Promoting school safety for LGBTQ and all students

What does the research say?

Schools are often unsafe environments for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) students, who frequently experience negative or hostile school climates, including bullying and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. These negative experiences can threaten LGBTQ students’ well-being.

The research identifies four key evidence-based strategies that promote safety for both LGBTQ and all students:

1. Inclusive, Enumerated Policies

Enumerated policies explicitly list characteristics or traits of students that may be subject to bullying and harassment. These inclusive, enumerated policies are critical tools for creating safe and supportive schools for all youth. When such policies are present, teachers show more support for LGBTQ students and intervene more frequently when hearing anti-LGBTQ remarks.

Research shows that students protected by enumerated policies are less likely to report homophobic or transphobic attitudes, remarks, and behaviors toward LGBTQ peers. Multiple studies at state, national, and international levels have found that enumerated policies are associated with improved educational environments. In schools with these policies, LGBTQ students feel safer, hear less homophobic language, experience less identity-based victimization, report less absenteeism, and are at lower risk for suicide and substance use.

2. School Personnel Support and Training

Support from school personnel (administrators, educators, and staff) is critical for promoting safety and well-being of vulnerable students. Studies show that when LGBTQ youth view school personnel as supportive, they feel safer at school, report less absenteeism, experience less victimization based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, feel a greater sense of belonging, and maintain higher grade point averages.

Professional development for school personnel on LGBTQ issues builds empathy, awareness, and self-efficacy, developing actionable supportive behaviors for LGBTQ students. Training that incorporates exposure to LGBTQ people raises awareness of homophobic bullying and builds teachers’ skills to intervene in homophobic behaviors.

3. Student-Led Clubs (GSAs)

Student-led, LGBTQ-focused, school-based clubs (often called gender-sexuality alliances or GSAs) are organizations composed of students and advisors that operate like other extracurricular clubs. In 2018, national data reported that 40% of students across the U.S. attend schools with a GSA or similar club.

Participation in GSAs is consistently associated with positive outcomes, including higher grade point averages, increased school belonging, feeling safer at school, and better mental health. Simply having an active GSA at school benefits both LGBTQ and heterosexual students. In a national survey, LGBTQ students in schools with GSAs reported less bullying based on sexual orientation or gender identity, less homophobic language, and a greater sense of belonging.

Additionally, a meta-analysis showed that LGBTQ students with GSAs in their schools are 36% more likely to feel safe and 30% less likely to report homophobic victimization compared to LGBTQ students in schools without GSAs.

4. Access to LGBTQ-Related Resources and Curricula

Providing students access to LGBTQ-related resources and LGBTQ-inclusive curricula is an effective strategy for creating safe and supportive schools. These resources can include information and support services in libraries, on school websites, or through posters on classroom and hallway walls.

Research shows that when students know how to access appropriate and accurate information regarding LGBTQ people at school, they feel their schools are safer for themselves and other LGBTQ students. Students who learn about LGBTQ issues at school report less bullying, greater safety, less absenteeism, and less homophobic language and negative remarks based on gender expression in their schools.

Why is it important?

This research on promoting safety for LGBTQ students is important for several compelling reasons:

First, it addresses a critical public health concern. LGBTQ students frequently experience hostile school environments where they face bullying and discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. These negative experiences can significantly threaten LGBTQ students’ well-being, leading to higher rates of negative physical and mental health outcomes compared to their peers.

Second, the research identifies evidence-based solutions that work. Rather than merely documenting problems, this research provides concrete, actionable strategies that schools can implement. The four key approaches (enumerated policies, professional development, GSAs, and inclusive resources) have been consistently shown to create safer environments where LGBTQ students experience less victimization, feel more connected to school, and achieve better academic outcomes.

Third, these strategies benefit all students, not just LGBTQ youth. The research demonstrates that inclusive policies, well-trained staff, student organizations promoting respect, and comprehensive resources create positive school climates that enhance safety and belonging for everyone in the school community. This universal benefit makes implementation more appealing and sustainable.

Finally, this research provides critical guidance for multiple stakeholders—policymakers, school personnel, parents, and students—empowering each group with specific actions they can take. By offering clear recommendations tailored to different roles, the research bridges the gap between academic findings and practical implementation, increasing the likelihood that these evidence-based strategies will be adopted in schools.

What are the implication for education?

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