Arrowhead is great at many things: sports, academics, the arts, etc. But are those the important components of a high school? Many think commitment, tradition, and unity are the foundations that set Arrowhead Union High School apart—but are we really unified?  For the first time, a group of Arrowhead students are speaking out and starting a new club.

                Gay Straight Diverse Alliance (GSDA), a new group being formed by junior Kyle Graff, is under way.

                Graff says each year at Arrowhead there has always been a thought to start such a group, but none have followed through.

                The club is meant for kids who are different whether it is their ethnicity, beliefs, or sexual orientation. It also acts as a safe haven for kids just trying to fit in.  Students who want to support their classmates are also encouraged to attend as well.

According to Graff, the group mission statement is, “Arrowhead’s GSDA will bring diversity awareness to the community through the support and acceptance of its students.”

                “This group isn’t just for bisexuals and gays—we also have straight people and different ethnic members,” says Graff.

                “We are looking to spread awareness of diversity of Arrowhead through a variety of outlets aimed towards a greater understanding of our eclectic population,” says Adam Bolt, the schools psychologist.

                The meetings have been on Mondays from 2:45-3:45, but are subjective to change to be held later in the day because of work or sports conflicts.

                There will be organized discussions and topics weekly, support group nights, and service projects and fundraisers for charities around the community. For anyone interested there is a new Facebook page for the group: AHS Gay Straight Diverse Alliance. Friend Kyle Graff if difficulties arise in joining the group.

                The school psychologist Adam Boldt can also be contacted to learn more about the club.

                According to Graff there are currently fifteen members, but he suspects more will join.

                “I have a list of people who would like to join but [who] are afraid of the outcomes of what friends or family might think. I just want to provide a safe place for kids who are different and to let others know we’re not a whole lot different from them.

                “I feel like the moment a kid doesn’t participate in the right sports, the right friends or groups, or one who does not possess the right popularity status is already viewed as an outcast at this school.

                “My hope is for Arrowhead students to become more accepting to their peers…I just hope that kids who join won’t get hurt and have to continue attending Arrowhead as a victim.  I already know what it feels like and it is not something worth repeating.

                “You would think Arrowhead would take pride on being a family, but it’s quite the opposite. I’m not saying Arrowhead will become a huge gay fest [because that’s not what we intend Arrowhead to be known for.] But it should be known for everyone bringing each other together and just being a safe and peaceful place. We might as well start learning now that there are different cultures in this world than heading [out] into it when we graduate thinking everything is the exact same as [the community] we grew up in.”