Challenging the Sounds of Silence

Abstract

We explore the efficacy of one increasingly familiar strategic intervention designed to disrupt antigay school environments—Gay–Straight Alliances (GSAs). Despite the increasing popularity of GSAs, there has been little research on the ways in which they do—and do not—impact school climate. The ubiquity of antigay and homophobic attitudes throughout schools highlights the importance of documenting the advantages and disadvantages of this tactical intervention. Using research with GSA student members, GSA advisors, high school principals, and district-level administrators from a case study of high schools, we identify school practices that either support or destabilize antigay school environments: Silence and passive resistance, the provision of safe spaces, and attempts and challenges to breaking the silence. We then explore the limitations of current efforts to create safe-school environments for sexual minority youth and end by discussing how systemic school reform efforts could be used to transform the broader social context.

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