Last Thursday, Jan. 29, the Safe Zone Introductory Training workshop was held by Brandon Jackson, coordinator of multicultural programs, as the first of four LGBTQ Ally Training workshops this semester. The main focus of the Safe Zone program is to promote inclusivity and diversity on campus by encouraging and helping LGBTQ allies to be more visible and better prepared to work with LGBTQ individuals and provide training for the creation of safe spaces around campus. The Safe Zone Introductory Training concentrated on learning the fundamental concepts needed to be an effective ally and create a safe environment for LGBTQ individuals.

The workshop began by covering the fundamentals of a safe zone ally. These fundamentals included a knowledge of local and campus resources, as well as important LGBTQ issues, and the awareness of heteronormativity, or the belief system in society that heterosexuality is the norm, making other identities appear abnormal or odd.

Jackson then discussed sexual orientations and gender identities, leading a matching activity with different definitions relating to those topics and an activity showing gender stereotypes.

Heteronormativity was then discussed in more detail. Jackson related the heteronormative view of society to being right-handed versus being left-handed, saying, “The world has conformed to right-handed people.” Most objects and situations are easier to maneuver for right-handed people such as file cabinets with latches, or require left-handed people to use special equipment, such as left-handed scissors. Jackson showed how the assumption that most people are right-handed so the world should be easier for right-handed people is very similar to the problems LGBTQ individuals face regarding representation and rights.

Jackson gave the workshop attendees a list of tips on how to create a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ individuals, then presented groups with different scenarios regarding issues LGBTQ people might face and how to properly handle them as a safe space ally.

The other workshops in the Safe Zone series will focus on hot topics within the LGBTQ community: the coming out process, including the experiences of a small population of Elizabethtown College students and transgender and gender expression concepts. Students, faculty members and community members can sign up for these events by contacting Brandon Jackson at jacksonbj@etown.edu or (717) 361-1938.