Key Terms
Origin
Massachusetts, 1980s. First formal GSA: Salt Lake City, Utah, 1990s.
Name evolution
Gay-Straight Alliance → Gender-Sexuality Alliance → Queer Student Alliance; reflects expanding focus to include gender m
Result
Most data is self-reported (e.g., GLSEN surveys); many students go unaccounted for in official data systems.
CISNORMATIVITY
Viewing all people as cisgender (gender aligns with sex assigned at birth).
COMING OUT
Process of disclosing sexual orientation or gender identity to others. Also called "coming out of the closet."
GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCES
School-based organizations of LGBTQ+ youth and allies; support, advocacy, and social components.
HETERONORMATIVITY
Viewing all people as heterosexual (attracted to the "opposite" sex).
IDENTITY RECOGNITION
When LGBTQ+ individuals first identify their sexual or gender identity.
PFLAG
Formerly Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays; supports families and friends of LGBTQ+ people; advocates fo
TITLE IX
Federal law banning sex discrimination in federally funded schools; includes harassment for failing to conform to gender
TRANSITIONING
The social, legal, and/or medical process of affirming one's gender identity.