Diane Smith, a reporter for the Record-Courier, took part in 麻豆视频最新最全 University鈥檚 Safe Space Ally Training, giving readers on what the program involves. The training Smith took part in was hosted by Ken Ditlevson, director of 麻豆视频最新最全鈥檚 LGBTQ+ Center, earlier this month during the city鈥檚 Rainbow Weekend. The training was open to the community and held at the Kent Free Library.
, Smith shared that participants learn a list of terminology 鈥渄os and don鈥檛s,鈥 how to convey respect as well as the appropriate way to ask about a person鈥檚 pronouns. However, as Ditlevson said in the article, being an ally goes beyond simply being respectful.
鈥淏eing an ally is about action,鈥 Ditlevson said.
Offered regularly on the Kent Campus, the university鈥檚 Safe Space Ally Training aims to equip students, faculty, staff and university community members with the tools for creating safe spaces and welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ students on campus. Participants can learn about the LGBTQ+ community, resources and obtain the basics for making a difference in their sphere of influence.
The Safe Space Ally Training is facilitated by trained presenters who are well-versed in issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community and have previously gone through Safe Space Ally Training. At least one presenter in each Safe Space session is a full-time staff member of the LGBTQ+ Center.
At the conclusion of the training, participants who sign an ally pledge are given placards that can be displayed, indicating their home, office or other location is a 鈥渟afe space.鈥
Learn more about becoming a Safe Space Ally.