home news about rpa constitution weekly meetings coming out guide student resources parent resources schedule of events members directory capital district guide message board about safe zone allies directory training calendar email the officers contacts links	About SafeZone What is SafeZone? The purpose of SafeZone is to reduce homophobia and heterosexism at Rensselaer, thereby to make our campus a safer and freer environment for all members of our community regardless of sexual orientation. It aims to prepare members of the campus community, primarily faculty and staff, to serve as a resource on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues, and also to educate the campus community about the SafeZone program. Although transgender refers to gender identity and not necessarily sexual orientation, this is a sexual minority group and is therefore included n the SafeZone program. What it Means to be a Member... Be open to questions from gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) people and about their issues. Questions may come from students who identify as GLBTQ or are questioning their sexual orientation. Additionally, questions may come from students who are heterosexual and who are disturbed by the presence of a GLBTQ person in their classes, residence hall, or family. Colleagues may also present questions. Support policies that bring equity to otherwise inequitable situations and give open support for GLBTQ issues. Encourage others to become part of SafeZone. The more willing people are to talk about these issues with facts and openness, the safer our campus will become for GLBTQ people. The sticker helps to convey a message that you are supportive and trustworthy, live up to this notion. The sticker does not indicate whether you are or are not GLBTQ; it merely states that you are a support and resource person, in other words, an ally. The length of your commitment to SafeZone is entirely up to you. Being an Ally Being an ally can be tough at times. Your genuine dedication to this program, no matter how long, will create a positive space within your community.