SafeZone Trainings
We live in a time of great change when it comes to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Conversations occur everywhere and run the gamut from supportive to down right hostile. LGBT characters of all ages show up in movies and TV shows, yet we often hear disparaging and hateful remarks coming form political or religious leaders. Sadly, we have all heard the stories of young people taking their own lives rather then coping with the social stigma that remains when one identifies as LGBT.The Gay Alliance’s SafeZone program was created to develop, enhance and maintain environments in workplaces, schools and other social settings that are culturally competent and supportive to (LGBTQ) individuals, as well as straight identified people who care about diversity, equality and inclusion in the Western New York region.
In a 2003 report by The Gay and Lesbian National Task Force, 19 percent of the college and universities students, faculty and staff reported that, within the previous year, they had feared for their physical safety because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, 51 percent concealed their sexual orientation or gender identity to avoid intimidation and 34 percent of the respondents avoided disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity to an instructor, teaching assistant, administrator, or supervisor within the past year due to a fear of negative consequences, harassment, or discrimination. In addition, 41 percent of respondents stated that their colleges and universities were not addressing issues related to sexual orientation. (Rankin, Susan R. (2003). Campus Climate for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender People: A National Perspective. New York: The National and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute. www.ngltf.org).
These statistics have been shown to hold true in many workplaces as well. So, this is why we created and offer our SafeZone classes.
Community SafeZone training! No need to wait for your workplace or campus to offer a Gay Alliance SafeZone training!
The Gay Alliance's Education and Outreach Program will be offering a SafeZone Training to the public on Saturday, May 12th from 9:30am-noon in the Gay Alliance Youth Center (875 E. Main St. First floor). This fast paced, educational training is perfect for managers, student leaders, teachers, and anyone who wants to make a difference in their workplace or school. We will discuss inclusive language, sexual identity, issues of coming out, transgender issues, and how to be an effective ally. All participants will receive a SafeZone Sticker for their office, school or home upon completion. Training fee is $10 per person.
Or contact Jeanne Gainsburg at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 585-244-8640 ext. 14 with questions.
What is a SafeZone?
A SafeZone is a place where all people feel welcome and safe. It may be a room, a car, or entire college campus. It is important that institutions take proactive steps to create these safe and welcoming environments that promote teamwork and unity. The Gay Alliance SafeZone program aims to increase the awareness, knowledge, and skills for individuals while addressing the challenges that exist when one wants to do "the right thing" for their LGBTQ peers, family members, freinds and co-workers.
The Gay Alliance SafeZone Training can be customized to meet the needs of any organization. Ideally SafeZone includes 3-4 hours of workshop time in one or two sessions. Included in this training is information necessary to dispel myths and understand negative and hurtful stereotypes, and increase awareness of misinformation regarding LGBT people. In addition, this training will give participants the language and skills they need to provide support and to create environments that are safe, welcoming and inclusive.
At the end of the class, participants are provided a Gay Alliance SafeZone sticker if they would like to have one, so that they can create their own SafeZone.
