Spring Break
Safe Zone offers sanctuary for students
Anna Meyerrose
Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: News
Safe Zone and programs like it can be found on various college and university campus across the nation, and even at some high schools. This program is available to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning/queer (LGBTIQ) students at Rhodes as well. These safe zones are designed to provide safe, comfortable, and easily accessible places for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual) students to go when they are in need of someone to talk to, without fear of their sexuality being attacked.
Various safe zone counselors include professors, administrators, and even some students (both heterosexual and bisexual). Trained individuals, such as these, display a recognizable "Safe Zone" logo outside of their office or dorm room doors so as to make themselves available to any and all LGBTIQ students.
"It's always helpful to have someone to vent to," said Jyo Carolino, a sophomore who is Safe Zone certified and participates in the Safe Zone program. "What you can't discuss with your friends you can discuss with another student"
All individuals that have undergone and completed the Safe Zone program training are recognizable by the sticker. Part of the Safe Zone training includes signing a contract committing to encourage a more accepting environment amongst the entire student population.
In general, Memphis is not considered to be a very liberal or forward-thinking city.
"This isn't a particularly open city for gay people," said Michael LaRosa, an associate professor in the history department.
Those who have completed the Safe Zone program are encouraged to speak up if they hear any discriminating language between students talking around campus. Intervention such as this could be triggered by commonplace comments such as "that's so gay," said in passing, or something with more intent to hurt or offend.
With these kinds of practices and others, Safe Zone participants hope to decrease the amount of discrimination against LGBTIQ students at Rhodes. The Safe Zone program also aims to increase people's understanding of sexual orientation, while at the same time correcting inaccurate stereotypes about LGBTIQ students and promoting a safer and more positive environment at Rhodes. Safe Zone hopes to fight ways of thinking that include, but are not limited to, homophobia, heterosexism, and transphobia.
While Safe Zone is an important step towards creating a more open and comfortable campus environment, some believe more needs to be done and Rhodes still has a long way to go.
Various safe zone counselors include professors, administrators, and even some students (both heterosexual and bisexual). Trained individuals, such as these, display a recognizable "Safe Zone" logo outside of their office or dorm room doors so as to make themselves available to any and all LGBTIQ students.
"It's always helpful to have someone to vent to," said Jyo Carolino, a sophomore who is Safe Zone certified and participates in the Safe Zone program. "What you can't discuss with your friends you can discuss with another student"
All individuals that have undergone and completed the Safe Zone program training are recognizable by the sticker. Part of the Safe Zone training includes signing a contract committing to encourage a more accepting environment amongst the entire student population.
In general, Memphis is not considered to be a very liberal or forward-thinking city.
"This isn't a particularly open city for gay people," said Michael LaRosa, an associate professor in the history department.
Those who have completed the Safe Zone program are encouraged to speak up if they hear any discriminating language between students talking around campus. Intervention such as this could be triggered by commonplace comments such as "that's so gay," said in passing, or something with more intent to hurt or offend.
With these kinds of practices and others, Safe Zone participants hope to decrease the amount of discrimination against LGBTIQ students at Rhodes. The Safe Zone program also aims to increase people's understanding of sexual orientation, while at the same time correcting inaccurate stereotypes about LGBTIQ students and promoting a safer and more positive environment at Rhodes. Safe Zone hopes to fight ways of thinking that include, but are not limited to, homophobia, heterosexism, and transphobia.
While Safe Zone is an important step towards creating a more open and comfortable campus environment, some believe more needs to be done and Rhodes still has a long way to go.
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