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What is an Ally? Resources      FAQ

SAFE ZONES Students, Administrators, and Faculty for Equality

 

What is an Ally?

What is not an Ally?

Interested in becoming a Safe Zones Ally?
 

 

An ally is a person who…

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.

has good intentions that can be seen and felt. An ally understands his/her responsibility to be concerned with the treatment of others.

listens, assists and knows whom to contact for support.

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.

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.

is concerned about LBGT issues and is willing to work collaboratively to create a more inclusive community among faculty, staff and students.

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.

is willing to “own” his/her own prejudices, stereotypes, feelings, assumptions, thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.

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.

has a sense of humor.

 

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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?

Contact:

Ms.Bethany Marlowe

Dean of Students

Student Affairs

212 Dinkins Student Center

803-323-4503

Marloweb@winthrop.edu

 

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