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Safe Zone

The Safe Zone program aims to create a visible network of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA) individuals and their allies by providing an avenue through which any member of the Saint Mary’s Community can show their support.

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Safe Zone's purpose is to reduce homophobia and heterosexism on our campus and thereby make our campus a safer and freer environment for all members of our community.

This program also creates an educational experience through which students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to explore their personal identities, cultural identities, stereotypes, privilege, and what it means to be an Ally. The program is also designed to understand how these issues impact the Saint Mary’s and global community. After attending the Tier 1 and Tier 2 Safe Zone workshops participants have the choice to sign the Safe Zone Pledge and take a Safe Zone placard.

Visit our "IC Diversity Toolkit" page for resources and information on how to be a better ally.

What is an ALLY?
An Ally is not...

What is an ALLY?

Someone who is committed to providing visible, tangible support for the LGBTQIA community
Someone you can go to for day to day advice, and know that your sexuality or gender identity is not an issue and is not something you have to worry about concealing
Someone who is committed to providing a confidential (within limits) safe zone for members of the LGBTQIA community
Someone who is available as a reference for anyone with questions about sexuality or gender identity issues. An ally may not always have an answer, but should know where to find it.
Someone who has agreed to continually improve their knowledge about the LGBTQIA community and issues via in-service or continuous training sessions and campus programs
Someone who agrees to combat homophobia and heterosexism on a personal level.
Someone who believes that our campus is enriched and enlivened by the diversity of LGBTQIA students, faculty and staff
Someone who can comfortably use inclusive language, avoid stereotyping, and be actively aware of heterosexism
Someone who agrees to support other allies

An Ally is not...

(necessarily) A licensed, professional counselor, but an ALLY can offer someone a menu of alternative sources for help
A spokesperson for the LGBTQIA communities at large, but an ALLY is an individual that can speak for themselves from their experience
An expert on the "coming out" process, but an ALLY is someone who is sensitive to and concerned for individuals during this process. An ALLY can offer someone a selection of others to whom they can speak.