LGBTQ-focused student-led, school-based clubs (often called gay-straight alliances, genders and sexuality alliances, or GSAs) are organizations composed of students and advisors that operate just like any other extracurricular club. In GSAs, LGBTQ youth and their student allies work together to promote social inclusion and a positive school climate for LGBTQ and all students.

Research shows that participating in a GSA benefits all students and that even the presence of a GSA in the school benefits all students.

Elle, a high school senior and founder of the Central Texas GSA Coalition, shares their perspective about the many benefits of GSAs for their community.