School reform for LGBT youth: A case study of GSAs.

Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) have become increasingly popular in America’s high schools, but research is lacking on the efficacy of GSAs for disrupting hostile school environments for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered youth. This case study highlights school practices that either strengthen or weaken antigay school environments and practices. Interviews were conducted with GSA student members, GSA advisors, high school principals, and district-level administrators in a large, metropolitan southeastern school district. Three themes are highlighted: (1) silence and passive resistance; (2) the provision of safe spaces; and (3) attempts and challenges to breaking the silence. The limitations of current efforts to establish positive school environments for sexual minority youth and the need for systemic school reform are discussed