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The GSA Network
The Iowa GSA Network empowers students in their mission to foster inclusive spaces through GSAs. Designed with LGBTQ and allied students, educators, and advisors in mind, the network is a source of resources, support, and connection of GSAs statewide.
What is a GSA?
Gay-Straight Alliances or Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) are student-run clubs or groups in schools that serve as a safe space for all students, regardless of their orientation or gender identity/expression.
GSAs provide a place for students to meet, support and listen to each other about their experiences, talk about issues related to orientation and gender identity/expression, and work to end homophobia and transphobia in their school.
Why should I have a GSA at my school?
Because visibility saves lives—and community builds confidence.
And the research backs it up.
- Safety & Belonging: Students in schools with GSAs are more than 50% likely to feel safe in school and have less harassment than students that attend schools with no GSA.¹
- Supportive Staff: In those same schools, 68% of the students say that “there are many supportive staff members”, compared to 47% in schools without a GSA. ²
- Better Climate for Everybody: Staff are most likely to intervene when they hear biased language or bullying where there exist GSAs- helping create an overall more respectful and inclusive environment. ²
- Academic & Mental Health Benefits: Students in schools with GSAs have higher GPAs, are more likely to continue education beyond high school, and have lower rates of depression and suicidal ideation. ³
1. CDC (2020). School Health Profiles: Practices and Policies Related to LGBTQ+ Students.
2. GLSEN (2021). National School Climate Survey.
3. Poteat, V. P., Sinclair, K. O., DiGiovanni, C. D., Koenig, B. W., & Russell, S. T. (2013). “Gay–Straight Alliances Are Associated With Student Health: A Multischool Comparison.” Journal of Research on Adolescence.
What is the GSA Network?
The Iowa GSA Network is a program of Iowa Safe Schools, designed to empower students on their mission to create safe spaces through their GSAs. It is designed to provide resources and assistance to LGBTQ and allied students as well as the educators and advisors who support them. The Network assists students interested in starting a GSA at their school, and connects GSAs around the state. The GSA Network’s ultimate goal of enriching the lives of LGBTQ youth is accomplished through partnerships with student leaders, collaboration with GSA advisors and community members, as well as organizations and companies throughout the state. The Network offers resources, support, and direct interactives services to GSAs, students, and their advisors. GSAs who join the GSA Network are provided an e-toolkit of materials and ideas to help the group:
- Support students who have been victims of bullying, harassment, or assault
- Build a space where students can express themselves and live their truth
- Problem solve issues within the group and create a strong foundation for the GSAs continued success
- Create positive change in their school and community
Why Should Our GSA Become a Member of the GSA Network?
There are so many ways that Iowa Safe Schools supports GSAs!
The GSA Network also helps groups connect with each other! Iowa Safe Schools believes that students should collaborate with and support each other, and we help provide spaces and opportunities for GSAs to do just that.
Whether your GSA has been around for years, or you are interested in starting a GSA for the first time at your school, Iowa Safe Schools wants to support the work your group is doing to create safe and inclusive schools and communities for LGBTQ youth!
Members of the GSA Network receive individualized support and resources for their group, as well as assistance to groups who are facing road blocks or issues from inside (or outside) of the group.
