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Abstract
This retrospective study investigates 79 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) college students’ experiences attending high schools with gay-straight student alliances (GSAs). Responses to two, open-ended survey questions were analyzed thematically to identify reasons that underlie GSA non-membership and to model facets of GSAs that may impact the GSA-related experiences of LGBT youths. Three frames of reference for understanding GSA non-membership and perceptions of GSAs emerged. Implications for predicting GSA membership and identifying protective mechanisms of GSAs are outlined. Suggestions to help GSA leaders and advisors enhance specific aspects of GSAs that appear to be associated with positive perceptions of GSAs are also provided.
Notes
Generally, throughout this article we use the acronym LGBT because it accurately describes the participants in our sample. As the previous research is reviewed, we use terminology that best describes the participants included in the samples under study.
In the Integrated Model (), the six responses associating fear with GSA non-membership and the two responses associating a lack of awareness of one's LGBT identity with GSA non-membership are included in the frequency counts of their respective themes in Frame 2.