Starting (or reigniting) GSA Spaces
This resource provides guidance for caring adults who wish to start or revitalize a Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) in their school.
Why is this important?
This resource provides guidance for caring adults who wish to start or revitalize a Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) in their school. It outlines the importance of GSAs and the various ways it can promote the mental health and well-being of students. It also offers practical steps for getting started while emphasizing the need to center the perspective and leadership of students.
How might I use this resource?
- Learn about the importance and significance of GSAs as a protective factor for student mental health and well-being.
- Increase your confidence in supporting 2S/LGBTQIA+ students and a GSA space by centring student leadership.
- Understand key steps or considerations when forming a new GSA space.
Bethell, C., Jones, J., Gombojav, N., Linkenbach, J., & Sege, R. (2019). Positive childhood experiences and adult mental and relational health in a statewide sample. JAMA Pediatrics, 173(11). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.3007
Di Stasio, M., Alston, L., & Harley, J. (2023). A Snapshot of Gay-Straight Alliance Clubs and Student Well-being in Western Canadian High Schools. Canadian Journal of School Psychology, 38(2), 144-158. https://doi.org/10.1177/08295735231170337
Egale. (2024). Affirming Adults: A Guide to Supporting Gender Diverse Children and Youth (p. 28, p. 33). https://egale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Affirming-Adults-Handbook_final.pdf
Gooding, A. R., Zaman, B. A., Harrell, S. J., Collins, S., Abelson, M. J., & Anderson-Nathe, B. (2023). Situated agency: How LGBTQ youth navigate and create queer(ed) space. Journal of LGBT Youth, 20(3), 524–544. https://doi.org/10.1080/19361653.2022.2089430
School Mental Health Ontario. (2026). HearNowON 2024: Ontario student perspectives on school mental health. https://smho-smso.ca/online-resources/hearnowon-2024/