Muscatine High School offers a variety of clubs. Most are well known like Student Council, but there are a few that are overlooked by many students, such as, D&D or our Pride Club/GSA. To many members of the club, GSA is a comforting area where we have the opportunity to hang out with friends in a safe, welcoming environment.
“I really try to make the group student-run and student-focused- I am the person in the background arranging meetings, supplying food and providing a safe space for students to relax, learn, have fun and find their voice.” Stephanie Cromer, the club advisor, said.
Students who attend the club also agree. The general consensus is that the club is a safe space, providing the comfort needed during the school day.
“GSA makes me happy and gives me a place where I don’t feel like a complete outsider. It also makes me feel like I am doing something productive, contributing to the community y’know?” Said Junior, Zack Einfeldt, a member of the club.
To add, another member shared their view, “I feel super comfortable in GSA like it’s my second home.” Said Senior Jo Hooker.
GSA was previously run by a science teacher, Cathy Kramer, who passed away in December 2022. Many students loved her. According to Mrs. Cromer, an English teacher here at the high school, Cathy Kramer now has a scholarship named in her honor that is geared towards LGBT students, homeless youth, students of color, and disabled students.
Back in 2000, a group of kids, friends with Stephie Levsen, whose son was in our GSA until he graduated last year, founded the GSA for Muscatine High School. Although no specific reason was given we imagine it was founded because of homophobia and lack of safe spaces. The club has disappeared and reappeared in the years since.
A big question is, what do we do in GSA? Well, a few answers to this question is that we bring up problems in society geared toward the LGBT community. Followed by issues that are going on socially along with things related to pride.
“I feel like we do lots of things, from just hanging out and getting to know each other to actively doing things to
improve the life of not just queer students but all students.” Zack Einfeldt said.
We also won a grant to change some single-stall bathrooms into gender-neutral bathrooms. This grant was important because there is a ban that causes Trans kids not to be allowed to go into the bathroom they identify with in schools here in Iowa.
This grant will be helpful as it will give trans, nonbinary, and genderfluid kids a bathroom to go to that is not gendered so that they can feel more comfortable.
GSA is a wonderful group to be a part of not only LGBT kids but for supporters and people alike. All and all being a part of the GSA is a wonderful experience that would absolutely give you the freedom to be who you truly are.
If you would like to be a part of GSA, email Stephanie Cromer and she will request you for a muskie time meeting, and we will see you then. We are always accepting new members.
