The Art Love club at Boston Green Academy, a charter school in Brighton, is creating signs to support LGBTQ+ students and their allies. These signs, created by students, are intended to create a safe and welcoming environment within the school, especially in a time of societal division and rising hate.
Leyla Ortiz walks into Boston Green Academy in Brighton and feels a sense of pride as she surveys her surroundings. Her artwork adorns the lobby of the charter school, a vibrant rainbow flag emblazoned with words that resonate deeply with her. On the flag, she, a junior, has inscribed the words girlfriend, family, and protection, feelings she cherishes and feels empowered by.
This creation is one of approximately two dozen signs throughout the building, all crafted by the Art Love club, a group dedicated to supporting LGBTQ students and their allies. The timing of this initiative is particularly poignant, unfolding during a time of increased societal division and a rise in expressions of hate. GLAAD, a prominent LGBTQ advocacy organization, echoes this sentiment, with Leyla Ortiz sharing that many students have expressed feeling more comfortable and at ease due to the presence of these signs. They feel less pressure to conceal their sexuality or true identity. \Eighth-grader Adelaide Csinsi also contributed a design to this collection of signs displayed at Boston Green Academy. The Art Love club was founded by school nurse Marta Bausemer during the pandemic. Bausemer also advises the school's Gender/Sexuality Alliance (GSA), and the two groups are closely connected, sharing members and goals. She noted a significant surge in participation in both groups at the start of the school year, following the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term. For their initial project this year, Bausemer guided the group in creating signs to be displayed throughout the school. Each sign bears words thoughtfully selected by the creators, conveying messages of safety and comfort, with the intention of extending these feelings to their classmates as well. Bausemer, who identifies as queer, expresses her belief in creating a safe space within the school's walls, highlighting her commitment to fostering a positive environment. Head of School Matt Holzer reinforces the school's commitment, stating that regardless of external political contexts, their primary focus remains on supporting their students' needs. He emphasizes that the students seek support, care, space, love, and challenges. \Senior Areli Lopez, a long-standing member of the club, colored a sign emblazoned with the word love, sharing the sense of empowerment it gives her. Lopez identifies as bisexual and gender fluid and reflects on the challenging process of self-discovery, emphasizing the instrumental role the Art Love club has played in supporting her and her friends. Lopez believes that in the current climate, this community creates a haven for students who may not feel safe outside of the school walls. She observes that the presence of the club provides other students with the confidence to embrace their true selves, knowing that they are enough and beautiful in their uniqueness. The signs serve as a testament to the school's dedication to inclusivity and support, fostering an environment where students feel safe, loved, and empowered to be themselves
LGBTQ+ Education Inclusion Boston Green Academy Art Love Club Student Support
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