The GSA Study - Results of National Surveys About Students’ and Advisors’ Experiences in Gender and Sexuality Alliance Clubs - Report

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Damian

The GSA Study presents results from national surveys examining students’ and advisors’ experiences in Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs. It describes the report’s focus on demographic composition, participation patterns, and factors shaping GSA attendance among LGBTQ students and allies. The study also covers GSA activities, resources, and challenges, detailing how club engagement supports student needs and influences LGBTQ student experiences. It is framed as a formal GLSEN research report with methodology and national context.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages104

Reading Time4 h 22 min

AccessFree to download

Preface

Executive Summary

INTRODUCTION

METHODS AND SAMPLE

PART ONE: DEMOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION OF GSAS AND GSA PARTICIPATION

Student Composition of GSAs

Student Participation in GSAs

GSA Meetings and Attendance

Benefits of GSA Participation

GSA Participation by Students’ Personal Characteristics

Reasons Why LGBTQ Students Do Not Attend GSAs

Differences in GSA Participation by School Characteristics

Differences in GSA Participation for Allies

GSA Student Involvement in Extracurricular Activities in School

PART TWO: GSA ACTIVITIES, RESOURCES, AND CHALLENGES

GSA Activities

Resources

GSA Challenges

The GSA Study: Results of National Surveys About Students’ and Advisors’Experiences in Gender and Sexuality Alliance Clubs A Report from GLSEN [www.glsen.org](www.glsen.org) The GSA Study: Results of National Surveys About Students’ and Advisors’Experiences in Gender and Sexuality Alliance Clubs by Nhan L. Truong, Ph. D. Caitlin M. Clark, Ph. D. Sarah Rosenbach Joseph G. Kosciw, Ph. D. National Headquarters 110 William Street, 30th Floor New York, NY 10038 Ph: 212-727-0135 Fax: 212-727-0254 DC Policy Office Make Office K Street 6th Floor, Attn: GLSEN 1015 15th Street, NW Washington, DC, 20005 Ph: 202-347-7780 Fax: 202-347-7781 [glsen@glsen.org](glsen@glsen.org)[ ](glsen@glsen.org)[www.glsen.org](www.glsen.org)[ ](www.glsen.org)© 2021 GLSEN ISBN 978-1-934092-34-7 When referencing this document, we recommend the following citation: Truong, N. L. , Clark, C. M. , Rosenbach, S. , & Kosciw, J. G. (2021) . The GSA Study: Results of National Surveys About Students’ and Advisors’ Experiences in Gender and Sexuality Alliance Clubs. New York: GLSEN. GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For more information on our educator resources, research, public policy agenda, student leadership programs, or development initiatives, [visit www.glsen.org](visit www.glsen.org). Cover photo collage descriptions from left to right: First row: 2020 GSA of the Year, Ilima intermediate school’s Rainbow Royales GSA taken by the Hawaii State Teachers Association; Nantucket High School’s GSA students march; and 2005 GLSEN Chicago march. Second row: 2019 GSA of the Year, LAMP High School’s Spectrum GSA; Students from Ponderosa High School’s GSA; and Students from GLSEN’s No Name Calling Week. Third row: Members of GLSEN’s 2016–2017 National Student Council; Gabrielino High School’s GSA in 2018; and GLSEN contingent in the 2017 NYC Pride parade. Graphic design: Adam Fredericks Electronic versions of this report and all other GLSEN research reports are available at [www.glsen.org/research](www.glsen.org/research). CONTENTS Preface ...........................................................................................................................................vii Acknowledgements ..........................................................................................................................xii Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................xiii INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1 METHODS AND SAMPLE .................................................................................................................. 5 PART ONE: DEMOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION OF GSAS AND GSA PARTICIPATION ................................. 13 Student Composition of GSAs .................................................................................................... 15 Student Participation in GSAs .................................................................................................... 17 GSA Meetings and Attendance............................................................................................... 17 Benefits of GSA Participation ................................................................................................ 17 GSA Participation by Students’ Personal Characteristics........................................................... 18 Differences in GSA Participation by LGBTQ Student

FAQs

What is the purpose of The GSA Study?

It reports national survey results about students’ and advisors’ experiences in Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs and examines participation, activities, resources, and challenges.

How does the study organize its findings?

Findings are organized into Part One on demographic composition and GSA participation, and Part Two on GSA activities, resources, and challenges.

Which groups and factors does the study address regarding GSA participation?

It considers LGBTQ students and allies, including differences in participation based on students’ personal characteristics and school characteristics.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Damian