Abstract: My study attempts to answer questions associated with running a gay-straight alliance (GSA) in high schools. I studied four, large urban high schools, three of which had gay-straight alliances and one that formerly had a GSA, but the club is now defunct. By identifying the unforeseen obstacles to running a GSA, describing what happens at gay-straight alliance meetings, and by identifying support networks utilized by club leadership, I hope to inform the process of running a GSA and to provide schools with necessary information to develop and run these clubs successfully. After interviewing GSA advisors, GSA presidents, and assistant principals at each site, and after observing gay-straight alliance meetings, I found four major obstacles to running a GSA: lack of student participation, insufficient resources, interference with the club by the school community, and insufficient club leadership from the adults involved with the club. The average number of students at the club meeting was twelve. Most of the students were girls. The meetings I observed took place during the lunch period. The students socialized and ate their lunches for the majority of the meeting time. The business portion of the meetings consisted of planning events or open-ended discussions. Only one club moderator was directly involved with the club meetings. The other three moderators were there to supervise, but did not participate in the club's activities. The club presidents at all four sites said that they used the Gay-Straight Alliance Network website for support. One club president received guidance in running the club from his father. Three of the four club presidents said that the success of the club rested solely on their shoulders. My study illuminated the importance of structure and guidance when managing a club of teenagers. Although the Gay-Straight Alliance Network advises moderators to take a hands-off approach to running a GSA, I believe this hands-off approach is detrimental to the success of GSAs. Adults in the school community should take a more active role to support GSAs.