University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

Safe Space Program

What is a Safe Space?

A Safe Space is a place in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals and their allies are affirmed and supported, and where discussions of sexuality and gender issues can occur openly and constructively. The mission of the Safe Space Program is to proactively create a safe campus environment for LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Where on campus can I find Safe Spaces?

Everyone who completes UW-Stout’s Safe Space Program and signs the Ally Pledge receives a Safe Space magnet to display in their office, classroom, or residence hall room. Every time you see the Safe Space magnet, you know allies are close by.

Who should attend Safe Space training?

Everyone! Whether you’ve been a long-term ally or you’re just learning what an ally is, attending Safe Space training is a great learning experience. (By the way, an ally is simply a person who advocates for and supports LGBTQ individuals.)

Safe Space training at UW-Stout

Launched in 2001, UW-Stout’s Safe Space Program is an Ally training designed to help students, faculty and staff of any sexual orientation or gender identity/expression better support and advocate for LGBTQ individuals. The training is facilitated by the LGBTQ Program Coordinator and includes a student panel whose members share stories of their experiences as LGBTQ and allied people and answer participants’ questions. The training is designed to help participants learn how to identify and combat homophobia and heterosexism on the campus, and better familiarize them with the LGBTQ community.

Objectives

• The Safe Space Program is designed to help individuals become LGBTQ allies who are aware of and sensitive to the issues, needs, and concerns of the LGBTQ community.

• Safe Space Allies:
• • Understand the damaging effects of homophobia and heterosexism in the university community.
  • Provide a safe and affirming environment for LGBTQ persons by contributing to an LGBT-friendly atmosphere and personal relationships based upon respect, fairness, and trust.
  • May serve as resources of knowledge and information regarding the various needs, concerns and experiences of LGBTQ persons within the university community.
  • Listen, ask questions, and strive to increase their general knowledge of LGBTQ issues in their daily lives.

Open Door Discussion & Support Group

Open Door is a confidential, drop-in discussion and support group for students who are LGBT-identified or Questioning. The group meets weekly during the school year.

Join us anytime for interesting discussion and opportunities to give and receive support around coming out and other issues. Look for meeting time and location on our brightly colored posters throughout campus, or contact Julie Miller, LGBTQ Program Coordinator, for more information at: millerjul@uwstout.edu

millerjul@uwstout.edu, or stop by The Qube for help finding up-to-date resources. Books are available for checkout from the The Qube. Additionally, you can search research databases atEBSCOhost.

Peer Mentoring Program

Looking to connect with the LGBTQ community on campus? We can help! Peer mentors are available for both incoming and current students. The LGBTQ Program Office will connect you with a peer with similar academic and personal interests or experiences who has volunteered to serve as a confidential mentor. Mentorsare ready to share information about campus and community resources and serve as a sounding board for whatever is on your mind. Just click on the link below to fill out the short application that will help us match you with a mentor. For more information, contact Julie Miller, LGBTQ Program Coordinator, atmillerjul@uwstout.edu.

Request a Mentor

Looking for ways to contribute to the LGBTQ community on campus? Providing support and encouragement to fellow students as a peer mentor might be the opportunity you've been waiting for! Peer mentors play an integral role in creating safe spaces in our campus community. Potential mentors are asked to complete a short application to aid the Program Office during the matching process. Just follow the link below to get the process started. For more information, contact Julie Miller, LGBTQ Program Coordinator, atmillerjul@uwstout.edu.

Become a Mentor

Inclusive Forms Initiative

Inclusive forms and survey instruments are a win-win proposition at UW-Stout, ensuring that departments, offices and organizations don’t inadvertently limit the information received, while contributing to the welcoming and inclusive campus environment we all value. Contact the LGBTQ Program Office for a quick and easy assessment of your forms/instruments, complete with suggestions for simple revisions that will enhance their effectiveness and inclusivity!