����Թ�

Diane Smith, a reporter for the Record-Courier, took part in ����Թ�’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 ����Թ� State’s LGBTQ+ Center, earlier this month during the city’s Rainbow Weekend. The training was open to the community and held at the ����Թ� 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 ����Թ� 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.