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What is Safe Zone?
Safe Zone is a voluntary program designed to reduce prejudice and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Participants in the program display a Safe Zone symbol (for example on an office door) to show support and understanding of alternative lifestyles, creating “safe” places where bigotry and discrimination will not be tolerated. What does it mean if I see a Safe Zone symbol displayed? The Safe Zone symbol provides a message to members of the GLBT community (including students, faculty, and staff) that the person displaying the symbol is a person who has decided to be an active and visible ally, can be trusted to maintain confidentiality, and will respond to the individual with understanding, support, and empathy. If a GLBT individual wants help, advice, or just someone with whom they can talk, they can expect to be met with openness and respect in areas displaying the Safe Zone symbol. What does it mean to be an “ally”? According to Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language, an ally is someone “joined with another for a common purpose.” The Gender Education Center defines allies to the GLBT communities as “people who support us who may or may not be a part of our community. These are people who believe in the human rights of all people. Who demonstrate by their presence and actions, their acceptance and celebration of diversity among people.” [ Back to Top ] Anyone who is interested and willing to be an ally can join: faculty, students, administration and support staff and community members. Do I have to be gay to join Safe Zone? Displaying the Safe Zone symbol does NOT mean that you are GLBT, or that you will participate in any GLBT-related activities. Safe Zone is a voluntary organization whose members receive no payment. Safe Zone members agree to be aware of the presence of GLBT individuals, and work as an ally of these individuals. Safe Zone members agree to maintain confidentiality at work and comfortably use inclusive language, avoid stereotyping, and do not assume heterosexuality. Use the Contact Us link to request more information about the next Safe Zone meeting and/or training opportunity, and check our calendar for events. Who are the current members of Safe Zone? Use this link to view a listing, which is periodically updated. |
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