Today is Iowa Pride Network's 5th annual Gay-Straight Alliance Day

Wednesday, January 26, 2011, the Iowa Pride Network (IPN), a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to helping lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight allied students (LGBTA) will celebrate its Fifth Annual Day to honor and recognize Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) —a group of gay and straight students working to end homophobia and transphobia in schools and colleges) on high school and college campuses across Iowa.

According to recent Iowa School Climate Surveys, nearly 38% of gay and lesbian students are physically harassed (pushed or shoved) and 21% are physically assaulted (kicked, punched or injured with a weapon) in Iowa schools because of their sexual orientation.

However, students with a GSA in their school are 23% less likely to be assaulted.