Safe Zone - Components

Safe Zone Marker

Members of the Safe Zone Program identify themselves as allies by displaying the rainbow Safe Zone marker (placard, button, sticker) on their office doors, at their worksite, living space or on their person. Displaying the sticker allows allies to visibly, actively show their support. It means they have chosen to educate themselves about LGBTQ issues, that they have attended the required Safe Zone training.

This visual, visible support is key, because members of both LGBTQ communities and their allies have historically experienced tremendous invisibility - For an LGBTQ person to assess and determine the potential safety of others they encounter (peers, teachers, health providers, counselors, family members) they put themselves at great risk.

The marker indicates that the person has a base-line of awareness, knowledge, understanding, sensitivity and commitment to support students. faculty, and staff seeking help, guidance and or information related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It means they are dedicated to a safe learning environment free of homophobia, heterosexism, and transphobia.

Mason's Safe Zone symbol incorporates the rainbow, with easily-recognized colors of pride for the LGBT communities. The multicultural symbolism of the rainbow is nothing new; it has played a part in many myths and stories related to gender and sexuality issues in Greek, Native American, African, and other cultures. Use of the rainbow flag by the gay community began in 1978 when it first appeared in the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade as a symbol of peaceful unity following the assassinations of openly gay supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor Mascone.

Administrative Support

Mason's Safe Zone Program gained the University's public endorsement in October 2002 from GMU President Merten, in his welcoming address to Turn-Off-The-Violence speaker Judy Shepard (mother of slain hate-crime victim Matthew Shepard). Since then, the Provost's office, Senior Vice President, and Vice President for University Life have all committed their support for this program - in fact, all University Life staff are all expected to participate in the Safe Zone training.

Training

In order to obtain a sticker and be a visible Safe Zone ally, you are required to participate in a six-to-seven hour ally training (usually scheduled for one full day or two half day sessions). At the close of the training, participants can then choose whether or not to receive and display Safe Zone stickers. ALL Mason staff, faculty, administrators, and students are welcome to take part in the Safe Zone program training. This training is especially recommended for all faculty, staff, and students who have interaction with other students in an advisory, teaching, service, or leadership capacity.

The Safe Zone training is made up of a range of interactive exercises, presentations, discussions, and practice conversations.

Training curriculum topics include:

LGBTQ student issues, concerns, and development
Combating homophobia and hostile environment
Transgender Issues and Concerns
Managing multiple identities, including culture, religion, race, and language
Being an effective ally
Learning about local and national resources available to LGBTQ students

Trainings are scheduled approximately once per month, over the year. We also offer specially-designed trainings to fit the schedule, needs, and interests of specific groups or departments.