And we're off!!!

Finally! After who knows how long, the Keokuk Gay-Straight Alliance is actually taking flight!

It all started at the end of our freshman year. Brookesany and I were reading a pleasant little series (the Rainbow Boys, by Alex Sanchez) when the concept of a GSA first emerged. Of course we had no idea that such things even existed, but now that we did, we HAD to start one.

Trouble was, it was at the end of the year, and we didn't think that we would have even NEARLY enough time, so we put it off, planning on starting it at the very beginning of Sophomore year. Unfortunately, Brookesany moved to NC that summer, so i was on my own.

I enlisted the help of my friend Alicia and together (okay, more she did all the work and i just stood idly by, grinning) we filled out the paper work and applied. Of course we knew we'd get it. Since legally Mr. Keane (0r however the hell you spell it) couldn't turn us down without just cause. And boy would we have raised hell had he tried.

But just because he couldn't turn us down, didn't mean that he had to jump on the issue right away. In fact, it wasn't until sometime in April that it was brought up and approved, and by then, we really didn't have a ton of time for elaborate planning, so the GSA kind of slipped away.

Alicia tried, i guess, but she didn't advertise enough and no one showed up (not even me, the VP at the time. I had no idea when the meetings were, so i didn't go.) It was very disheartening to say the least...But that's when i made a vow to get this club going first thing next year. I was going to be a Junior after all, i was running out of time.

Since Alicia graduated, i took over the spot of president while Brookesany, now returned from NC, took my spot of VP. And trust me, i take my position VERY seriously. I didn't even wait a week before planning the first meeting. Now I've got a website and several other things to promote the club, the first meeting is more or less planned, and I'm starting to think about fundraisers. Sure its a bit difficult and I'm nervous as hell about everything, but it'll be worth it. I'm positive we can make a difference, and that's always worth something.

So yeah, we're getting there. Slowly, but surely. No doubts...okay, there are doubts, but when it comes to something important, there always are. Change doesn't come easily, but it comes.

The first meeting is planned for September 4th, on a Thursday after school. Ms. Marsott--our advisor--is gonna try to bring cookies (yey cookies) so that should be fun. I think she's just as excited as me. We practically fangirled when she wrote on her calender. Tis a beautiful thing.

Check out our website, myspace, and facebook group.

Fo Sho

~rei out~