(757) 497-6200

Virginia Beach, VA

GSA Club

STATEMENT OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Chesapeake Bay Academy creates and fosters a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive and accepting environment for all those who engage in and with our community. We are committed to aligning our policies, programs, processes, and people with our core values of education and inclusion, integrity and respect. We actively stand against discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, and physical or cognitive differences. It is our intent that every individual who engages with CBA feels accepted, represented, and empowered to share their beliefs and opinions.

The CBA Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) meets monthly after school and is open to all Upper School Students. Our GSA is a safe space where all students can find community together and socialize while helping to create a more inclusive, accepting community.

Research indicates that students at schools with a GSA are less likely to feel unsafe because of their sexual orientation or gender expression and missed less school than their peers who attended schools without a GSA. LGBTQ students with a GSA at their school also reported less anti-LGBTQ discrimination.

CRISIS SUPPORT

If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate support. Click here to connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free. The Trevor Project’s trained counselors understand the challenges LGBTQ young people face. They will listen without judgment. Conversations are confidential, and you can share as much or as little as you’d like.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

GLSEN’s National Student Council put together a list of books that are focused on diverse stories and LGBTQ+ characters. While this booklist showcases many LGBTQ+ Authors, not all of them may be part of the community, and instead, show solidarity through highlighting LGBTQ+ stories and characters. Click here to learn more.

ALLYSHIP

Allies can be a force for amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, and a support system for individuals in the community. Allies — people who are not LGBTQ+ themselves — have done an enormous amount to advance the cause of LGBTQ+ equality. An ally can show support for LGBTQ+ friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbors, co-congregants, family members and others in a wide variety of ways. Click here to learn more from the Human Rights Campaign.