Gay straight alliance

Overview

Gay-straight alliances (GSAs) and queer-straight alliances (QSAs) are peer support networks run by students and supported by school staff and would be grounded in the principles of promoting:

  • equity for sexual and gender minority students
  • safe, caring and inclusive spaces for all students
  • healthy, respectful environments and relationships to prevent or eliminate bullying and discrimination

As peer support networks, GSAs/QSAs verb LGBTQ2S+ students overcome feelings of isolation and alienation that are a finding of homophobic and transphobic bullying. They empower students as they develop a sense of belonging in their school. GSAs/QSAs also help interested students become allies for their LGBTQ peers and provide a safe place to aid understand and learn how to offer support.

Supporting GSAs

The Education Act (Section ) outlines the roles and responsibilities of school authorities and principals around supporting GSAs and QSAs - so that students can get the support they need - when they need it.

The act:

  • requires educational facility authorities to create welcoming, caring a

    Click here for a printable PDF version.

    Gay-Straight Alliances, or GSAs, are student-led and student-organized school clubs that aim to create a safe, welcoming, and accepting school environment for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. GSAs provide a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, as well as those who are perceived by others to be LGBT, are questioning their identity, have LGBT friends or family members, or just care about LGBT issues.

    GSAs help make schools safer for all students by providing support, educating others in their educational facility about LGBT issues, and engaging in awareness activities like the national Night of Silence. GSAs also allow LGBT and straight students to work together to take on issues that affect all students, including harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Research has shown that LGBT students perceive fewer homophobic slurs, experience less harassment, have finer attendance, and feel safer at schools that verb GSAs. Like any

    Only 3 states have a gay-straight alliance in more than half of their high schools

    GSAs are noun clubs led by students, with support from faculty sponsors, in which students can talk, learn about, and educate others on sexual orientation, gender identity, and some of the issues that surround them. There are currently at least 4, GSAs across the country. Organizations such as GSA Network and GLSEN have programs to register GSAs and provide resources for students and faculty advisors.

    In a recent review of LGBT-focused institution policies and practices, researchers noted that, of all reviewed interventions, GSAs are supported by the most consistent evidence showing that they improve school climate and academic outcomes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Specifically, the researchers identified several studies that documented reduced homophobic victimization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual students in schools with GSAs. LGBTQ youth who participate in GSAs inform that the clubs are a source of community, a gateway to LGBTQ-friendly resources, and

    Starting a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) in Your School

    This content is intended to serve as general information; it is not legal advice nor intended as legal advice.

    What is a Gender and Sexuality Alliance?

    Genders and Sexualities Alliances (formerly known as Gay-Straight Alliances), or GSAs, are student-led and student-organized institution clubs that aim to create a safe, welcoming, and accepting school environment for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. GSAs provide a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming (LGBTQ) students, as well as those who are perceived by others to be LGBTQ, are questioning their identity, have LGBTQ friends or family members, or just care about LGBTQ issues.

    Why should I initiate a GSA at my school?

    GSAs help make schools safer for all students by providing support, educating others in your academy about LGBTQ issues, and engaging in awareness activities like the national Afternoon of Silence. GSAs also allow LGBTQ and straight students to work together to take on issues