Recently, Alya and Eden in Year 12 have collaboratively started a QSA, or a Queer Straight Alliance. Their main goal is to promote inclusivity, tolerance and raise awareness of issues like mental health by providing a space for all LGBTQ+* individuals to come together and be themselves.
They felt it was important to do this at FIS, since both the French community and other international schools in Hong Kong have started QSAs (HKIS, Island School, Discovery College, CIS, CDNIS, UWC…). It also encompasses important aspects of the FIS Personal Profile, namely “Principled” (We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect) and “Open-minded” (We are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities”.
This is crucial especially in an environment like Hong Kong, where the rate of student suicides is increasing. The hope for this club is that pupils feel accepted and aren’t afraid of being judged which ultimately leads to happier LGBTQ+ teens.
I attended one session last week and it genuinely made my day. Everyone there was so inclusive and kind which made the atmosphere so relaxed. People brought their lunch and we sat talking not only about sexuality but about anything and everything. We were supervised by Ms. Mayanobe, the librarian. I met people I don’t usually speak to and connected with them with really meaningful conversations that were being had.
Although the club was started by some students from the International Stream, there were some students from the French stream there too. The whole point of the club is to include as many people as possible to create a real ‘alliance’. Many held back from attending because of the thought that it is restricted only to people who identify as “queer”, which is untrue. Not only is this for LGBTQ students at FIS, but also to educate those who want to know more. The more, the merrier!
The statistics about LGBTQ youth around the world are really shocking;
- LGBTQ youth are 3x more likely to attempt suicide than other teens
- 8.4x more likely to attempt suicide if their family doesn’t accept them
- 1 in 3 successful suicide attempts are due to a crisis in sexual identity
- 50% of transgender youth attempt to commit suicide at least once
- 44% of LGBTQ+ students have been physically assaulted
- 2 in 3 have been sexually harassed
- 64% feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation
- 44% feel unsafe at school because of their gender identity
- 32% have skipped school because they felt unsafe/uncomfortable
QSA meetings happen every week in 202 at 12:30. We hope to see you there!
*Note: LGBTQ+ = Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning