What is an Ally?
An ally is a person who…
- An ally understands his/her responsibility to be concerned with the treatment of others.
- Appreciates LGBT people as experts of their own life experiences and realizes that they a can learn from LGBT persons and their allies.
- Appreciates the diversity of our community and views LGBT people as a valid part of that diversity.
- Becomes aware of the societal beliefs and influences that face LGBT people and knows that these experiences might make them hesitant to trust an ally.
- Expects to make some mistakes, and does not use any feelings of guilt to become an ineffective ally or as an excuse for non-action.
- Has a sense of humor.
- Has good intentions that can be seen and felt.
- Is able to identify harmful jokes or acts and challenges these behaviors as often as he/she can without being defensive, sarcastic, or threatening, especially when LGBT persons are unable to safely do so themselves.
- Is comfortable saying the words: gay, lesbian, and transgender.Is working to develop an understanding of homosexuality and the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.
- Is concerned about LBGT issues and is willing to work collaboratively to create a more inclusive community among faculty, staff, and students.
- Is willing to “own” his/her own prejudices, stereotypes, feelings, assumptions, thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
- Listens, assists and knows whom to contact for support.
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An ally is not a person who…
- Has all the answers.
- Is expected to be a therapist or tell students what to do to fix their problems.
- Will give preferential treatment to LGBT students.
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Interested in becoming a Safe Zones Ally?
Participate in a Safe Zones orientation. For the next orientation date, contact Dean Bethany Marlowe or Zachary Christian.
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