This October 15-21, Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs in high schools across the US are promoting an event called “Ally Week,” in which they encourage non-LGBT-identifying teens to pledge their support for making schools safe for LGBT students.
Here at Exodus Youth, we want schools to be a safe and harassment-free place for all students, and we know that millions of Christian students share the same desire. While Ally Week is meant to have this effect, the pledge involved requires students to promise to “actively support safer school efforts” promoted by GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), which often involve policies and ethics which conflict with Christian beliefs concerning sexuality. This can leave many Christian students feeling as though they must choose between holding to their beliefs and looking like a bully.
Still, the fact that our beliefs are different doesn’t mean we can’t work together for safer schools for everyone. So, Exodus Youth is creating the Allies, Too campaign, in which Christian students can voice their support for safer schools without compromising their faith in God’s Word!
Similar to Ally Week, the Allies, Too campaign provides students with pledge cards they can distribute and sign to show their commitment to making their school a safe and tolerant place, without necessarily agreeing with all the values and behaviors promoted by GLSEN. Exodus Youth is also providing various resources for Christian students can use to educate their clubs and youth groups about issues concerning sexuality, and to reach out to their LGBT-identified peers with the Gospel.
