Members of the Glendale Teachers Association contributed to the success of “Ally Week” at Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS), promoting the school as a safe place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning students. This local effort, which ran Oct. 30-Nov. 3, followed a national event in September organized by the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and local Gay Straight Alliances.

Glendale Teachers Association member Christina Manukyan, GTA Secretary David Platt, GTA Vice President Alicia Harris, and GTA member Amber McLeod show their support for LGBTQ+ students at a Crescenta Valley HS football game.

Ally Week is a response to the anti-LGBTQ+ bullying that is unfortunately commonplace in many schools. By providing a supportive environment and encouraging students, staff, parents and community to identify as “allies,” the week’s activities were designed to raise awareness and assure LGBTQ+ students that school is a safe, supportive and bully-free zone.

CVHS teachers and GTA members Nareg Keshishian, Kimberly Mathias, Jennifer Waters and Shannon Marshall proudly show that they are allies for LGBTQ+ students.

“I’m proud that our school is standing in support of LGBT students,” said Glendale Teachers Association Vice President Alicia Harris, who teaches AP Government at CVHS. “Ally Week reminds all students that this is a safe school that they can count on the staff and other students for the support they need and deserve.”

Among the activities during the week were an ally-themed football game, rallies, and performances by members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. The school promoted the week with banners, posters, bracelets, T-shirts, and other decorations.

Members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles cap off Crescenta Valley High School’s Ally Week