| Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) -- student-led extracurricular clubs that provide support and challenge biased and discriminatory behaviors and practices in school -- can help to create safer and more inclusive schools, particularly for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth. There is little empirical research examining differential access to and participation in GSAs. Using data from a national survey of LGBT secondary school students (N=6,207, 64.4% White, 57.8% female), this study examined differences in GSA participation by race/ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation on two measures: frequency of attending club meetings and taking on a leadership role. Results from hierarchical linear regression and binary logistic regression analyses indicated that race/ethnicity and gender identity significantly predicted GSA participation (p<.05). Black and Latino/a youth were less likely than White youth, and males were less likely than female or transgender youth to participate in their school's GSA. Findings highlight a need for further research examining barriers to GSA participation. |
