What is a Safe Space?

A Safe Space is a place in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) individuals and their allies are affirmed and supported, and where discussions of sexuality and gender issues can occur openly and constructively. The mission of the Safe Space Program is to proactively create a safe campus environment for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Where on campus can I find Safe Spaces?

Everyone who completes UW-Stout's Safe Space Training receives a Safe Space magnet and certificate to display in their office, classroom, or residence hall room. Every time you see the Safe Space magnet, you know allies are close by.

Who should attend Safe Space training?

Everyone! Whether you've been a long-term ally or you're just learning what an ally is, attending Safe Space training is a great learning experience. (By the way, an ally is simply a person who advocates for and supports LGBTQIA+ individuals.)

Safe Space training at UW-Stout

Launched in 2001, UW-Stout's Safe Space Program is an Ally training designed to help students, faculty, and staff of any sexual orientation or gender identity/expression better support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The training is facilitated by the LGBTQIA+ Program Manager or the Graduate Student Intern and may include a student panel whose members share stories of their experiences as LGBTQIA+ and allied people and answer participants' questions. The training is designed to help participants learn how to identify and combat homophobia and heterosexism on campus and better familiarize them with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Objectives

The Safe Space Program is designed to help individuals become LGBTQIA+ allies who are aware of and sensitive to the issues, needs, and concerns of the LGBTQ community.

Safe Space Allies:

• Understand the damaging effects of homophobia and heterosexism in the university community.
• Provide a safe and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ persons by contributing to an LGBTQIA+-friendly atmosphere and personal relationships based upon respect, fairness, and trust.
• May serve as resources of knowledge and information regarding the various needs, concerns and experiences of LGBTQIA+ persons within the university community.
• Listen, ask questions, and strive to increase their general knowledge of LGBTQIA+ issues in their daily lives.