This past week was an important week in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community: Ally week. Ally week is a celebration of those people who stand up against bullying and harassment of LGBT youth. Westside participated in the national event.

Ally week, which began in 2005, was started by the committee of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). The idea behind the week was to celebrate those who make schools safe for everyone and encourage others to do so.

“Westside GSA sponsors this event believing that all students deserve to able to feel safe attending school, and those that actively support this belief, especially amongst LGBT youth, should be applauded,” said Westside LGBT sponsor Sue Stehly.

The week voiced numerous ways Westside students can support their fellow classmates. One way is taking an oath and by supporting a safe school environment through standing up to bullying and harassment.

Ally week’s second purpose is to show LGBT students they are supported by the Westside community.

GLSEN’s website identify allies as “those who do not identify as LGBT students, but support this community by standing against the bullying and harassment LGBT youth face in school.”

Ally week helps raise money for the LGBT cause, and serves as a main way to spread the word about the struggles facing LGBT youth. If you wanted to participate this year but missed out on the chance,  make sure to watch out for the awareness week next year.