Carolyn M Porta1, Erin Singer2, Christopher J Mehus3, Amy L Gower4, Elizabeth Saewyc5,6, Windy Fredkove1, Marla E Eisenberg4. 1. School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 5-160 Weaver Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. 2. School of Social Work, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467. 3. Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. 4. Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. 5. School of Nursing & Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine. 6. Stigma and Resilience among Vulnerable Youth Centre, University of British Columbia School of Nursing, T201-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 2B5, BC, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) are school-based clubs that can contribute to a healthy school climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. While positive associations between health behaviors and GSAs have been documented, less is known about how youth perceive GSAs. METHODS: A total of 58 LGBTQ youth (14-19 years old) mentioned GSAs during go-along interviews in 3 states/provinces in North America. These 446 comments about GSAs were thematically coded and organized using Atlas.ti software by a multidisciplinary research team. RESULTS: A total of 3 themes describe youth-perceived attributes of GSAs. First, youth identified GSAs as an opportunity to be members of a community, evidenced by their sense of emotional connection, support and belonging, opportunities for leadership, and fulfillment of needs. Second, GSAs served as a gateway to resources outside of the GSA, such as supportive adults and informal social locations. Third, GSAs represented safety. CONCLUSIONS: GSAs positively influence the physical, social, emotional, and academic well-being of LGBTQ young people and their allies. School administrators and staff are positioned to advocate for comprehensive GSAs. Study findings offer insights about the mechanisms by which GSAs benefit youth health and well-being.
BACKGROUND: Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) are school-based clubs that can contribute to a healthy school climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. While positive associations between health behaviors and GSAs have been documented, less is known about how youth perceive GSAs. METHODS: A total of 58 LGBTQ youth (14-19 years old) mentioned GSAs during go-along interviews in 3 states/provinces in North America. These 446 comments about GSAs were thematically coded and organized using Atlas.ti software by a multidisciplinary research team. RESULTS: A total of 3 themes describe youth-perceived attributes of GSAs. First, youth identified GSAs as an opportunity to be members of a community, evidenced by their sense of emotional connection, support and belonging, opportunities for leadership, and fulfillment of needs. Second, GSAs served as a gateway to resources outside of the GSA, such as supportive adults and informal social locations. Third, GSAs represented safety. CONCLUSIONS: GSAs positively influence the physical, social, emotional, and academic well-being of LGBTQ young people and their allies. School administrators and staff are positioned to advocate for comprehensive GSAs. Study findings offer insights about the mechanisms by which GSAs benefit youth health and well-being.
Authors: Carolyn M Porta; Heather L Corliss; Jennifer M Wolowic; Abigail Z Johnson; Katie Fritz Fogel; Amy L Gower; Elizabeth M Saewyc; Marla E Eisenberg Journal: J LGBT Youth Date: 2017-01-13
Authors: Carolyn M Porta; Heather L Corliss; Jennifer M Wolowic; Abigail Z Johnson; Katie Fritz Fogel; Amy L Gower; Elizabeth M Saewyc; Marla E Eisenberg Journal: J LGBT Youth Date: 2017-01-13
Authors: Amy L Gower; Myriam Forster; Kari Gloppen; Abigail Z Johnson; Marla E Eisenberg; John E Connett; Iris W Borowsky Journal: Prev Sci Date: 2018-08
Authors: Amy L Gower; G Nic Rider; Camille Brown; Barbara J McMorris; Eli Coleman; Lindsay A Taliaferro; Marla E Eisenberg Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2018-10-19 Impact factor: 5.043
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