Safe Zone How To
What May I Expect?
As a result of posting a Safe Zone sticker or window cling:
- You may find that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, faculty, and staff censor their speech less, providing a more genuine exchange with you.
- You may find that students, faculty, and staff will be more at ease and will anticipate a non-judgmental atmosphere in your workplace.
- You may never notice a difference in the interactions you have with students, faculty, and staff, but you will make a difference.
- You will make a personal contribution to improving ISU's campus environment and the lives of its community members.
How To Be a "Safe Zone"
There are many things that you can do to make you and your workspace feel like a Safe Zone for LGBT students and colleagues. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Believe that our campus is enriched and enlivened by the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.
- Be aware of the presence of LGBT students, faculty, and staff and be willing to engage in genuine dialog and interaction.
- Be willing to discuss issues impacting LGBT people's lives in a non-judgmental manner.
- Know LGBT resources and be willing to refer students to support and information resources on campus and in the community.
- Comfortably use inclusive language, avoid stereotyping, and do not assume everyone is heterosexual.
- Maintain confidentiality.
What Else Can I Do
- Acquaint yourself with lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders. Learn more about LGBT culture by reading books, making friends, attending functions, and celebrating!
- Challenge homophobia and heterosexism (e.g. remarks, jokes, behaviors, cartoons, language, etc.)
- Continue to educate yourself about the "coming out" process.
