Research Alert: February 28, 2023

Rural School- and Community-Based Programs Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth

In-school discrimination, bullying, and harassment faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) youth has been associated with many negative health outcomes, including higher rates of depression, substance use, and suicidality. For LGBTQ+ youth living in rural areas, these issues may be compounded by less visibility and fewer resources specifically for LGBTQ+ residents.

School-based clubs, such as Genders and Sexualities Alliances or Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), can be safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ students while also providing opportunities for students to advocate for change within their school and help foster a more inclusive school environment. Having a GSA has also been associated with many positive outcomes for LGBTQ+ students, including students reporting a higher sense of school belonging, being less likely to report feeling unsafe or being victimized because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and being more likely to have interventions from staff when hearing derogatory remarks. However, LGBTQ+ students in rural areas are much less likely to have a GSA at their school, with only 24% of rural students reporting having a GSA in 2021 compared with 42% of suburban and 36% of urban students.

This case series highlights examples of four school- and community-based organizations supporting LGBTQ+ youth, including two high school GSAs, one university LGBTQ+ center, and one community-based organization.

Additional Resources of Interest:

• More information about the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
• More information from the Rural Health Information Hub's topic guides: Mental Health, Rural Health Disparities, Schools and Health, Social Determinants of Health