Safer Sexual Diversity Climates: Lessons Learned from an Evaluation of Massachusetts Safe Schools Program for Gay and Lesbian Students

This article investigates students’ perceptions of the sexual diversity climate (SDC) in Massachusetts secondary schools, based on the implementation of the recommendations of the Safe Schools Program for Gay and Lesbian Students (SSP). Data were collected from 1,646 students in a stratified random sample of 33 schools. There were statistically significant positive differences in SDC where one or more of the SSP recommendations were implemented, with differential effects by gender. This study is designed to provide information to other states, municipalities, school systems, high schools, and individual teachers on ways to establish safer sexual diversity climates in schools to benefit all students.