Safe Zone

The goal of the Safe Zone program is to provide a more welcoming environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning persons at UIC by establishing an identifiable network of persons who can provide support, information, and a safe zone to GLBTQ persons within the university environment. Members of the Safe Zone program complete a training workshop and make a commitment to become a visible support-system on campus by posting their Safe Zone symbol, a pink triangle surrounded by a green circle. For more information, contact the Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns at (312)-413-8619.

Frequently Asked Questions about Safe Zone at UIC

How did Safe Zone start?
What is Safe Zone?
Who can join Safe Zone?
How can I become a member?
If I am already a member, can I still attend the workshop?
When will the training at UIC happen?
Will people think I am a member of the GLBTQ community if I display Safe Zone Items?

How did Safe Zone start? Safe Zone originated at UIC in April 2001 through the generous support of UIC's Office of the Provost, UIC Campus Housing, the UIC Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues and the UIC Office of GLBT Concerns. A number of college and universities have implemented educational interventions with names such as Safe Zone, Safe Space, Safe Harbor, and Safe On Campus. Although it is unclear who first conceived of the "Safe" idea, the earliest found is the Ball State University program called SAFE On Campus (1992) or Staff, Administration, and Faculty for Equality On Campus which was implemented during the 1992-1993 academic year by the Lesbian, Bisexual, and Gay Student Association.

What is Safe Zone? Safe Zone is a national program dedicated to training faculty, staff, and students at colleges and universities to become safe people for GLBTQ students. Safe Zone members display buttons, magnets and pins with the Safe Zone logo on them to let students know they are someone safe to approach about GLBTQ issues.

Who can join Safe Zone? Safe Zone members are individuals who support and affirm gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning students. These people can be students, faculty or staff members who are willing to attend a training session and display Safe Zone items in their offices or on their backpacks/jackets.

How can I become a member? Easy! Safe Zone workshops are given once a semester during the academic year. Private departmental or small group training is also available. To register for a training session or request a private training, contact the Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns at (312)-413-8619.

If I am already a member, can I still attend the workshop? Yes, this workshop is also a reunion for current Safe Zone members to share any types of experiences that they may have had after joining Safe Zone. Returning members can also come to support new members!

When will the training at UIC happen? Contact the Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns at (312)-413-8619.

Will people think I am a member of the GLBTQ community if I display Safe Zone Items? Not at all. Displaying Safe Zone items only marks you as a person who supports the GLBTQ community. Many Safe Zone members are heterosexual, but do not feel that being identified as GLBTQ is something "bad." For most people, the Safe Zone stickers and magnets identify them as compassionate, open-minded people who are willing to listen to people's concerns about GLBTQ issues.

For more information, please browse the following web site: http://www.lgbtcampus.org/faq/safe_zone.html

Providing a

SAFE ZONE

for everyone...