UNL is first campus to use 2 public designations for LGBTQ students

LGBTQA Programs and Services at UNL launched a new Safe Space/Ally campaign, “Different people. Different needs. Different solutions,” on Oct. 1.

In conjunction with the month-long Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Ally History Month celebration, the campaign focuses on the recognition of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions in Safe Spaces and by Allies.

UNL is the first campus community to encourage public designations between Safe Space and Allies through the use of cards and buttons. By offering the option to display either a Safe Space or Ally card, the campaign affirms that individuals have different needs and that the words “Safe Space” and “Ally” have particular significance and different meanings for LGBTQ students.

The university expects to spark dialogue and self-reflection among faculty, staff and students through this campaign as community members identifying as an Ally or designating a campus Safe Space reflect on how they respond to LGBTQ students and colleagues and how they are perceived by others.

Displaying a Safe Space card designates tolerance, a place where individuals can expect equitable access, dignity and safety. An Ally card indicates acceptance, that the individual displaying it is committed to and affirms diversity, inclusion, mutual respect and personal safety for all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

“Institutions that include sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policies expect non-discriminatory action towards the LGBTQ community and may consider all campus environments to be Safe Spaces,” said Linda Major, director of Student Involvment. “For LGBTQ students, only complying with a non-discrimination policy does not constitute a Safe Space. Community members can practice non-discriminatory actions while expressing a belief that sexual orientation and gender expressions are not identities, for example, but lifestyle choices.”

“What distinguishes a Safe Space from non-discrimination policy compliance is that even if some community members within a Safe Space believe that heterosexuality is preferred to being gay, lesbian or bisexual, it is not expressed in word or action,” said Pat Tetreault, assistant director of Student Involvement, LGBTQA Programs and Services. “Displaying a Safe Space card does not necessarily mean that everyone affirms or embraces all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities, nor are those who believe heterosexuality is preferred rejected. In a Safe Space, all people, regardless of their values and beliefs, can participate with dignity and safety without threat of expressed prejudice or discrimination.”

An Ally, on the other hand, embraces and affirms sexual orientation and gender expression as one of many identities that are equally appreciated and included as part of a diverse world, Tetreault added. “A Safe Space may not include an Ally, but an Ally creates a Safe Space,” Tetreault said.

For more information about creating a safe space and UNL’s “Different people. Different needs. Different solutions” Safe Space/Ally campaign, go to http://involved.unl.edu. The site includes graphics for campaign promotional materials, including Safe Space and Ally cards.

Different solutions

UNL’s “Different people. Different needs. Different solutions.” campaign offers the option to display either an Ally or Safe Space card. What do those cards mean?

The Ally card designates acceptance. Individuals displaying this card are committed to and affirm diversity, inclusion, mutual respect and personal safety for all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

The Safe Space card designates tolerance. Areas that display this card provide a space where individuals can expect equitable access, dignity and safety.

Download the new Ally and Safe Space cards at http://involved.unl.edu.

The site includes graphics for campaign promotional materials, including Safe Space and Ally cards.

Story by Student Involvement