SafeZone and Ally Training

Are you an ally to the LGBTQIA2+ community? Would you like to be?

Would you like to learn more about supporting your LGBTQIA2+ friends, community, peers, students and colleagues?

SafeZone and ally trainings are typically offered once in the fall and spring semesters. Check back for upcoming training dates.

What is SafeZone?

SafeZone is a series of interactive trainings intended to allow students and employees develop a better understanding of LGBTQIA2+ concerns and experiences, and become effective allies of the LGBTQIA2+ community. Participants are challenged to listen, share and grow.

Learning Outcomes

  • Expand understanding of gender and sexuality, including some of the many identities
  • Increase awareness of own feeling/belief and knowledge about issues connected to gender and sexuality
  • Understand socialization, prejudice, privilege, heterosexism, homophobia, biphobia, and trans*phobia and how they affect/impact all people
  • Understand why it is important to challenge prejudice, privilege, heterosexism, homophobia, biphobia, and trans*phobia
  • Learn about LGBTQIA2+ experiences in relevant contexts and begin to critically analyze on their own -Leave with ideas to challenge privilege, marginalization, and oppression in own life and in other relevant contexts
  • Identify ways to contribute to safer, more welcoming, and inclusive environments

Join us and acquire the skills and knowledge to more effectively work and understand the LGBTQIA2+ Community. Make a statement to the campus community that you support LGBTQIA2+ individuals by becoming a SafeZone certified ally on campus! SafeZone training is available to individuals who are LGBTQIA2+ friendly and want to expand their knowledge and visibility on such issues.

SafeZone Pledge

Training attendees sign this pledge and receive their certificate after completing SafeZone 1.0. (It is expected that attendees will attend SafeZone 2.0 within the next year.)

  • Some statements are adapted from Bryan L. Brunette, Free to be You and Me." 1990.

I hereby give myself permission to be imperfect with regard to homophobia, heterosexism, and transphobia. It is acceptable if I do not know all of the answers or if at times my ignorance and misunderstandings become obvious. I have permission to ask questions, to struggle with the issues related to LGBTQIA2+ knowledge, and be upfront and honest about my feelings. I am a product of this homophobic, heterosexist, and transphobic culture, and I am who I am. I don’t have to feel guilty about what I know or believe, but I do need to take responsibility for what I can do now.

  • I am accepting of sexual and gender diversity.
  • I am committed to fighting homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism.
  • I believe that Oakton College is enriched by the presence and diversity of LGBTQIA2+ people.
  • I am committed to the building of a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA2+ people at Oakton.
  • I will display an Oakton SafeZone sign on my office door; wear a button on my backpack, and/or post a SafeZone sign on other personal spaces on campus.
  • I am not afraid to be a visible supporter of LGBTQIA2+ people and their concerns.
  • I will continue to educate myself on LGBTQIA2+ concerns and participate in other Oakton SafeZone continuing education sessions.
  • I will work towards changing my false and inaccurate beliefs or oppressive attitudes.
  • I will allow students to make their own decisions about their lives by offering resources and support.
  • I will be non-judgmental when discussing issues impacting LGBTQIA2+ individuals’ lives.
  • I believe all students have the right to grow, learn and develop in a healthy and supportive environment, free of prejudice and discrimination.
  • I will maintain a high level of professional confidentiality and support those who participate in the SafeZone program.