Safe Zone is a concept used by many schools, organizations and communities. The program promotes awareness and non-judgmental treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people by providing education and training. After training, participants are given a sticker and a button with which they may show their support. A safe zone is both a location and a state of mind. We assume that everyone's understanding, experience, and expertise is different with respect to issues of homophobia and heterosexism. Discussion is important to understanding the issues of difference and diversity.
Our philosophy includes the knowledge that until we learn to recognize and accept each other -differences and all -- we can never hope to realize the fullness of our potential as human beings."
The PSC Safe Zone symbol conveys a positive message to the Plymouth State College community, particularly to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals. The person displaying this sticker or button is one who will be non-judgmental and trustworthy should anyone need help, advice, or just someone to listen. At Plymouth State College the symbol identifies places of safetv and people who will be understanding and supportive. Anyone seeing this symbol will know this is a "Safe Zone."
The symbol utilizes a green circle surrounding two triangles, one pink and one black, and bears the words "PSC Safe Zone."
The green circle, the opposite of the familiar red circle with a slash, signifies the displayer's willingness to be supportive of bisexual, transgendered, lesbian, and gay people. The circle also represents the inclusion of the straight allies of this community. The pink triangle was used by the Nazis to label gay men in concentration camps and the black triangle was used to label lesbians (and other women deemed "antisocial"). These symbols have been adopted as symbols of lesbian and gay identity and self-esteem.
The area bisecting the triangles represents the diversity of sexual minorities which includes bisexual and transgendered individuals. The interconnectedness of human sexuality is thereby represented.
Safe Zone volunteers will conduct workshops across the campus to discuss questions such as:
The workshops will also provide an opportunity for people who wish to participate to commit to the principles of the project. Those principles are: to be inclusive and affirming of lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and gay people through respect, understanding and trust.
PSC SAFE ZONE is a completely voluntary program. All participating members must be committed to the principles of the program in order for it to work effectively. No judgment will be made about individuals who choose not to participate. Displaying a sticker indicates that a person is participating in the Safe Zone Project. However, if a person does not display the sticker, there is no assumption of lack of support.
For more information contact anv member of the Task Force Against Homophobia, PSC Safe Zone subcommittee.
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