Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs promote safer school environments for students.
GSAs typically refer to student-led, teacher-supported school clubs that serve
youth of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. This study
investigated the relationship between students’ awareness of school-based GSAs
and their bullying experiences, mental health, self-determination, and
relationships at school and home. Findings showed that LGBTQ2S+ students
experienced higher rates of bullying and symptoms of depression and scored lower
on self-determination subscales than cisgender heterosexual students.
Interestingly, students who were aware of their school’s GSA club scored higher
on the self-determination subscales regarding family relationships and lower on
bullying compared to students who were unaware of their school’s GSA club.
LGBTQ2S+ students had lower rates of comfort with their sexual orientation at
home and school than their cisgender heterosexual students. Implications and
future directions are discussed.