For the first time in the school district’s history, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgen- dered students and staff were publicly hon- ored for their contributions they make to their community.

The district participated in the weeklong Austin Pride Week celebration, which com- memorates the diversity found in the com- munity. The district held two separate events for students and staff in partnership with campus-based Gay-Straight Alliances.

“Austin ISD is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment for LBGT stu- dents and staff,” Austin ISD Media Relations Supervisor Tina Young said. “There is a fo- cus for specifically working with anti-bul- lying efforts for LBGT students this school year.”

On Sept. 15, Austin ISD held an event for staff to kick-off the celebration of Pride

Week in the district board auditorium. The event consisted of gallery exhibits and panel discussions hosted by members of the LGBT community, as well as a

statement of support from district Interim Superin- tendent Dr. Paul Cruz.

The student event was held Sept. 18 in the same location, in partnership with the Gay-Straight Alliances from district high schools. Professionals of the LGBT community held a meet-and-greet with students to discuss what is provided to them to support a safer learning environment. These events were confidential and closed off from the media to protect students’ privacy.

“I think this is a good start. I think we can always do more,” Briseno said. “Ultimately, we shouldn’t be having Pride Kick-Offs, because it should just be the norm, but I think this is a really good way to promote everyone is equal, it doesn’t matter who or what you do, so long as you’re nice to each other.”

The Gay-Straight Alliance is a student-led network that partners with other organizations in the community to provide a safe environment for students. It works to deal with gender identity discrimination, while making an effort to fight against those victimized by harassment or violence.

“It’s great publicity for AISD to be so open to a small demographic of their students and staff,” said math teacher Elise Bresino, co-sponsor of the Gay-Straight Alliances at Akins. “It’s a really good way for us to promote that it doesn’t matter who or what you do, so long as you’re nice to each other.”

Senior Mey Giron is an active member of the Gay-Straight Alliances at Akins.

“People should know that they’re not alone,” Giron said. “It’s important to have a safe zone or confidential place where people can meet – gay or not – to talk about the im- portance of accepting themselves and their peers.”

The Gay-Straight Alliance meetings are held in Briseno’s room every Friday after school, but are subject to change.

“I think the rally is amazing. The fact that they’re putting that on Austin ISD’s website, as the first thing that flashes up,” Briseno said. “I think it’s great publicity for AISD to be so open to a small demographic of their students and staff members but ultimately, it’s nice to see that we have a district that’s behind that movement.”