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Safe Zone trainings are opportunities to learn about LGBTQ+ identities, gender and sexuality, and examine prejudice, assumptions, and privilege. Attending a Safe Zone training gives you a deeper familiarity and comfort with vocabulary, inclusive practices, and privilege can help you identify ways that your organization can continue to be a more safe and inclusive space for your LGBTQ+ coworkers.
WHY DO PEOPLE ATTEND SAFE ZONE TRAININGS?
One common one is that LGBTQ+ folks sometimes question whether they will feel safe, welcomed, or supported in a new environment. Displaying Safe Zone stickers and demonstrating you went to a training can communicate to others the commitment you’re making to creating LGBTQ-inclusive environments.
Another reason is for people to explore, for themselves, the concepts of sexuality and gender. This goes for people who are L, G, B, T, and/or Q, as well as people who aren’t (straight and/or cisgender people).
We don’t get a lot of space in society to talk about these things, and Safe Zone trainings unique and wonderful because they’re exactly that. A safe place to ask questions, to be vulnerable, and to learn.
There is a pressure to already know how to be LGBTQ+ inclusive. And while many of us want to be we don’t necessarily feel comfortable with the language, with our own level of understanding, and don’t know where to go to learn more. Safe Zone trainings are safe places for people can go to learn more, about their own gender/sexuality and deepen their understanding of LGBTQ+ identity and issues.