Safe Zone Button/Sticker
Members of the Safe Zone program identify
themselves as allies by displaying the rainbow Safe Zone sticker
or button 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 sticker indicates that the person has a base-line
of awareness, knowledge, understanding, sensitivity and
commitment to support students (or
faculty or 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 Moscone.
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 and Vice President for University Life have
both 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.
Contact us to set up a training, or for a schedule of upcoming training sessions. |
