Safe Space Program

Safe Space Sticker

Beginning Fall 2023, Safe Space Training will be available by group-associated (department, office, club, etc.) request only.

To request Safe Space Training for your group, please contact Emily Olson (Emily.Olson@oneonta.edu).

The Oneonta Safe Space Program builds awareness of the issues affecting LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, etc.) people as well as providing training to the campus community to develop skills for allies. The program works to create more campus spaces where LGBTQIA+ people and their allies feel safe, supported, and valued as members of our SUNY Oneonta community.

The program provides a multi-tier workshop series for faculty, staff, and students of SUNY Oneonta, with a continuing education model.

After completing the 101-style workshop, participants will be given the option to join the Safe Space Ally Network and display an official Oneonta Safe Space symbol in a visible location. The symbol signifies the individual's commitment to being a resource and an ally to LGBTQIA+ people. Participants will then be invited to higher tier-level workshops to stay up-to-date and active in their allyship skills.

  1. Differentiate between and define concepts of gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and biological sex.
  2. Describe at least 2 allyship skills for engaging with people who have minoritized gender and sexual identities.
  3. Name at least 2 on-campus resources for students around gender and sexual identity development.
  4. Define the concept of intersectionality.
  5. Recall at least 3 historical facts describing Western perspectives on same-sex sexuality and gender identity.
  6. Describe how contemporary social norms have stigmatized certain expressions of gender and sexuality and at least one negative effect on students.

Support Network Member Responsibilities:

  • To display network symbol in a visible place for members of the campus community
  • To be available to members of the SUNY Oneonta community who wish to discuss LGBTQIA+ concerns
  • To share information about SUNY Oneonta and community resources related to LGBTQIA+ life and following up when necessary
  • To respect people's need for privacy and confidentiality (when appropriate)
  • To commit to continuing to learn about LGBTQIA+ issues

If after completing the training, you decide you do not wish to participate as a Safe Space Ally Network member, it is okay. We appreciate your willingness to educate yourself on issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.

LGBTQ youth who found their school to be LGBTQ-affirming reported lower rates of attempting suicide.

Source: Trevor Project 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health

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