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Safe Zone Manual Antioch University/Seattle 2015-2016

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Safe Zone Manual Antioch University/Seattle 2015-2016 AUS Safe Zone Manual 1 FULLY CITED VERSION Safe Zone Manual Antioch University/Seattle 2015-2016 Resources and information guide for people who serve as allies to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA) community The information contained in this manual is based and adapted from Safe Zone and Safe Space programs at other colleges and universities throughout the country. dpw 2.3.16 AUS Safe Zone Manual 2 Table of Contents Program Introduction……………………………………………………………. Purpose Mission statement Goals Who can participate in the program? What do you need to participate as a SAFE ZONE Ally at Antioch/Seattle? Responsibilities for becoming a SAFE ZONE ally Getting Oriented/Terms and Definitions…………………………………………... Terms Related to Sexual Orientation Terms related to Gender, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression What is Homophobia?………………………………………………………… Homophobia How homophobia hurts everyone Homophobic levels of attitude Positive levels of attitude What is Bisexuality? ………………………………………………… Bisexuality Common Myths Dispelled Straight But Not Narrow …………………………………………………………… How to Be an Ally to LGB Coming Out……………………………………………………………………… Coming out What might lesbian, gay men and bisexual people be afraid of? Why might lesbian, gay men and bisexual people want to come out to others? How might lesbian, gay men and bisexual people feel about coming out to someone? How might an individual feel after someone has come out to them? What do lesbian, gay men and bisexual people want from the people they come out to? What are some situations in which someone might come out to you? Ways that you can help when someone comes out to you What Is Heterosexual Privilege?…………………………………….,………….. Heterosexual privilege Advantages of heterosexual privilege Examples of heterosexism Trans/Transgender Issues………………………………………………….. What does trans/transgender mean? What is a transsexual? What is the gender identity of a transgender person? What are transgender rights? How can I help support Transgender Rights? Transgender Emergence – a developmental model Working with trans people: some things to keep in mind How to be an ally to transgender people dpw 2.3.16 AUS Safe Zone Manual 3 Intersex Issues………………………………………………………………… What does intersex(ed) mean? What is a hermaphrodite? What are Disorders of Sex Development (DSD)? How do intersex individuals define their gender identity? Living intersexed, a personal story Being A Safe Zone Ally…………………………………………………………. Four levels in ally development A Safe Zone ally Guidelines for allies Creating a Non-Homophobic Campus Environment “What Should I Do If...?” Answers to Commonly Asked Ally Questions Reporting Gender & Sexuality-Related Bias Incidents…………………………. Online Resources…………………………………………………………... References……………………………………………………………….. The Antioch University, Seattle (AUS) LGBTQIA Safe Zone Program encourages members of the AUS community to identify themselves as visible supporters of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, and questioning individuals. Establishing an environment in which LGBTQIA community members feel welcome, affirmed, and safe is a main goal of the AUS Safe Zone Program. Questions? Contact the AUS Safe Zone coordinator, Dana Waters, Psy.D., ABPP at: [email protected] As is commonplace to Safe Zone manuals, the information contained in this manual is based upon Safe Zone and Safe Space programs at other colleges and universities throughout the country. Specifically, much of the material in this manual is adapted from the following sources in the reference list. dpw 2.3.16 AUS Safe Zone Manual 4 Program Introduction Purpose: The Antioch University/Seattle LGBTQIA Safe Zone is committed to public identification of allies for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and other sexual minority individuals. Adapted from SAFE programs throughout the United States, SAFE is defined as: Staff, Students, Administration, and Faculty committed to Equality on campus (S.A.F.E.). Mission: The mission of the AUS LGBTQIA Safe Zone is to create a campus environment of tolerance, understanding and awareness of the special needs of LGBTQIA and other sexual minority persons. In doing so, the LGBTQIA Safe Zone promotes awareness and provides resources and training in order to create a network of available allies for sexual minorities. Goals: Goals include providing ongoing support for LGBTQIA individuals by raising awareness and providing resources/education to faculty, staff, administration, and students. Further, the AUS Safe Zone hopes to foster open communication between faculty and students in regard to LGBTQIA issues by creating an open-minded, collegial environment free of