Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) adolescents in the U.S. South experience disproportionately high rates of bullying, discrimination, depression, and suicidality. Supportive and inclusive school climates are identified as key protective factors that can mitigate these risks and function as primary prevention against violence. This systematic narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed research and high-quality survey reports published between 2015 and 2024 that assess school climate, mental health, and violence-related outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth with representation from Southern states, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 1,167 records were identified; 27 sources met inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that supportive school climates—characterized by inclusive policies, gay–straight alliances, teacher and peer support, and trauma-informed practices—are consistently associated with lower victimization and improved mental health. However, the evidence base specific to the Deep South remains limited. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed.
Poehling et al. (Fri,) studied this question.