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 Gay-Straight Alliances Only the Beginning of What's Really Needed, says IGLSS Research Emerges in Massachusetts Safe Schools Program |
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Compiled By GayToday
The IGLSS publication, Beyond Gay-Straight Alliances to Make Schools Safe for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Students, is based on a study by principal investigators Drs. Pat Griffin and Mathew Ouellett. The pilot study referred to in Going Beyond Gay-Straight Alliances is part of a larger research project looking at schools participating in the Massachusetts Safe Schools Program (MSSP). The MSSP is now in its tenth year. The researchers expect the study to be used nationally by advocates, school personnel and others who seek to have formal safe schools programs implemented in states outside Massachusetts. Griffin and Ouellet are faculty and adjunct lecturer, respectively, at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Although several states have voluntary school and community-based GSAs, Massachusetts was the first to create a Safe Schools Program and is the only state to include funding.
According to recent studies, many LGBT youth and youth perceived to be LGBT face psychological and physical danger in the school setting. Other studies also reveal that without appropriate support LGBT youth may struggle in isolation with important developmental tasks such as intimacy and self esteem. "Recent studies show that LGBT youth are at risk for harassment and bullying by their peers. Schools must create policies that address these concerns," said Griffin. "With regular turnover of student leadership and adult advisors, and without policies and support from school principals and other administrators, the lasting effects of a good GSA will be limited. The entire school setting must be involved," says Griffin. "There is no single strategy that can be employed to create safer schools," stated Roth. "There are many ways to try to help LGBT youth in today's high schools. GSAs are only the tip of the iceberg and are only doing part of the job." Final publications from the larger study looking at schools participating in the MSSP are scheduled to include a full report and a self-assessment workbook for schools. These are due for release in about 18 months. |
Amherst, Massachusetts-- According to a new study released today by the Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies (IGLSS), lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth are benefiting from the existence of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs). However, says IGLSS, they are only the beginning of what is really needed.
