When students walked in Morgan after winter break, they noticed a new bulletin board design found outside the lunchroom near the elevator. Labeled “LGBTea Vocabulary”, was an intricate and well-thought-out design describing terms revolving around the LGBTQ+ community.

As the recent generations and current world interests become more revolved around the LGBTQ+ community and acts in promoting them, it has become a more frequent conversation among the halls at the Morgan School, along with events within the Clinton community. 

On Saturday, March 15, The Clinton Town Hall hosted a drag queen bingo night. All proceeds from this event went directly to Morgan’s class of 2025 graduation events. There were many hateful comments about this kind of event representing our school saying that they “thought we were above this” and “what are we teaching our kids?”. However, along with the negative point of view, were supporters of the fundraiser. Positive comments like “we should teach our children that you can be what you want,” and “an amazing public statement in support of diversity and inclusion.”

In a progressive step towards inclusivity, Morgan put up a vibrant bulletin board dedicated to LGBTQ+ vocabulary, aiming to “educate students and foster a more accepting environment.” Says Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)club advisor Ms. Gilbert. The initiative, planned by the GSA students seeks to promote understanding and awareness of LGBTQ+ terminology and issues among the Morgan community. 

Morgan’s GSA club meets regularly every other Friday after school in Ms. Gilbert’s room. They have an open-door policy and love to see new people! Every meeting looks a little different depending on what’s going on in the community. They do big activities such as the bulletin board or they just have conversations about issues in the community or struggles they or their peers are having. Gilbert says “It is a safe space for anyone to come and be themselves.” They have had guests come in like Morgan’s social workers to discuss solutions or reactions to problems within the school. They have instilled the idea that the meetings are “a space for people to be themselves and feel 100% comfortable as themselves” described Gilbert.

With many high school students in today’s society feeling left out, secluded, and like no one else understands them, they are often nervous about speaking out about their identity. When this was brought to the GSA club’s attention, they took on the responsibility of making these students feel seen and heard. Members of the club looked for ideas on ways to represent the community. When they all agreed on doing a visual aid on a bulletin board it came to the brainstorming process. “They looked on Pinterest and other platforms,” says Gilbert who was a major part of the planning process. Once they all agreed on the “LGBTea Vocabulary” due to its wordplay and seasonal relation, they started to put up the design in late December. 

Advisor Ms. Gilbert said, “As a group, they thought there wasn’t enough representation in the school and the community for the LGBTQ+ population.” Club members decided to make a visual, in one of the busier areas of the school, so all students would notice, and be able to give the board a quick read. 

The bulletin board features a colorful array of words and phrases commonly used within the LGBTQ community, such as “Gender identity” and “Homosexual”. Each term is accompanied by a clear definition making it accessible for all students, regardless of their prior knowledge. The GSA club hopes that this resource will encourage conversations about diversity and acceptance, helping to break down stereotypes and misconceptions. 

These ideas have not only reached the Morgan community but have been spreading through Connecticut as

well. As of 2022, people all over the state have been showing their support by painting and showing off their art. Rocks saying “Trans love” and billboards with rainbow flags showed the community’s opinions and support for covering the topic. Later that year, these signs were vandalized and painted over in dark, black-out paint. Signs were torn down and some flags lit on fire. 

This being the case outside of our high school, students and other members of the Morgan community have responded positively to the bulletin board. Gilbert said that she has “heard no negative feedback.” As people walk by, it often sparks conversation and people often express their appreciation for the effort to create a more inclusive atmosphere. “It’s important for everyone to understand these terms,” said one student from the GSA club who wished to remain anonymous. “It helps us support our friends and classmates who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, but who might not be as out-spoken or comfortable sharing about it.” 

This is a great sign for the GSA club because when they were discussing their ideas and possible setbacks, Gilbert said that their main inspiration was that they “wanted people who are a part of the community but not part of GSA to see themselves [in the board] and be able to see they are welcome and cared about at Morgan.”

Individually, and as a club, they feel they are reaching their goal, and even if not everyone agrees or understands the board, they are starting something new, and making people feel heard.