North High School has many after school clubs and programs offered to students, but one in particular that has recently become more popular and well known among North High is the Gay Straight Alliance or better yet known as (GSA).

The club was created by students who believed there was a need to be more support for same-sex relations. The goal was to provide a safe and judgment-free zone for those who identified with the Lesbian, Gay, ,Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) lifestyle.

Staff leaders are Heather Rosewall, Jenifer Dryden and Jean Schwedau. The GSA student leader is Krystal O’Morrow, junior. The club has come a long way since when it first started, it was officially formed in 2012 and has impressively been growing in numbers and is moving in a positive direction.

What is hoped for GSA in the future is that it impacts lives for the better. The club made a mission statement, and is working on how to be a part of the Des Moines Pride Parade in June.

Senior Delanie Hawkins said GSA has helped her become more herself. “It’s helped me feel comfortable in my own skin,” she said. Hawkins now feels she could speak her mind openly in the club.

“[The members of GSA] don’t want you to feel like you’re the only one to want to see something change,” Hawkins said, speaking of changing North’s LGBT community for the better. Hawkins explains why she joined GSA and what her main influence was.

“The idea of coming together with other people, not only gay but also straight, and seeing there backgrounds,” she said. GSA allows students to express themselves, and to be comfortable while doing it.

Biology Teacher Jean Schwendau is also one of GSA’s leaders. She spoke about goals for the organization and what she would like to see GSA achieve this year. “I would like to see GSA develop their own personal motto,” said Schwendau.

Schwendau explained what she thought her role and the students’ roles were consisted of in GSA. She said being a leader and a member of GSA are equally important.

“I think the adults need to be a resource. I don’t want to be equal, I want the kids to be able to say, ‘hey guys, this is what we need, you’re the grown-ups help us find it,” she said.

GSA is a safe place to get questions and concerns answered. Schwendau said she thought GSA as a safe place.

“[It’s a safe place] first of all, the grown-ups in there aren’t going to let anything happen to anybody, and I think the core group of students you guys got in there right now are really supportive,” said.