Students walking into English teacher Casey Matthews’ room 164 on a Wednesday afternoon find a room full of upbeat people making jokes. Students are wearing rainbow pins on their book bags in support of equal marriage rights, now a common sight at BHS.

Matthews walks in with her co-adviser, science teacher Michael Lerner. Students move the big tables into a wide circle, big enough for everyone to feel welcome. As people get comfortable at the tables, Matthews gets a conversation rolling about how language affects the way people think about being gay versus being straight.

Suddenly everyone is serious. Everything is quiet except for the person talking.  Paul Corty starts first, agreeing that language does have a huge effect on people’s perception on being gay.

“I see people screaming in the hallways, ‘you’re gay! you’re so gay!’ That is so not ok… Being gay should not be an insult,” he said. One of the main goals for the group is to educate people.

According to club members, the word “gay” is heard far too often. When the word is used as an insult, it creates a negative climate.

This makes coming out even harder for a child because when they hear the word gay with the implied negative connotation, they are frightened. Lerner explains that gay teenagers are at the highest risk of destructive behaviors.

“It’s hard when you’re a teenager and you feel different. LGBT kids are so much more at risk for suicide, running away and self harm. Having a space where they can feel comfortable expressing themselves really helps.”

Matthews agrees. “It’s important that everyone has a place where they feel safe and [knows] that they do matter,” she said.

The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) provides a space where anyone can fully express themselves. The group teaches tolerance. If you are interested in joining, there are meetings every Wednesday right after school in room 164.

“[We] definitely need to raise the level of tolerance, not only in the school but everywhere,” said Corty.

He feels that the easiest way to do that is to be vocal.

“Pick up a pin, be vocal, correct people. The littlest things make a huge difference.”