Regardless of how somebody identifies, where they come from, or how they were raised, there is one thing that everybody can rely on; community. That’s why the existence of such a club is so important, especially with it being in a high school. The Gay-Straight Alliance Club, originating at Pahrump Valley High School, can be a great way for the students to make new friends and learn about themselves on a personal level. At the age of adolescence, it is common for a person to start exploring their identity. Whether it be how they express themselves, or how they feel inside, a healthy environment can make or break this stage in life. That’s why PVHS prides itself on welcoming all sorts of people.
The club itself was created thanks to former teacher Dana Boam, current instructional coach Laura Rough, and a small but dedicated group of members. But, this does not downplay the importance of the club, quite the opposite, actually. Each meeting is on every Wednesday, taking place from 2:30 to 3:30 in room 10. Despite the limited time, the club offers a space for everyone to hang out and be themselves.
Like mentioned before, the purpose of the club is to be a safe place for everyone. “The main purpose of this club is for others to feel seen”, says one of the members. And with their goal, the club carries it out effortlessly. Although my visit was brief, the atmosphere felt comfortable and calm—not just because of the club itself, but also because of the people. In fact, I was part of the club a few years ago when I was a freshman, and although many things have changed since then, it still felt nostalgic in a way.
These are just a few examples and reasons for why the Gay-Straight Alliance Club is important and why people should consider joining, or at the very least, giving it a shot. Whether it’s because somebody identifies as queer or not, or somebody just wants a safe space, this club has always been open and welcome for everybody. So, why not check it out and stay for a little while?
