High School Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and Young Adult Well-Being: An Examination of GSA Presence, Participation, and Perceived Effectiveness
Gay-Straight Alliances are student-run clubs in middle and high schools that work to create a safe space for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT). Together with their allies, LGBT students can express themselves and fight phobic behavior that occurs on their school campuses. This paper presents the results of research based on surveys given to LGBT youth between the ages of 21 to 25. These students voiced their experiences with their school’s GSA, and in particular discussed the group’s effectiveness in promoting a safe school environment.
Toomey, Russell B., Caitlyn Ryan, Rafael M. Diaz, and Stephen T. Russell. “High School Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and Young Adult Well-Being: An Examination of GSA Presence, Participation, and Perceived Effectiveness.” Applied Developmental Science. Vol. 15, No. 4. 7 November 2011. Web. 19 November 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217265/>.
The health and wellbeing of LGBTQI youth
This publication was written by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Youth and Student Organization (IGLYO), which “advocates for inclusive, accessible and appropriate healthcare for all LGBTQI young people.” This is a prime example of youth’s influence on issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Through this position paper, the authors identify the main health concerns for LGBTQI youth, address healthcare inequalities, and offer suggestions for improving health through accessible services.
“The health and wellbeing of LGBTQI youth.” International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Youth and Student Organization. 2013. Web. 19 November 2015. <http://issuu.com/iglyo/docs/health_and_wellbeing_of_lgbtqi_youth__/15?e=1124093/1948228>.
Working with Youth Online, Pg. 6
InsideOUT is a youth-run online peer education program that provides services to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth. The peer educators at InsideOUT answer youth’s questions about sexual health and the various issues that may be affecting them. Through this, they are able to mobilize youth and refer them to online resources and local service providers in their area. Many of the resources that youth are referred to have been created for specific populations, which help build unique and supportive online communities.
Gilliam, Jesse. “Working with Youth Online.” Advocates for Youth. Vol. 14, No. 1. October 2001. Pg. 6. Web. 19 November 2014. <http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/storage/advfy/documents/transitions1401.pdf>.