onight, we spotlight a powerful lifeline for queer youth: Gender and Sexuality Alliances, or GSAs. In a compelling Psychology Today article, Dr. Elizabeth J. Meyer shares how these student-led clubs are transforming schools into safer, more inclusive places where LGBTQ+ youth don’t just survive—but thrive.
Dr. Meyer writes,
“So many of the reasons students and staff enjoy school are due to the relationships and community we find and create there.”
That community often begins in GSAs—clubs that provide queer students and allies a safe space to connect, learn, and speak up. A national study cited in the article shows the deep impact of GSAs: 90% of students said they met new people and socialized, 87.6% learned about LGBTQ+ topics, 70% received emotional support, and nearly half discussed harassment and worked with staff to improve safety. But these clubs are more than just support groups. They’re leadership labs. Meyer explains how GSA activism helps in better mental health, higher academic engagement, and even a stronger sense of hope. Still, the potential of GSAs remains underused. Only 15% of clubs are working with district officials to advocate for inclusive policies. Dr. Meyer urges queer youth and their allies need supportive adults to help create such opportunities in their community. In a time when anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation are on the rise, GSAs offer more than belonging; they offer empowerment. And with stronger adult backing, they could help shape the future of education and equality for everyone.
