Describing Roles that Gay-Straight Alliances Play in Schools

Abstract Based on a broader qualitative study of organizational level changes in schools participating in Massachusetts' Safe Schools Program, the authors describe four roles that GSAs played in the twenty-two schools: counseling and support; “safe” space; primary vehicle for raising awareness, increasing visibility, and educating about LGBT issues in school; and, part of broader school efforts for raising awareness, increasing visibility, and educating about LGBT issues in school. The advantages and disadvantages of each role are discussed in terms of addressing broader issues of heterosexism in schools, providing safety for LGBT students, and sustaining long-term organizational level changes in schools.