Safe Zones

What is an Ally?

Understands his/her responsibility to be concerned with the treatment of others.
Appreciates LGBTQIA+ people as experts of their own life experiences and realizes that they a can learn from LGBTQIA+persons and their allies.
Appreciates the diversity of our community and views LGBTQIA+ people as a valid part of that diversity.
Becomes aware of the societal beliefs and influences that face LGBTQIA+ people and knows that these experiences might make them hesitant to trust an ally.
Expects to make some mistakes, and does not use any feelings of guilt to become an ineffective ally or as an excuse for non-action.
Has a sense of humor.
Has good intentions that can be seen and felt.
Is able to identify harmful jokes or acts and challenges these behaviors as often as he/she can without being defensive, sarcastic, or threatening, especially when LGBTQIA+ persons are unable to safely do so themselves.
Is comfortable saying the words: gay, lesbian, and transgender. Is working to develop an understanding of homosexuality and the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.
Is concerned about LGBTQIA+ issues and is willing to work collaboratively to create a more inclusive community among faculty, staff, and students.
Is willing to "own" his/her own prejudices, stereotypes, feelings, assumptions, thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
Listens, assists and knows whom to contact for support.

Has all the answers.
Is expected to be a therapist or tell students what to do to fix their problems.
Will give preferential treatment to LGBTQIA+ students.

Participate in a Safe Zones orientation. For the next orientation date, contact Safe Zones or Kinyata Adams Brown.