Students learn how to create a ‘Safe Space’ for others at training session

By: Andrea Emery
News Editor

On Thursday, March 8, the Western Illinois University chapter of Unity presented a training program called Safe Space on the Monmouth College campus to all interested. Unity is an organization designed to unite the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and their allies.

Following an introduction by Ruby Pentsil-Bukari, director of intercultural life at Monmouth College, the three-hour training session began. The Safe Space training program was presented at Monmouth College to help the community become more educated and supportive of all students. Safe Space is a step in creating social justice within the campus community.

According to the Safe Space training program, “Allies play a major role in ensuring a safe and equal environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) individuals in any college community.”

The program was designed to challenge participants to go beyond tolerance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and help develop skills as an ally.

As the program began, expectations were given to all participants. Each was asked to respect the learning process, ask questions if compelled to, demonstrate respect and tolerance for all participants and facilitators and to have fun and not be afraid to laugh. The program included the characteristics of an ally, which included developing an understanding for members of the GLBT community, aligning and responding to GLBT persons, believing it is in his or her best self-interest to be an ally, and having a good sense of humor, to name only several. The program also went on to discuss some realities of becoming an ally, and the four steps in ally development according to the Safe Space program.

Several activities, including a dating game using non-gender-specific language and the creation of an ally were included in the program.

Other aspects of the program included development theories, models and identity formations, and ways to be a supportive ally.

Attendees were encouraged to display their Safe Space symbol received at the program, be available to members of the college community who wish to discuss GLBT concerns and issues, and to respect people’s need and desire for privacy.

According to Janeve West, assistant professor of the communication and theatre arts, the program proved to be very beneficial. “I think just the fact that the conversation is happening in an honest, open and safe environment is the most beneficial aspect of the program. So often people feel reluctant to speak honestly about sexual orientation, and it is that hesitancy that damages our communication and so damages our communities. When the communication begins, then the learning begins,” West commented.