Forest Lawn High School students invite Albertans to change the way we treat each other

« Students of Forest Lawn High School’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and Antyx Community Arts have produced a video that highlights the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) students in their high school, and the difference a GSA can make.

Grade 11 student Sam Dyck says the benefits of having a GSA at Forest Lawn High School are transformative. “It’s a completely different world. Instead of us being invisible in the school and hiding out, it has a changed the whole perception of our school. It makes the whole school vibe more inclusive.”

The video was written, filmed and designed by the students. It is supported by a hashtag campaign (#safeAB) that encourages Albertans to share their ideas or thoughts on how to keep schools and communities safe and supportive for all students.

The students asked people from local theatre companies, religious organizations, social activists, teachers, students and other community members to participate in the video, called “#safeAB: Changing The Way We Treat Each Other.” It launched at a special screening at Forest Lawn High School on Friday, Feb. 6.

See the video here: student created Extended Version & Short Version
More information about this campaign, along with the video, can be found at www.antyx.org/safeab

This project was funded by The Calgary Foundation and supported by Calgary Sexual Health, Calgary GSA Network and Emmedia Gallery & Production.

Antyx Community Arts is funded by United Way, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Calgary Arts Development, Family & Community Support Services and Calgary After School. »

-submitted by Kevin Jesuino/Antyx Community Arts
Read Antyx’s profile in ArtBridges’ Community-Engaged Arts Directory and Map