oppression, coercion, prejudice, discrimination, and bigotry. By providing environments where persons can discuss LGBTQIA issues in a safe manner (through identified Safe Zones), it is hoped the project will promote a more general and active atmosphere of tolerance, acceptance, respect, and safety on campus. Who can participate in the program? The Safe Zone manual is available to anyone in the AUS community. Please email Dr. Dana Waters at [email protected] for a copy of the manual. Should you choose to participate as a Safe Zone ally, you will need to become familiar with the information provided in the manual. Because as individuals are Safe Zones, not departments or office work areas, you will need to be prepared and comfortable if a member of the LGBTQIA community approaches you to talk about LGBTQIA issues. Allies will be asked to self-identify by placing the provided “Safe” symbol in a visible part of your workspace (i.e.: office door, window, or within your office space). This symbol is to signify your space as a safe place to discuss issues impacting sexual minorities (i.e.: discrimination, harassment, hate/hate crime, and related issues) in a way that is free of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, heterosexism, and bias. Finally, you will be expected to consult with an identified Safe Zone faculty mentor if you are unsure of how to help someone who has sought out information. What do you need to participate as a Safe Zone Ally at Antioch/Seattle? Belief that our campus is enriched through all forms of diversity including LGBTQIA individuals. dpw 2.3.16 AUS Safe Zone Manual 5 Willingness to assist members of the AUS community in accessing support and information resources on campus and in the community. Maintenance of confidentiality within the confines of your job. Willingness to engage in respectful, collegial dialogue pertaining to issues impacting LGBTQIA peoples’ lives in an honest, open, and non-judgmental manner; including the use of inclusive language, avoidance of stereotyping, and do not engage in assumptions of heteronormativity. Willingness to study and become familiar with the information in the Safe Zone manual. Once you have done so, you will be asked to meet with a faculty mentor to discuss your commitment to becoming a Safe Zone ally. Willingness to display a LGBTQIA Safe Zone sticker in or near your office. Adapted from: Cal Poly Safe Zone Program: http://www.csupomona.edu/~pride_center/pridesfz.htm Responsibilities for becoming a Safe Zone ally: This manual is provided to aid the reader in learning more about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and queer issues. It is meant to provide accurate information regarding terms, definitions, concepts, and the realities of living as a LGBTQIA person. By becoming familiar with its contents, you may learn more accurate information about the reality of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. This manual is not exhaustive, as learning about LGBTQIA issues is a lifelong process. There exists a plethora of literature related to this topic that the reader is urged to explore. As such, this manual is meant to aid you in becoming familiar with basic terminology and concepts, to aid in beginning your journey toward understanding, and to help you align with the LGBTQIA community. If you choose to display the Antioch Seattle LGBTQIA Safe Zone decal, please do so responsibly. Become familiar with the information in this manual as well as other sources. Should the need present itself, please become familiar with resources available on campus (i.e.: faculty mentors) and in the community so that you may best be able to assist students, faculty, and staff who may seek you out as a Safe Space Ally. Adapted from: Brown University Safe Zone Program: http://brown.edu/Student_Services/Office_of_Student_Life/LGBTQIA/SafeZoneManualFi nal09.pdf dpw 2.3.16 AUS Safe Zone Manual 6 Getting Oriented Terms and Definitions Please note: The members of the LGBTQIA community are unique and do not fit into distinct categories. However, sometimes labels are needed/used for political reasons and to increase visibility. These terms and definitions represent a place to start. It is important to note that members of the LGBTQIA community may have different meanings and opinions of these definitions. What is most important is that you respect how a person chooses to self-identify or define. (Adapted from: Wall, Vernon A. and Nancy J. Evans (Eds.) “Using Psychological development theories to understand and work with gay and lesbian persons” Beyond Tolerance: Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals on Campus. American College Personal Association. 1991.) Terms Related to Sexual Orientation: Sexual Orientation: Sexual orientation is an enduring emotional, romantic, sexual, or affectional attraction (or lack thereof) toward others.
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