The fact that Marshall has a Gay-Straight Alliance is wonderful. It provides a safe space for queer and trans people and our allies, even though our school is fairly accepting. However, the GSA, for the most part, seems fairly uneducated about identities other than gay and binary transgender. One problem the GSA has discussed is that of the graduation robe colors being determined by sex. Overall, the GSA came to the conclusion that if an individual is uncomfortable in the robe he is assigned, he can probably wear the other color. The issue here is that this decision doesn’t take into account people who identify as non-binary genders. I think a good first step toward a more informed, inclusive GSA would be asking, at meetings, what pronouns members prefer. Another would be having people who are willing explain specific genders and sexualities to the group. Another fairly simple thing GSA could do would be to rename itself in a way that is more inclusive of the rest of the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic, etc.) community, not just those who identify as gay and their straight allies. The GSA has recently added a Google document of people’s preferred pronouns. It allows those who are comfortable to write in their pronouns, as well as having a place for people to make sure they are not misgendering anyone. This document is a huge step in the right direction. In my personal experience in the LGBTQIA+ community, and the GSA, people are usually very accepting once they’ve been educated on different issues and identities. There have been a few people who still refer to me with she pronouns, even though I’ve stated that I prefer they/them/their, but none in the GSA. I think in the GSA, and in the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole, most instances of people not being accepting are caused by lack of education, not mean-spiritedness. All in all, the GSA is a great thing; it just needs to be more educated (and vocal) about the rest of the LGBTQIA+ community. It has already started taking steps towards that goal, but the club still has some distance to go.