Gay–Straight Alliances: Understanding Their Impact on the Academic and Social Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning High School Students

mccormick, adam; schmidt, kathryn; clifton, emily;

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of gay–straight alliances (GSAs) on the social and academic experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youths. The limited research on GSAs suggests that they are associated with positive youth development and increased safety; however, little qualitative information exists on the issues of why GSA groups are effective. The current study examined the specific role that GSA groups play in the lives of LGBTQ high school students. Findings suggest that the normalizing process experienced in GSA groups has a profound positive effect on the social, academic, and familial experiences of LGBTQ youths.