The Archdiocese of Seattle has refused to allow gay-straight alliances in local Catholic high schools despite the necessity of such clubs and repeated lobbying by local students.

A gay-straight alliance is a student run club that allows for students to meet in a safe and welcoming place where they may discuss any challenges in their lives, make new friends, and find the loving support of their schoolmates. These clubs are not political; they simply seek to foster awareness and understanding and to welcome all students. While homosexual acts are a sin in the Catholic faith, homosexuality itself is not. Thus, these clubs do not conflict with the teachings set forth by the Vatican.

In schools with gay-straight alliances, studies have shown that students experience less bullying and contemplate suicide less often. The need for gay-straight alliances in the Seattle archdiocese is imperative. LGBTQ students often feel forgotten, lost, sinful, or even suicidal at a school that refrains from even discussing "the gay issue." Still other students demonstrate a lack of understanding of what being gay even means.
By allowing gay-straight alliances in Catholic high schools, the Seattle Archdiocese can ensure that every student feels safe at school, that every student has a support network in place, and that every student has the right to question their identity. A simple "yes" will create a community of solidarity and love. Please tell the Archdiocese of Seattle to allow Gay-Straight Alliances in Catholic high schools!