GSA (Gay/Straight Alliance) and GLBTQ Support Group

Recognizing the particular needs, concerns, and issues our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) students face, Seattle Public Schools encourages all high schools to provide some form of student support groups. We support all students and believe their physical and emotional safety is a high priority.

Many schools provide a variety of confidential support groups for a number of student populations. For example, schools may have girls' groups, or special education groups, or groups for students from other countries. Some schools also provide a confidential support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning students. These support groups are run by trained staff or counselors. Both GSA groups and confidential support groups strive to provide a safe school environment for all students.

Presently, groups are being run at twelve schools. Students who attend groups may be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning their sexuality, have parents or family members who are, or simply want to express support. Groups are generally co-facilitated by an on-site staff person and a trained community agency person.

The objectives of the group are to:

• Create a safe space for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and family members
• Increase school retention, reduce dropout and other high risk behaviors
• Allow youth to meet and connect with others who are having similar life experiences
• Provide an opportunity for youth to learn about gay and lesbian historical figures and role models
• Provide a vehicle for youth to learn about the gay community

The Comprehensive Health Education Office is coordinating these groups because our GLBTQ youth are at an increased risk for a number of serious health problems. GLBTQ youth:

• Are far more likely to make a suicide attempt which requires medical treatment
• Have increased risk of drug and alcohol problems
• Make up a significant percentage of Seattle's homeless youth
• Are more likely to report feeling unsafe at school and missing school due to feeling unsafe

The sites with active GSAs are:

• AS #1
• Ballard
• The Center School
• Eckstien
• Franklin
• Garfield
• Hamilton
• Nathan Hale
• Ingraham
• Rainier Beach
• Roosevelt
• Sealth
• West Seattle
• NOVA
• Salmon Bay
• Summit
• Whitman

For more information about GLBT support groups, please contact the Comprehensive Health Education Office at 252-0982.