At a glance
- Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) are associated with improving school safety. And school safety is a key part of school connectedness for all students.
- Schools and local education agencies can create a plan to set up GSAs in schools. Similarly, schools can strengthen the GSA in schools that already have one.
Why it's important
Research specifically links Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to students' greater feelings of school connectedness. This is especially true for students identifying as LGBTQ+ identities.
GSAs are also linked to positive youth development and increasing young people's sense of purpose and self-esteem.
GSAs have also been linked to reduced risk of health outcomes such as:
- HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
- Experiences of violence.
- Illicit drug use and prescription drug misuse.
- Suicidal ideation.
Prevention benefits have been documented for heterosexual youth as well as LGBTQ+ youth.
Resources
- GSAN | Building Your GSA. This organization has resources for creating and strengthening GSAs.
- GLSEN | Gay-Straight Alliances. This organization also has resources for creating and strengthening GSAs.
- CDC | Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth. This web page summarizes research on factors—including GSAs—that have been found to improve health outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth.