Why do we have Safe Zone?

Safe Zone exists to provide University of Wyoming students, faculty, staff, and surrounding community members a safe area to discuss different sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.  Safe Zone also exists to provide those who are interested in becoming LGBTQ allies more training and knowledge to do so. 

What is Safe Zone?

Safe Zone is a program designed to increase the overall campus community's understanding and awareness of issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) and other marginalized persons. Safe Zone was created to provide a safer, more receptive, and accepting campus climate by preparing members of the UW community to serve as a resource on LGBTQ issues while educating the campus community about the Safe Zone Program. Beginning in the Academic Year 2013-14 the program will begin providing two ongoing workshops to the campus community - SafeZONE 101 and Becoming an Ally.

What does it mean to be a Safe Zone member?

Although not all participants may choose to become Safe Zone members, those who do agree to be allies for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Members also are willing to assist LGBTQ individuals in accessing support and information resources on campus and in the community. Safe Zone members also agree to listen, maintain confidentiality, comfortably use inclusive language, avoid stereotyping, and to not assume heterosexuality.

Members can display a Safe Zone logo to identify themselves as someone who has chosen to educate her/himself about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues and has information about local resources. By displaying the Safe Zone logo, the Safe Zone member is self-disclosing their choice to be an LGBTQ ally and that the space is a safe zone for LGBTQ individuals.

Anyone who is interested and willing to be an ally/advocate can participate in Safe Zone. Members of Safe Zone need only to be open and supportive to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and willing to learn about issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expressions.

Do I have to be LGBTQ to join Safe Zone?

Displaying the Safe Zone logo and/or participating in the Safe Zone program does not mean that you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. It means you are supportive of the needs of others and willing to learn about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

How do I join Safe Zone?

Contact us at safezone@uwyo.edu or call us at 766-3117 for more information.