Safe Zones emerge at PUC

PUC’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trangender, and Straight Alliance has begun to promote a Safe Zone Advocate program on campus in order to fulfill its mission to stop discrimination and strive for unity among students, faculty and staff.

The Safe Zone Advocate program is an initiative spreading to various establishments, including college campuses, high schools, communities and some churches. The goal of the program is to bring together allies of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community to speak out against homophobia and discrimination. The program is designed to educate people on open-mindedness toward LGBT individuals, how to discern offensive words and actions and provide an accepting environment. The idea is to bring the community together to become free of discrimination and promote equality.

The LGBTSA at PUC has been holding training sessions open to students, staff and faculty. During the sessions, participants receive a training handbook on the program’s purpose, which includes how to increase awareness of the program. After completing training, Safe Zone Advocates will receive a sign to display in their offices, on dorm doors or around student service spaces to inform others that they are an ally and able to provide support by being friendly, open minded, willing to listen and ready to stand up against discrimination.

LGBTSA leader William McCloud and a friend of his came up with the idea to form a group for the LGBTQI community on campus during the 2009-2010 academic year. As a part of the group, members can come together to discuss any issues they may have, make new friends and have fun. Straight allies and supporters are always welcome and encouraged to join.

“This is important to me because, as a gay man, I am very passionate about the LGBT community,” McCloud said.

In celebration of the Safe Zone Advocate program and National Coming Out Month, the LGBTSA will be holding a fashion show on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 6-10 p.m. in Alumni Hall on the third floor of the Student Union & Library Building.