FAQs: About GLSEN Research

What does GLSEN's Research Department do?

The Research Department supports GLSEN's mission by conducting research and creating resources that document anti-LGBT bias in education (K-12 schools) and examines the utility of GLSEN's recommended resources and interventions for creating safer schools for all students.

The Research Department's work falls under two main categories: primary research and evaluation research. Primary research encompasses original research, such as the groundbreaking National School Climate Survey (NSCS), a biennial study that documents LGBT issues in education, the impact of school climate on achievement and the benefits of school supports, such as student clubs, supportive teachers and comprehensive safe school policies. The Research Department's evaluation work examines the effect of GLSEN's programs and resources and provides critical feedback for improving them. In 2004, they completed an evaluation report on GLSEN's No Name Calling Week program and are currently finishing an evaluation on the Jump-Start National Leadership Team.

The Research Department also provides research-related technical assistance as well as important research tools, such as the Local School Climate Survey (LSCS), which was designed to be used by educators and students in their own communities.

How do I get copies of GLSEN's research reports?

Research reports can be downloaded for free from our website. You can also purchase hardcopies of the 2005 National School Climate Survey and From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America. Please visit the GLSEN Store for ordering information.

Does GLSEN have research that is specific to my state or local community?

In 2006, the Research Department completed several state reports as part of From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America. Research reports for the following states are available online:

• ARIZONA
• FLORIDA
• GEORGIA
• ILLINOIS
• MICHIGAN
• MISSOURI
• NEW YORK
• NORTH CAROLINA
• OHIO
• PENNSYLVANIA
• TEXAS
• VIRGINIA

The Research Department does not have the capacity to complete research reports specific to every state, or at a local-level. If you are looking for state- or local-level research, you should contact a GLSEN Chapter in your area. You could also look for university researchers in your state or locale who are conducting research on LGBT issues and/or education issues.

In addition, the Research Department has created the Local School Climate Survey (LSCS), a tool for individuals who are interested in doing safer schools research in their own communities. A copy of the survey instrument can be downloaded from our website: CLICK HERE

Where can I find other research on LGBT youth?

Recommended Readings:

Harris Interactive (2001). Hostile Hallways: Bullying, Teasing, and Sexual Harassment in School. Washington, D.C.: American Association of University Women Educational Foundation. Available at: http://www.aauw.org/research/girls_education/hostile.cfm

Human Rights Watch (2001). Hatred in the Hallways: Violence and Discrimination Against LGBT Students in U.S. Schools. New York: Human Rights Watch.

Kumashiro, Kevin K. (Ed.) (2001). The Troubling Intersections of Race and Sexuality: Queer Students of Color and Anti-Oppressive Education. New York: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

Sears, James T. (Ed.) (2005). Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Issues in Education: Programs, Policies, and Practices. New York: Harrington Park Press.

Journal of Adolescent Health

Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services

Journal of Homosexuality

Journal of LGBT Youth

Journal of Youth & Adolescence

School Psychology Quarterly

Other resources:

State-level Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS): Biennial surveys of adolescents about various types of risk behaviors, including harassment and assault in school. Surveys from the following states include research on LGB and/or other sexual minority adolescents: California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. Visit Gaydata.org or individual state YRBS sites for more information.

I'm conducting research about LGBT issues in education and I would like GLSEN's help in obtaining participants. What should I do?

All research projects (including anonymous online surveys) must be reviewed and approved by GLSEN's Research Ethics Review Committee (RERC), before we can assist you.

If you are a researcher (e.g., university professor, graduate student) who:

would like GLSEN people (staff, student organizers, chapter members) to participate in a study, or

would like to involve the use of GLSEN resources (e.g., listservs, member lists) in a study

please contact the Research Department directly, at glsenresearch@glsen.org.

Do not contact other GLSEN staff, chapter members, student organizers or volunteers directly about your research study. If staff, chapter members, student organizers or volunteers are contacted about non-GLSEN sponsored research, they will forward the request to the Research Department. They are not permitted to assist with non-GLSEN research until it has been approved by the Research Ethics Review Committee.

Who should I contact if I have questions about GLSEN's research?

For questions regarding GLSEN's research, please sened inquires to glsenresearch@glsen.org.