Membrane electrode assembly comprising a first gas diffusion layer having a first microporous layer on a major surface thereof, wherein the first microporous layer has a major surface, wherein the major surface of the first microporous layer has discontinuous areas therein substantially free of microporous material, and wherein at least a portion of the first discontinuous areas has adhesive therein; and methods for making the same. Membrane electrode assemblies described herein are useful, for example, in fuel cells.