Safe Zone Program

Planned Safe Zone Workshops for Fall 2012:
Tuesday, November 13
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Scott Hall - See Resident Assistant Michelle Paradiso for details

Wednesday, November 14
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Shea Durgin - See Resident Assistant Gabre Winters for details
 

The Safe Zone program assists individuals who want to be allies to or simply learn more about the GLBT community. Participants who take the Safe Zone training can become officially recognized allies by pledging to non-judgmentally listen to GLBTA students, faculty, and staff. Upon pledging, allies receive a placard to prominently display in their office space or residence hall room.

By displaying the Safe Zone placard, pledging to listen non-judgmentally to GLBT students who confide in them, and confronting anti-gay slurs, GLBT allies are fostering a campus environment of respect and safety.

The Safe Zone program provides learning opportunities on how to support GLBT students, colleagues, family members and friends; effectively respond to anti-GLBT statements and behaviors; and put your commitment to GLBT equality into action. In other words, the Safe Zone program assists individuals who want to be allies to or simply learn more about the realities and issues facing the GLBT community.

How do I attend the Safe Zone trainings?
Contact the director of the Pride Center, Lisa "Lee" Forest, for departmental, classroom, office, and student club or organization training sessions upon request. Safe Zone trainings have a 6 person minimum. Contact Lee at lisa.forest@bridgew.edu for more details.

How do I become an ally?
Everyone who completes the Safe Zone training will be eligible to become an officially recognized ally by the GLBTA Pride Center. Following the training, potential allies will be given the opportunity to pledge to be a safe and supportive person for GLBT students and employees. If you decide to sign the pledge, you will receive the placard and a button to display.  View the list of the official BSU Safe Zone Allies.

Primary goals of the BSU Safe Zone:

  • To increase the overall campus community's understanding and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues
  • To provide a greater sense of safety for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community
  • To challenge prejudice and discrimination toward the GLBT community
What an Ally offers:
  • A safe place
  • A resource of people and places
  • A person who is informed about the issues facing the GLBT community
  • A person who can provide comfort
  • A person who can maintain confidence
  • A person who will just listen
What an Ally is not:
  • Not necessarily a counselor
  • An expert on all topics related to GLBT issues or concerns
  • Perfect

Last Modified: September 18, 2012