2008 Woodie Awards
A 'Safe Space' at Lakeland
New program acknowledges gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues on campus
Dino Mujakovic
Issue date: 11/6/03 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Back in issue two of the "Lakeland Mirror," SA President Luke Pfeifer introduced the new Safe Space program at Lakeland. The purpose of the program is to focus on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) issues. It allows individuals who are confused or unclear with those issues to find a person who has answers and can provide helpful resources.
Students who are confused or concerned about a LGBT issue will be able to contact a person who went through the workshop. This person will be willing to listen and provide advice, either personal or learned through the workshop, and resources available outside of Lakeland.
This is the first time that Lakeland created a LGBT issue program.
Each member who completed the workshop will receive a pink triangle that he or she can stick on his or her door or another vivid place. Students who see that pink triangle will know that it is a 'safe space.' Once the door is shut, they can talk about anything and it's going to stay between those walls.
The pink triangle also means that the person supports LGBT people, is comfortable with who he or she is, and won't judge you by your sexual orientation.
During the workshop, people will be exposed to LGBT issues and discuss the experiences of people with such orientations. They will have to understand the challenges that come along with being LGBT. Resources will also be provided for helping those who seek assistance.
Faculty and staff members and RAs will serve as counselors. At this point, students are not able to counsel others. If the program turns out to be successful, students will be considered for such positions, and they may take the workshop and receive the pink triangle.
"The problem that we have is that right now there are no students who will stand up and say "Yes, I am gay and proud of it," said Director of Student Activities Amanda Clarmont.
SA is currently in the planning stages of the Safe Space program, but plans are progressing.
If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact Safe Space Chair and Student Services Coordinator, Chris Tourtellott at ext. 1624 or SA President, Luke Pfeifer at ext. 1210.
Students who are confused or concerned about a LGBT issue will be able to contact a person who went through the workshop. This person will be willing to listen and provide advice, either personal or learned through the workshop, and resources available outside of Lakeland.
This is the first time that Lakeland created a LGBT issue program.
Each member who completed the workshop will receive a pink triangle that he or she can stick on his or her door or another vivid place. Students who see that pink triangle will know that it is a 'safe space.' Once the door is shut, they can talk about anything and it's going to stay between those walls.
The pink triangle also means that the person supports LGBT people, is comfortable with who he or she is, and won't judge you by your sexual orientation.
During the workshop, people will be exposed to LGBT issues and discuss the experiences of people with such orientations. They will have to understand the challenges that come along with being LGBT. Resources will also be provided for helping those who seek assistance.
Faculty and staff members and RAs will serve as counselors. At this point, students are not able to counsel others. If the program turns out to be successful, students will be considered for such positions, and they may take the workshop and receive the pink triangle.
"The problem that we have is that right now there are no students who will stand up and say "Yes, I am gay and proud of it," said Director of Student Activities Amanda Clarmont.
SA is currently in the planning stages of the Safe Space program, but plans are progressing.
If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact Safe Space Chair and Student Services Coordinator, Chris Tourtellott at ext. 1624 or SA President, Luke Pfeifer at ext. 1210.