SAFE SCHOOLS: 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Welcome to the Safe Schools resource page for Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs! Whether you’re looking to join an existing GSA or start one at your school, you’ve come to the right place. GSAs are student-run organizations that provide a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students and allies to gather, discuss issues, and advocate for inclusivity and equality. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about joining or starting a GSA at your school.

Youth & Educators

• Presenting sponsor for Broward Schools’ “Diversity Day,” visited multiple GSAs, and advocated for an LGBTQ History Month proclamation at the Miami-Dade School Board.
• Trained over 750 educators in five in-person sessions, with two additional virtual trainings on transgender awareness and legal rights.
• Served more than 1000 students from diverse racial backgrounds, expanding access to safe and affirming spaces.
• Developed the “Queering the Spectrum” and “EmpowerQ” virtual LGBTQ+ school and corporate training modules.
• Awarded $22,000 in scholarships and launched the Safe Schools Ambassador program.

Digital Outreach

• Produced the Rainbow Roundtable series—highlighting issues ranging from LGBTQ+ grief to cutting-edge AI, plus an all-trans edition.
• Expanded Safe Schools TV to more than 220 subscribers, with top videos reaching 1,200+ views.
• Grew TikTok to over 10,000 followers, with a top video hitting 73,000 views, and reached a combined 7,000+ followers on Facebook and Instagram.
• Launched new shows like “Taboo Talk With David” and continued existing series (“Tiffany Explains It All,” “The Tea With Eddie,” “Queer History 101,” and “Rainbow Roundtable”), setting the stage for Season 2 in 2025.
• Began creating a youth-focused sexual education and health resources website to serve as a go-to hub for students and educators.

Community & Social

• Collaborated with AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Broward County School System, Broward Teachers Union, Christ Congregational UCC, Florida AIDS Walk, Florida Supercon Pride Lounge, Fort Lauderdale UCC, Imperial Sun Court of All of Florida, Miami Beach Pride Parade, Miami Shores Pride, Miami Shores UCC, Miami UUC, My Hollywood Pride, No Reservations, Out of the Closet Thrift Stores, OUTshine Film Festival, St. John’s on the Lake, Stonewall Pride, United Teachers of Dade, University of Miami, and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.
• Hosted teacher appreciation events, and youth Christmas Wonderland Holiday Party.

Fundraising & Board Development

• Raised over $800,000 through campaigns like Florida AIDS Walk and Give Miami Day, hitting a record of 107 donors in one day.
• Secured grants from the Bears of South Florida, Children’s Trust, Gamma Mu Foundation, It Gets Better, and the Quadracci Family Foundation.
• Welcomed six new board members with diverse professional expertise and updated our bylaws for improved governance.
• Received the University of Miami’s 2024 Lavender Celebration “Community Partner Award.”