In a gesture of support for queer youth and their allies, PFLAG Portland awarded four mini-grants to GSA/QSA clubs in Portland-area schools.
Disbursed in March, the funds are intended to support student-led projects that increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ youth in schools and the broader community.
The Portland chapter invited high schools and middle schools in seven Multnomah County districts to submit proposals for projects to be completed in the 2024-25 school year. Four were selected:
- Reynolds High School GSA & Walt Morey Middle School Rainbow Alliance to support an annual May celebration in honor of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism & Transphobia and Mental Health Awareness Month. Troutdale School District.
- Ron Russell Middle School Pride Club to support compensation for teachers’ supervision and planning time and the purchase of craft and cooking supplies for student-requested projects undertaken by the after-school club. David Douglas School District.
- Parkrose High School Queer Student Alliance to support a Day of No Silence event featuring student speakers, music, and student-designed T-shirts. Parkrose School District.
- Parkrose High School Queer Student Alliance, in partnership with the Black Student Union, to paint a rainbow mural as a permanent representation and celebration. Parkrose School District.
The mini-grants program was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Portland chapter board made it a priority to revive the program this year to help strengthen Gender and Sexualities Alliances and Queer Student Alliances at area schools.
“We are delighted to support these four projects and look forward to expanding the number of awards in the 2025-26 school year,” said Chapter President George Rede. “These mini-grants are a tangible way we can demonstrate our support for LGBTQIA+ students and their GSA/QSA advisers.”
More information: https://pflagpdx.org/gsa-mini-grants/