Support of Gay High School Athletes

http://www.khon2.com/2013/04/29/farrington-high-school-earns-national-recognition-for-gay-straight-alliance-club/


Many people have come out in support of Collin’s announcement from President Obama to Madonna.
But how does this affect local students especially student athletes.
For Malialina Derden the Gay-Strait Alliance support group at Farrington High School is her home away from home and it’s growing.
“I know GSA is something that me and my friend really look forward to it like we look forward to Friday when we meet, it like”where is GSA..lets go,” said Farrington High School junior Malialina Derden. Malialina, who is straight, joined GSA to be there and support her friends for whatever background they are from.
“I realized there are people that support and it just made a really big difference to me that we had something to rely on as students. Like we were safe on our own campus,” said Derden.
And on the Farrington High School campus a school known for its powerful athletic programs, the news of NBA player Jason Collins coming out struck a chord with many students.
“I definitely think there is a different standard depending on what situation they are in..so if you are in a situation where it a bit more macho that’s why it’s the step itself that is that makes it so great That you would come out even if you are facing all these things its inspirational,” Derden said.
And that inspiration along with hard work done by the Farrington High school GSA club means that on May 20th the club with be getting a national award in New York City for helping students.
“I wanted to cry actually when I first heard that we were be recognized out of all the schools in the nation. It just made me see that you can be from anywhere in the world like a small island like Hawaii and you can represent a nation,” said Jonah Saribay, a Farrington High School senior.