Alliance providing bursary, open to LGBTQ students
A group that gives support to students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer at North Nova Education Centre is offering a bursary to graduating students for post-secondary studies.
Jessica Campbell, co-chairperson of the Gender Sexuality Alliance, said the bursary was established last school year, and was presented to two applicants.
She said scholarships exist for other minorities, so the GSA thought it would be a good idea to offer it.
The bursary is open to any students at NNEC who identify as LGBTQ.
GSA members have been busy this school year raising funds for the prize, hoping to reach a goal of $500. Co-chairperson Victoria Robertson said they’ve held bake sales and coffee houses, and are planning to host a Pride Week event at the school.
Last week, the Pictou County Centre for Sexual Health presented a cheque to the group to assist with fundraising efforts. Executive director Vania MacMillan said the LGBTQ community faces a lot of barriers, just as other minorities do.
“Although we have a very wide mandate, support for the rainbow community is part of that,” she said. Vania MacMillan, executive director of the Pictou County Centre for Sexual Health, shown at right, presents a cheque to members of the Gender Sexuality Alliance at North Nova Education Centre. Teacher adviser Jenn Giles and co-chairpersons Victoria Robertson and Jessica Campbell are shown accepting the donation.
The GSA, a student-led group, exists to give the LGBTQ kids a safe space at the school, said Campbell. “It’s about normalizing the existence of the different identities. That’s how you get acceptance.”
She said it’s important for kids still trying to come to terms with their own identities.
MacMillan said the GSA is made up of members of the LGBTQ community as well as allies. She adds that having the support of fellow students available is helpful. “Sometimes it’s easier if you have peer support.”