Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-4-2014
Publication Title
Journal of LGBT Youth
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Open Select
Volume
11
Issue
2
First page number:
150
Last page number:
170
Abstract
This article outlines how gay–straight alliances (GSAs) work to connect youth with community resources, and outlines the political and social context of GSAs in Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Fifteen individuals (youth, teachers, and a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer [LGBTQ] youth service provider) participated in interviews about the role of GSAs in creating supportive school environments for LGBTQ youth and their allies. Analyses of the interview data found that, apart from providing direct support to LGBTQ students, GSAs in Waterloo Region decrease isolation by connecting youth with other LGBTQ community members, events, and resources. This article discusses how the confluence of government and school board policy and community agency support facilitates the implementation, maintenance, and success of GSAs.
Keywords
Canada; Educational policy; Gay–straight alliances; LGBTQ youth; Minority stress; Teachers
Disciplines
Community Psychology | Education Policy | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies
File Format
File Size
212 KB
Language
English
Repository Citation
St. John, A.,
Travers, R.,
Munro, L.,
Liboro, R. M.,
Schneider, M.,
Greig, C. L.
(2014).
The Success of Gay–Straight Alliances in Waterloo Region, Ontario: A Confluence of Political and Social Factors.
Journal of LGBT Youth, 11(2),
150-170.
Taylor & Francis Open Select.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19361653.2014.878564
Included in
Community Psychology Commons, Education Policy Commons, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies Commons