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Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Title:Rural Dominance in GSA/LGBTQ+ Student Organizations Compared to Urban Spaces
Research has shown that LGBTQ+ youth tend to receive less support in school environments than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. While evidence suggests that supports for LGBTQ+ youth predict positive mental health outcomes, support levels may vary based on geographic factors. Recognizing how LGBTQ+ support changes due to population density may inform political legislation that creates affirming school settings nationally. To explore this, we administered a nationwide survey to LGBTQ+ people aged 13-17 (Mage = 15.552, SDage = 1.17) about their experiences with school support based on gender identity and sexual orientation. 808 participants were asked if teachers supported their identities, whether they felt safe and accepted given their identities, and whether their schools had Genders and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs)/LGBTQ+ student organizations. Using RUCC scores derived from participants’ zip codes, we conducted a multivariate analysis to examine whether rurality predicts LGBTQ+ supports. Results indicated that students who attended schools with an LGBTQ+ student organization were significantly more likely to live in rural areas than urban areas. While this data contradicts assumptions that urban areas would be more likely to have LGBTQ+ student organizations, our findings demonstrate how groups may improve LGBTQ+ youth well-being in rural populations and how targeted policy endeavors may expand resources in these marginalized communities.
Jack Hanson, B.M. is a researcher and aspiring clinical psychologist interested in developing anti-suicide and trauma-focused interventions, particularly among LGBTQ+ people. Their research seeks to combine culturally-competent care and evidence-based practices to improve mental well-being. Having studied at New York University and Columbia University, Jack has researched person perception, stereotyping, and bias under Dr. Jon Freeman as well as obsessive-compulsive and related disorders under Dr. Fugen Neziroglu. Currently, Jack works as a 988 Lifeline Counselor, providing support to those in crisis. They plan to improve mechanisms in treatment models, aiming to help people achieve greater mental health outcomes.