Adult Advisor Efficacy to Support LGBTQ+ Youth as a Predictor of LGBTQ+ Youth's Experiences in Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and at School

Abstract

Introduction: Many LGBTQ+ youth seek support from adults at school, which can include advisors of Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs; clubs affirming LGBTQ+ youth). Little research has considered how efficacious advisors feel to support LGBTQ+ GSA members, or how advisors' efficacy contributes to LGBTQ+ youth's school experiences. Methods: We examined advisors' self-efficacy to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth (n = 30 advisors in 30 schools/GSAs; Mage = 44.74 years, SD = 10.55; 63% LGBQ+; 90% cisgender; 77% White). Utilizing three waves of data from 310 LGBTQ+ youth in these GSAs (Mage = 15.11 years, SD = 1.60; 98% LGBQ+; 55% trans/nonbinary; 50% youth of color), we analyzed three-level multilevel models to test whether LGBTQ+ youth in GSAs whose advisors reported greater LGBTQ+ self-efficacy reported more positive experiences within their GSA and in school over 6 months. Results: Advisors felt competent supporting LGBTQ+ youth, though responses on individual items covered the full range. LGBTQ+ youth in GSAs whose advisors reported greater LGBTQ+ self-efficacy at the beginning of the study felt that their advisors were more responsive to their needs, perceived a more open and respectful climate in their GSA, and felt greater school belonging over the study period. Advisor LGBTQ+ self-efficacy did not predict youth′s reported levels of victimization over the study period. Conclusions: Findings highlight that efficacious GSA advisors could promote safe and inclusive GSAs and schools for LGBTQ+ youth at a time when LGBTQ+ youth face heightened structural oppression, while indicating the need for professional development to enhance advisor efficacy.