While October is the month to focus on change in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, the campus program SafeZone works to promote acceptance and assistance all year long.
SafeZone, a staple of the LGBT program since 1999, conducts two-hour workshops designed to educate people about the culture and history of the LGBT population. More specifically, though, the program works to dispel myths and to create an understanding among lifestyles.
Mickey Hart, coordinator of LGBT programs at Ohio University, said he sees a dual purpose to the volunteer-based SafeZone program.
(SafeZone) serves two purposes: to let LGBT people know that there are allies to talk about issues with
and it lets non-LGBT people know that not only are there LGBT people but allies Hart said.
SafeZone is the result of an ongoing process to create an environment of acceptance on campus. In 1997, the Division of Student Affairs LGBT Student Needs Task Force distributed a campus climate survey to 117 students, faculty and staff and conducted focus groups to determine the state of LGBT affairs in Athens. The task force concluded that, While the campus is clearly not overtly hostile to gay
lesbian and bisexual students
it is perceived as 'far from gay-friendly.'
The results of the audit in June 1997 preceded the creation of an LGBT office, which assisted graduate student Demisia Razo-Jackson in creating SafeZone less than a year later.
Laurie Burkland, resident director for East Green, said her workshops last year garneredpositive results.
Making that connection and helping people learn and dispel (LGBT) myths was very successful
she said.
Past participants and supporters of the SafeZone project can be seen throughout campus. The display of a SafeZone sticker designates a person as 'safe space' for LGBT people
according to the SafeZone Web site.
Jennifer Hall-Jones, assistant director of residence life on East Green, said she sees the SafeZone stickers as a great step ahead for the university.
The university has made some huge steps
and the visibility of SafeZone stickers and allies
I think
has made a huge difference in making people comfortable
she said.
SafeZone is offering workshops on Monday, Oct. 11 and Thursday, Oct. 28, with 10 more to be scheduled throughout the year. To sign up for any of the sessions or to schedule a 'road show' for a club or organization, visit the SafeZone Web site at http://www.ohiou.edu/lgbt/safezone.
