Stetson University Safe Zone Program
Sponsored by the Cross-Cultural Center, the Safe Zone program is designed to improve visibility and support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA) students and employees.
Individuals who display a Safe Zone Ally placard identify themselves as someone who has completed Safe Zone training. The Safe Zone symbol is a message to students who identify as LGBTQIA and colleagues that an employee has participated in the Safe Zone training and is committed to increasing their knowledge of and sensitivity to LGBTQIA issues.
What does it mean to be a Safe Zone Ally?
Individuals who agree to display the Safe Zone Ally placard agree to be aware of the presence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Safe Zone allies also believe that campuses and communities are enriched by the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and are willing to assist individuals in accessing support and information resources on campus and in the community. Safe Zone allies also agree to maintain confidentiality at work and comfortably use inclusive language, avoid stereotyping, and do not assume heterosexuality. Allies will encourage those who have experienced or witnessed acts of bias, bigotry or hate on our campus to report those experiences so they can be addressed. Finally, Safe Zone allies agree to be positive, supportive and affirming to students, staff and faculty who wish to talk about being LGBTQA.
Do I have to be LGBTQ to be a Safe Zone Ally?
Displaying a Safe Zone placard does not mean that you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. It means you are supportive of the needs of others and willing to learn about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.