Frequently Asked Questions

The location of the trainings is in the basement of the Houchens Building boardroom, which is located through a set of double doors, then past the Cardinal Card office, then through another set of double doors, then turn left into the RSO SGA office space.

Any questions, please contact the office of LGBT services at (502) 852-0696.

Q. What is Safe Zone? (Retrieved from http://www.lgbtcampus.org/faq/safe_zone.html on October 14, 2005)

A. Often heterosexual people are called on to be advocates for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people on campus. Unfortunately, these heterosexual allies will have few skills or resources available to them and no information to guide their own development or to help others become better advocates for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender student population. Heterosexual staff and faculty can have a significant effect on creating a positive culture on a college or university campus.

Heterosexual allies are people who are supportive of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. Washington and Evans (1991) define an ally as "a person who is a member of the dominant or majority group who works to end oppression in his or her personal and professional life through support of, and as an advocate with and for, the oppressed population" (p.195). Allies of different groups of people, including racial/ethnic minorities, have been instrumental in affecting positive change in the dominant culture.

Currently, little empirical research exists on the identity development of heterosexual allies and developing educational interventions. A few pioneers have begun to research the development of allies (Broido, 1997; Poynter, 1999; Pearlman, 1991) while Gelberg and Chojnacki (1995) have theorized specific developmental stages from the experiences of heterosexual career counselors. However, a great deal of research is available on the negative attitudes heterosexual people have toward GLB people (D'Augelli, 1989, 1990; Herek, 1988; Simoni, 1996).

A number of college and universities have implemented educational interventions with names such as Safe Zone, Safe Space, Safe Harbor, and Safe On Campus. The hallmark of these "Safe" programs is the public identification of allies by placing a "Safe" symbol, usually incorporating a pink triangle or rainbow, on office doors or within living spaces.

U OF L'S CURRENT SYMBOL