Diane Smith, a reporter for the Record-Courier, took part in ֱ State University’s Safe Space Ally Training, giving readers on what the program involves. The training Smith took part in was hosted by Ken Ditlevson, director of ֱ State’s LGBTQ+ Center, earlier this month during the city’s Rainbow Weekend. The training was open to the community and held at the ֱ Free Library.
, Smith shared that participants learn a list of terminology “dos and don’ts,” how to convey respect as well as the appropriate way to ask about a person’s pronouns. However, as Ditlevson said in the article, being an ally goes beyond simply being respectful.
“Being an ally is about action,” Ditlevson said.
Offered regularly on the ֱ Campus, the university’s Safe Space Ally Training aims to equip students, faculty, staff and university community members with the tools for creating safe spaces and welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ students on campus. Participants can learn about the LGBTQ+ community, resources and obtain the basics for making a difference in their sphere of influence.
The Safe Space Ally Training is facilitated by trained presenters who are well-versed in issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community and have previously gone through Safe Space Ally Training. At least one presenter in each Safe Space session is a full-time staff member of the LGBTQ+ Center.
At the conclusion of the training, participants who sign an ally pledge are given placards that can be displayed, indicating their home, office or other location is a “safe space.”
Learn more about becoming a Safe Space Ally.