On Thursday, Feb. 19, the Safe Zone LGBTQ Hot Topics workshop continued to educate the Elizabethtown College campus on the LGBTQ community’s controversial issues. The workshop was held by Brandon Jackson, coordinator of multicultural programs, and was the second of four LGBTQ Ally Training workshops held this semester.
The goal of the Safe Zone program is to promote inclusivity and diversity on campus by encouraging and helping LGBTQ members and allies to remain prominent and conscientious members of the Etown community. Ultimately, this better prepares allies and members to work with LGBTQ individuals and provide training for the creation of safe spaces around campus.
The Hot Topics installment of the Safe Zone series focused on a leading subject within the LGBTQ community: the coming out process. The discussion included the experiences of some Etown students. Transgender and gender expression were also included in the session. Understanding these fundamental concepts helps allies create a safe environment for LGBTQ individuals.
“Even the most supportive of LGBTQ Allies can be torn about hot topic issues such as transgender disclosure on dating websites, or how homosexuality is reconciled with Christian religious beliefs. This workshop is designed to examine hot topic LGBTQ issues and then challenges attendees to work toward some civil understanding of both sides of each divisive issue,” Jackson said.
The workshop began by covering what it means to be a safe zone ally. The fundamental traits necessary to be a good ally include having a knowledge of local and campus resources, as well as important LGBTQ issues, such as the coming out process, and transgender and gender expression concepts.
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.
There are a number of controversial topics in the LGBTQ community, including nature versus nurture, healthy living and religious beliefs. The workshop was intended to help attendees learn how to confront these issues head on and become more supportive members and allies.
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 next Safe Zone LGBTQ training session will be held on Thursday, March 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m .in Hoover 213. The session will highlight coming out stories, giving people of all gender identifications the chance to share their stories. Coming out is an important process that is different for everyone; some experiences are difficult to hear, while others are heart-warming and inspiring. The workshop will feature Etown students who have come out and are willing to discuss the process and its impact on those close to them.
