, ideology, political affiliation, or age

Expect That:

• People will not take you seriously if your posts or comments have terrible spelling, grammar, punctuation, or are in 1337-speak, ALL CAPS, or excessively use the italic, bold, or underline functions
  
• We are bored with the politically correct Oppression Olympics, and will express annoyance if you engage in such games
  
• Members will challenge your arguments or assertions of fact
  
• You will be nagged if you fail to properly tag your posts

Use An LJ-Cut When:

• Posting something that might make reasonable people squeamish or uncomfortable - also put a disclaimer on these posts!
  
• Posting entire articles and other long posts
  
• Posting large images
  
• Promoting other communities, websites, or organizations
  
• Making geographic-specific posts, as this is a global community

Always Remember To:

• Be respectful, even toward those you vehemently disagree with
  
• Have compassion and patience, especially if someone is well-intentioned or young
  
• Keep an open mind
  

Moderators Will:

• Enforce these rules, and the LJ TOS
  
• Employ the least punitive sanctions reasonable - usually a friendly reminder - but will delete posts or comments if violations are serious or repeated
  
• Temporarily suspend posting privileges
  
• Ban members only as a last resort, upon agreement of a plurality of moderators
  
• Select new or additional moderators as circumstances warrant

Please refer to the LJ FAQ for any questions involving your blogging experience.

Together, we can get through the stereotypes, ignorance, homophobia, and prejudice so prevalent throughout society. Join us as we work to stamp out hatred and work together for a brighter tomorrow and better future!

Cordially,

tko_ak (Jamie),
Founder & Maintainer

Moderator Team:
mastertheshadow
halogencycle
redstar826
henkkuli
fabfemmeboy

"The government of the United States...gives to bigotry, no sanctuary; to persecution, no assistance."
-George Washington; August 17, 1790

"I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance, and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation."
-Coretta Scott King

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
-Margaret Mead

"Straight Americans need... an education of the heart and soul. They must understand - to begin with - how it can feel to spend years denying your own deepest truths, to sit silently through classes, meals, and church services while people you love toss off remarks that brutalize your soul."
-Bruce Bawer; The Advocate; April 28,1998

"Those citizens of tomorrow...what do they say when their friends make sexist, racist, sectarian, or homophobic jibes? Do they stay silent and let the poison of contempt go on its cruel way, or do they have the guts to stop it in its tracks and say such words are unacceptable and dangerous? Do they have the backbone and the conviction to lead their friends in the right direction, even if it seems the loneliest place in the world?"
-Mary McAleese, President of Ireland

"I tried to explain [to my son] that being courageous is being willing to stand when others are willing to sit. To stand up to do what’s right in the face of adversity is showing profound leadership."
-Steven/Susan Stanton, who was fired from her long-time job in pubic service after disclosing she is transgender.