Youth are coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning at younger and younger ages, in middle schools and high schools across the country. Far too many face pervasive harassment and violence at school because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Research shows that youth harassed on the basis of sexual orientation are:
More than twice as likely to report depression and seriously consider suicide
More likely to report low grades, smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs
More likely to become victims of violence
3 times as likely to carry a weapon
3 times as likely to report missing school in the last 30 days
While youth who are harassed report weaker connections to school and less support from teachers and other adults, research shows students with SAGA clubs at their school feel safer and more supported.
According to the Preventing School Harassment Survey, students in California schools with a SAGA club:
experienced less harassment based on sexual orientation
experienced less harassment based on gender non-conformity
were more likely to feel safe at school
were more likely to feel school is safe for LGBT students and gender non-conforming students
reported stronger youth resilience factors, such as connections with supportive adults at school
SAGA clubs can successfully decrease harassment and increase school safety for LGBTQ students.
(From http://www.gsanetwork.org/about-us)