Safe Zone
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 and who 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
- Believe that campuses and communities are enriched by the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals
- Are willing to assist individuals in accessing support and information resources on campus and in the community
- Agree to maintain confidentiality at work and use inclusive language, avoid stereotyping and do not assume heterosexuality
- Encourage those who have experienced or witnessed acts of bias, bigotry or hate at our university to report those experiences so they can be addressed
- Agree to be positive, supportive and affirming to students, staff and faculty who wish to talk about being LGBTQIA
Do I have to be LGBTQIA to be a Safe Zone Ally?
No. Displaying a Safe Zone placard does not mean that you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. It simply means you are supportive of the needs of others and are willing to learn about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.