Safe Zone workshops foster a welcoming environment for people of all sexual orientations and genders
by Joan Brasher
photography by Steve Green
On the table are buttons with various labels such as “Friend,” “Gay,” “Straight,” “Father,” “Daughter,” “Advocate,” “Feminist,” “Queer” and “Survivor.” A group of about a dozen staff, faculty and students gather around the table and are asked to select the five labels they identify with most. Then they are asked to share with the group which buttons they chose, and why.
This is the first of several exercises in which the group will explore issues pertaining to gender identity and sexual orientation on campus during the three-hour Safe Zone workshop sponsored by the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Life.
“We live in a homophobic society, so even good-hearted people can perpetuate homophobia without intending to,” said Nora Spencer, director of LGBTQI Life. “Safe Zone workshops urge us to acknowledge the ways in which we contribute to homophobia – or, at least, don’t prevent it – and rethink the ways in which we engage sexual orientation and gender.”
In another exercise, called the “Step In/Step Out Privilege,” members of the group form a circle, and when a statement read aloud applies to them, they are encouraged to step into its center.
“At times I hide significant parts of my core identity in order to avoid conflict or fit in,” one statement reads. “Sometimes I feel obligated to tell others of my sexual orientation or gender identity,” reads another. Afterward, the participants share how they feel.
One participant, a Vanderbilt staff member, marvels at how he, unlike some of the others in the group, gives little thought to his gender or sexual orientation on any given day. A graduate student remarks that she often feels compelled to hide the fact that she has a same-sex partner for fear of exclusion or judgment. The exercise helps participants see the privilege some take for granted and gives a glimpse into the life of a person who might encounter barriers or obstacles because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Heather Jones, an adviser in the International Student and Scholar Services office, chose to participate in the workshop “to learn how to better support the students I work with, my colleagues and friends,” she said.
“I learned some active listening techniques that will help me be a better resource and ally,” Jones said. “The most important thing I took away was that I don’t have to understand all issues a person may be confronting in order to be an ally, as long as I am respectful and honest.”
Held once a month, Safe Zone workshops are open to any member of the Vanderbilt community. They are conducted jointly by Associate Director of LGBTQI Life Michael Brown and Program Coordinator Sarah Benanti.
“Safe Zone is a hands-on way to encourage members of the campus community who want to create welcoming and supportive environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex individuals through focused dialogue and skill building,” Brown said.
The sessions often begin with an explanation of the LGBTQI acronym, as well as a discussion of how and when it’s appropriate to use certain labels. In addition to instructional time and group exercises, the workshops allow for personal testimonials and dialogue.
“Safe Zone workshops invite participants to reflect on the ways in which they have and have not created a welcoming environment for people of all sexual orientations and gender,” Benanti said. “Within a supportive environment, they are challenged to make changes – both small and large – that create safer and more welcoming spaces on campus.”
Jyl R. Shaffer, coordinator of victim services for the Vanderbilt University Police Department, participated in a Safe Zone workshop last fall.
“I loved that they focused on the fact that most of us have been an ‘other’ or ‘outsider’ at some point. Remembering those moments can help us be an advocate for equality,” she said. “Safe Zone training gives you the opportunity to listen to other people share their experiences, their struggles with prejudice, or to just ask questions that you might not feel comfortable asking anywhere else.”
“To me, the most moving part of our workshop is when we get to hear each other’s stories,” said Spencer, who was hired to oversee the Office of LGBTQI Life a year and a half ago. The K.C. Potter Center, where the office is located, has become a hub of activity and support for the campus and greater Nashville community.
“We have assisted departments across campus in improving policies and practices to become more LGBTQI-inclusive,” Spencer said.
Seven Safe Zone/LGBTQI Ally workshops have been held in the past year, hosting some 80 participants.
“We have had an outstanding response to the Safe Zone program,” Benanti said. “We get requests from supervisors asking to hold special trainings for their entire office. Sometimes this results in a workshop held on-site, but more often we tailor a workshop on sexual orientation and gender to meet their specific needs.”
“Our hope is that, as the campus community changes, Safe Zone will continue to evolve and grow to reflect that new reality,” Brown said. “The program works best when dialogue can occur between multiple campus stakeholders. We encourage everyone to attend. Each unique perspective adds to the learning environment.”
All attendees leave Safe Zone training with a binder of information and tips on how to respond to scenarios that pertain to gender or sexuality that might present in the workplace or classroom. Before leaving, participants create an action plan of ways to be an ally, and commit to posting a Safe Zone sticker or magnet in their office, lab or dormitory signifying they are a safe person with which to discuss LGBTQI issues.
“Safe Zone extends the physical safe space for LGBTQI students and their allies throughout the campus,” Brown said.
“Most of us believe each person deserves to feel safe and supported on our campus,” Benanti added. “Safe Zone gives us practical tools to make that possible.”
Get in the Zone
Safe Zone workshops are held monthly at Sarratt Student Center, Room 189. They are free and open to the Vanderbilt community.
Upcoming sessions:
Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-noon
March 25, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
April 6, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
To sign up, visit www.vanderbilt.edu/lgbtqi.
Posted 02/01/10
