When Watauga High School students were sent home in March 2020 due to COVID-19, the To Be Determined Club (formerly known as Gay-Straight Alliance) had to take a break. With school being back in session, TBD Club has evolved, transforming itself into a safe space for all students to learn and feel accepted.
TBD Club faced setbacks due to COVID-19. Club advisors were concerned for students who had not come out to their families or didn't have safe home environments, prompting TBD Club to go on a hiatus.
“When we went to full remote, safety was a concern for our club,” said Teacher Sikes, an advisor for TDB Club. “On Google Meets, I was worried that people were going to be outed at their house before they were ready.”
According to Human Rights Campaign, outing is defined as “exposing someone’s lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender or gender non-binary identity to others without their permission. Outing someone can have serious repercussions on employment, economic stability, personal safety or religious or family situations”.
With school back in session, TBD Club has returned, upholding its legacy at Watauga High. Many students are delighted to see its return.
“As someone who was super interested in the club pre-COVID, I am so glad that the club has made a re-appearance,” said junior Sophia Bateman. “It offers support for so many students at Watauga, and gives a welcoming environment that is so beneficial to our school.”
Knowing which Watauga High School faculty practice allyship is another important effect of TBD Club’s presence.
“I hope this will provide a safe space for students,” said junior Freyja Tzotschew. “I appreciate knowing fellow queer people and which faculty members practice allyship.”
Not only do clubs like TDB Club enable students to express themselves and feel safe, but they also make our community stronger. When students feel accepted and excel in school, the entire community benefits.
“I like to think about who benefits from a school that’s thriving, and it’s not just the students or the teachers, it’s everyone,” said Sikes. “Having a community-wide support system for anybody who is a part of the community or an ally would make the district more impactful.”
TBD Club’s aim to make an impact on the school and community has influenced the shift away from the name Gay-Straight Alliance. Advisors and members of the club wanted to choose a name that represented those who identify outside the labels of “straight” and “gay”.
“My struggle with the association of Gay-Straight Alliance is that it was very dichotomous, there’s not just gay and there’s not just straight,” said Sikes. “I love the alliance part of it, but now, with so much of a spectrum and fluidity with sexuality or gender identity, that was an old term.”
Not only has TBD Club changed its name, but it has also changed its mission. One of TBD Club's goals is to support students county-wide, whether they attend Watauga High School or not.
“I’ve had interest from elementary school teachers who have students who are already identifying or questioning in our program,” said Sikes. “Those students shouldn’t have to wait until 9th grade to feel like they are accepted or a part of a community.”
TBD Club is always looking for new members. If you are looking for a safe space or a place where you can expand on your allyship, TBD Club is the place for you.
“You don’t have to come to every meeting, but if you know what’s right and what’s wrong, you’re willing to stand up for a community that might be unrepresented,” said Sikes. “I would like to grow a community where we can stand up against any injustice we might see.”
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