The Newtown High School's Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) club hosted its annual Ally Week October 17 through October 21.

The group has about 30 members, many of whom learned about the club while in middle school and looked forward to joining when they reached high school. Members identify as part of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) community or are friends and supporters of the group.

Each day of Ally Week, the organization planned different events and activities that would help educate the school's students and faculty, as well as encourage people to show their support.

On Monday, October 17, advisory teachers spoke to their students to let them know information about Ally Week and facts about the LGBTQ community.

Tuesday was Social Media Day where the group encouraged everyone to change their profile pictures on social media and post messages to indicate that they are an ally.

GSA President Ian Fuchs explained, "We know that in this day and age [social media] can be a really powerful tool to reach a lot of people… The posts that were put up received a lot of support and got people talking."

One of the biggest events during Ally Week was the club's after school open house on Wednesday, October 19. People were asked to wear purple clothing to visibly show their support and also acknowledge those who have died as a result of bullying.

Teachers and students were invited to learn about the GSA and its members. The meet-and-greet allowed everyone to engage in casual, open dialogue to get to know one another and ask any questions they may have.

GSA Vice President Kyle Gaynor said, "I get to meet all of these new kids, and I can see they are experiencing some of the things that I have gone through. I want to help them. I want them to have an easier life."

During the open house, the room was packed with not only students of all grades and teachers of all subjects, but it was also full of acceptance and support for one another.

GSA teacher advisors Kristin English and Jim Rovello began the event by asking for everyone who attended to pick up a name tag and write their preferred name and pronouns - an act that Kyle said teachers are starting to incorporate more often. This year, teachers accommodating student's preferred pronouns is more prevalent than ever before.

Everyone in the room got a chance to speak about why they were there and tell a little bit about themselves. Many of the GSA members identified their sexual orientation, gender, and preferred name/pronouns, as well as what grade they are in and what GSA means to them.

The allies who joined the event emphasized the message that they wanted to show their support, offer help to anyone who needs it, and ultimately learn ways to become a better ally.

Mr Rovello described the event as "an opportunity for the kids and teachers to put faces and names together. It is also an opportunity for the kids to feel a little more comfortable knowing that there are teachers in this school who are their allies."

Club president Ian said, "I think every year with this meeting we just hope to get together to celebrate and redefine and talk about what the definition of an ally is." His definition of a strong ally is "someone who's actively supportive and always willing and ready to learn about the community."

Ally Week continued on Thursday with members of GSA speaking to the school's sociology classes and Fusion homeroom, which is a mentorship between juniors and freshman, about what it takes to be an ally.

GSA finished Ally Week on Friday by having a table in the cafeteria set up for students to sign a pledge showing their commitment to being an ally at NHS. Students were also given a rainbow ribbon to wear.

The message that the NHS's GSA spread during the week is not meant to end just because Ally Week is over. Students are always welcomed to join the club.

Ian added, "This is an amazing support group where we can talk about anything and we all understand each other. Above all it is an amazing place for conversation and support."