Gay-Straight Alliances

What Are Some Of The Benefits of GSAs?

1. Participation in student-directed advocacy organizations and activities at school builds youth self-efficacy and gets youth involved in their greater community (Flanagan, 2004).
2. While schools are often found to be unsafe places for LGBT students, research indicates that the presence of a GSA is associated with greater safety for students. In fact, GSAs are linked to fewer student reports of harassment and victimization due to actual or perceived sexual orientation and better educational health outcomes (O’Shaughnessy et al., 2004). Notably, out of several strategies that are successful in promoting safety and well-being at school, GSAs appear to have the strongest influence on school climate for LGBT youth (Szalacha, 2003).
3. Friendships are critical to young peoples’ lives, and supportive friendships with other LGBT youth are shown to be especially beneficial for LGBT young people (Anderson, 1998). Gay-student alliances provide a space for LGBT youth to meet other LGBT young people and straight allies. These friendships are likely beneficial because they can discuss similar experiences and feelings straight youth may not understand and may give LGBT youth the sense that they are not alone.

Resources For Parents, Educators, and Students

• Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (www.glsen.org)
• GSA Network (www.gsanetwork.org)
• Safe Schools Coalition of Washington (www.safeschoolscoalition.org)

References