The Safe Space program at Wright State University is a comprehensive and engaging educational program that dares to transform the campus environment for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Ally (GLBTQA) students, staff and faculty.

Through its bold educational programs, individuals and offices are identified that provide a network of support for the emotional, psychological, social and physical well-being of our GLBTQA community.

Download: Safe Space Manual (PDF)

In 2005, the Rainbow Alliance launched an initial Safe Space Campaign by creating a Safe Space manual and Ally Sticker to encourage our allies in Wright State University’s faculty and staff to identify themselves on campus by putting visible Safe Space symbols on their office doors.  By displaying the Safe Space symbol, they would let GLBTQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) students know that those faculty and staff were people they could turn to who believed in equality, would be supportive of GLBTQ student needs, could give advice, or just be someone with whom they could talk to and feel safe and comfortable.

As of the 2008-2009 academic year, a new Core Team came together to revitalize the Wright State Safe Space Program by updating the 2005 manual, instituting a comprehensive ally training program for faculty, staff and students, creating a website, and renewing the Safe Space Sticker Campaign.

52 Ways to be an Ally on the Wright State Campus
 

For All

1. Change your language to be as inclusive as possible.
2. Try not to assume heterosexuality or gender identity.
3. Take time to think through your personal feelings about GLBTQA people.
4. Avoid tokenizing GLBTQA individuals.
5. Work to ensure the safety of GLBTQA individuals. This safety includes physical and psychological safety, as well as the ability to act without fear of stigma, oppression, or violence.
6. Report bias-related incidents to the Wright State Bias Incident Response Team (see http://www.wright.edu/students/stu_affairs/birt.html) so that the university community can record and address these incidents.
7. Challenge heterosexist and homophobic statements (e.g. “That’s not funny…”) not because it’s politically correct to do so, but because it builds a safer, more inclusive campus.
8. Bring a Safe Space panel to your classroom, student organization, or residence hall.
9. Support the creation and use of gender-neutral restrooms and single user restrooms. Avoid staring or attempting to label people’s gender identity in the restroom.
10. Donate to, or organize a fundraiser for, the GLBTQA student scholarship at Wright State.
11. Attend a Rainbow Alliance meeting or event.
12. Volunteer for one of Rainbow Alliance’s special annual events.
13. Follow up with a student or colleague who publicly takes a stand on GLBTQA issues. Support these individuals publicly and privately.
14. Include GLBTQA students and colleagues in all informal group outings for classes and departments.
15. Make it your personal policy to not “out” people, regardless of how open they are, unless you have their permission.
16. Make it your personal policy to resist introducing people (either in person or in conversations) as your “gay friend” or “lesbian colleague” unless their sexual orientation is relevant or unless you also introduce your “straight friend” or “straight colleague.”
17. Make it your personal policy to not automatically assign characteristics to people based on their perceived or actual gender identity. Notice how your interactions with others change when you do this.
18. Offer to be part of someone’s support network as s/he is coming out.
19. Remind others that individuals who are coming out are more than their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. Affirm the human dignity of all.
20. Learn more about community resources such as PFLAG.  Attend an event and then tell others widely about your attendance, just as you would about other aspects of your life.
21. Invite GLBTQA students to provide feedback about whether they feel included on your floor, department, or classroom. Provide opportunities for ongoing feedback.
22. Challenge yourself to not buy into stereotypes.
23. Engage in friendly discussions of GLBTQA concerns.
24. When updating on current events, include GLBTQA news, events and happenings.
25. Show your support by wearing GLBTQA pins, bracelets, or t-shirts.
26. When you hear someone ask, “What’s GLBTQA mean?,” stop and explain.
27. Avoid guessing who is GLBTQ and who is not.
28. Commit to being an ally all day, every day, regardless of whether anyone is witness to your acts.
29. Educate yourself and others about how to be an ally.
30. Volunteer in the GLBTQA Resource Room.
31. Familiarize yourself with the materials and resources available in the GLBTQA Resource Room. Visit the space!
32. Visit the website www.wright.edu/glbtqa.
33. Join the Allies listserv for the latest in news as well as and local and campus happenings.

For Faculty & Staff

34. Prominently display your Safe Space sticker on your office door or at the entrance to your workspace.
35. Designate your classroom as a Safe Space. Add a disclaimer to your syllabus and enforce it.
36. Ask GLBTQA constituents for feedback about how your office might better support or serve them. Ensure that there are ongoing opportunities for feedback.
37. Revise your syllabus to include GLBTQA films, articles, or other readings.
38. Join Allies, the GLBTQA staff and faculty organization.
39. Support GLBTQA issues in department meetings; speak up and voice your support so that your GLBTQA colleagues are not the only voices for equity.
40. Ensure that Wright Way Policy 4001—which includes protections for sexual orientation and gender identity/expression—is upheld.
41. Respect the request of transgender individuals to go by their preferred names and pronouns.
42. Add a variety of partner status options in your unit’s paperwork.
43. Health service providers, sexual violence prevention educators, student affairs advocates, and counselors, among others, should be comfortable with sexual health issues and terminology for GLBTQA individuals.
44. Include GLBTQA stories and materials in publicity for your unit.
45. Be open and prepared to discussing how GLBTQA issues affect students’ financial aid, career options, relationships with family, etc.
46. If you are not able to answer a question or help a GLBTQA student or colleague, be ready to ask for assistance from the Safe Space Core Team.
47. Invite partners (not spouses) to join in departmental social outings.

For Resident Assistants

48. Normalize GLBTQA issues by bringing them up in your first floor meeting.  Insist that all individuals are welcome on your floor.
49. Plan a program or make a bulletin board about GLBTQA issues.  The Safe Space Core Team would be happy to provide resources and ideas!
50. Check in with your known GLBTQA residents to ensure that they feel included and welcome on your floor.
51. If their assigned roommate refuses to live with them, give GLBTQA students options and a voice in how the complaint is addressed.
52. Make a special effort to connect new WSU students to on-campus resources such as Rainbow Alliance, the GLBTQA Resource Room, and the Women’s Center.

*Updated 01/08/13