In 2002, students in Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in the Triangle, along with adult volunteers from PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) and NCLYN (NC Lambda Youth Network)  founded the Triangle Gay Straight Alliance Network (TGSAN) and began working to connect and organize youth from the four GSAs that existed in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area.  The purpose of TGSAN was to organize and empower youth activists to combat homophobia and transphobia in schools, as well as serve as a way for students to meet each other and socialize. Over the next year, the Network experienced substantial growth, with the formation of nine additional GSAs. 

In October of 2003, a new non-profit organization called Safe SchoolsNC was founded in order to provide TGSAN with the support of a full-time staff, and to advocate for the safety and rights of all students through other programs. Safe SchoolsNC began coordinating and facilitating steering committee meetings to plan activities for TGSAN. These activities include a Gay Prom open to students of all sexual orientations, retreats for leaders of GSAs, and other social events.