Practicing Safe Zone Allyship includes…

• Visibly supporting LGBTQ+ individuals on campus
• Continuously expanding your knowledge of LGBTQ+ identities, issues, and current events
• Attending LGBTQ+-centered events both on and off campus
• Using inclusive, respectful, and affirming language
• Avoiding assumptions about a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation
• Sharing resources with others to support LGBTQ+ individuals
• Actively challenging all forms of oppression that impact the LGBTQ+ community
• Collaborating with LGBTQ+ organizations to plan events, trainings, and workshops
• Encouraging peers to become Safe Zone trained

Many colleges and universities in North America implement “Safe” programs on their campuses. Sometimes these programs are called “Safe Zone,” “Safe Space,” “Safe Harbor,” or “Safe On Campus.” The hallmark of these “Safe” programs is the public identification of allies by displaying the “Safe” logo, sticker, or sign on office and residence hall doors. Although it is unclear who first conceived of the “Safe” idea, the earliest we could find was the Ball State University program called “SAFE On Campus (Staff, Administration, and Faculty for Equality)” which was implemented during the 1992-1993 academic year. This program, initiated by the Lesbian, Bisexual, and Gay Student Association, included some of the components that we are using presently at Ramapo College.