Training course educates campus on LGBT issues

The Office of Gay and Lesbian Programs sponsored a Safe Zone training course Wednesday to inform the campus about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues.

Training included an overview of terminology, issues facing the LGBT community and the resources available to students.

The goal was to educate participants on the campus climate and the importance of Safe Zones— areas on campus where people who have faced harassment can go for support, said Shannon Jolliff, the director of Gay and Lesbian Programs.

“We’re hoping to create more Safe Zones on campus and help students to become more aware of what LGBT students are going through,” said Jon Humiston, student ombuds officer and a president’s office assistant.

The session began with an activity in which participants took definitions of sexual orientations and matched them with correct terms. The exercise was meant to increase awareness of affirmative language in the LGBT community.

The course also covered the negative effects of heterosexism and homophobia.

“I think that educating the university community and the community in general provides a valuable opportunity for people to embrace diversity and better understand the different cultures represented in our daily lives,” said Denise Schafer, coordinator of the Master of Science in Administration program.

“I really like that they have this program here,” said Romeo senior Jacquelyn Goodfallow. “I think it’s important for students to have a place they can go where they feel safe.”

Safe Zone training sessions are free and are held once a month. The next session will be Feb. 5.