Frequently Asked Questions
What is Safe Zone?
The Safe Zone program strives to erase homophobia and heterosexism on Xavier University's campus and provide support to those who need it. Through education, advocacy, and awareness of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally issues the program contributes to an open campus climate that is safe and accepting for all members of the University community.
Why do we need this program at Xavier?
Xavier is a campus that values and celebrates diversity. Sexual orientation is but one part of the diversity found on this campus. Safe Zone provides a tangible way of letting GLBT students, faculty, and staff know that they are welcome at Xavier. The Safe Zone symbol allows for easy identification of persons who are willing to discuss sexual orientation issues in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. Safe Zone participants also offer a positive and affirmative message about sexual diversity in response to societal homophobia.
It is important to recognize that sexual orientation is an invisible diversity - both in its members and supporters. The Safe Zone program helps create a more accepting atmosphere on campus by providing visual statements of support. While those that display stickers are by no means "experts," they are an evident symbol of someone who has already taken the extra step in making Xavier both inclusive and supportive.
How it Works...
Xavier students, faculty and staff who want to visibly show their support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning individuals can volunteer to be part of the Safe Zone program.
Individuals interested in participating must attend a Safe Zone training workshop which goes through a number of interactive exercises and activities about various topics including qualities of an ally to what you can do to help GLBT students on campus.
At the completion of the training, members are given a sticker to display in their residence hall room, office or classroom. Members are also provided a resource manual binder for future reference and referral.
Members will also then be voluntarily placed on our Participants guide. Those listed have agreed to be supportive points of contact for persons Xavier and who are always open in discussing sexual orientation issues.
Is Safe Zone Appropriate at a Jesuit University?
Yes. The basis of Catholic morality is the dignity of the human person. Anything that detracts from that dignity is immoral. In the Statement on Sexual Orientation, the University states "unequivocally that gay and lesbian students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni are welcome members of the University community, and that any prejudicial thoughts or actions directed against them have no place within our community." At the core of being a Jesuit institution is the service of faith through the promotion of justice. Part of the way the Society of Jesus deals with the injustice of prejudice is through the promotion of justice in bringing the marginalized to the mainstream. The Xavier Alliance, the primary GLBT student group on campus, brings people of sexual minorities into the mainstream so that everyone can consider carefully the issues that people of sexual minorities face. The Xavier Safe Zone aims to go beyond this by creating a permanent and visible initiative to erasing both homophobia and heterosexism.
What does it mean when I see a Safe Zone sticker on campus?
A Safe Zone sticker indicates that the person displaying it is open to hearing questions and providing information about GLBT issues. Safe Zone participants come from a variety of backgrounds, but tend to have the following qualities in common:
- A belief that this campus is enriched and enlivened by the diversity of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.
- A willingness to engage in genuine dialogue and interaction around the topic of sexual orientation.
- An openness to listen and to assist with accessing support and informational resources on campus and in the community.
- A willingness to maintain confidentiality within the confines of one's job.
- The use of inclusive language, avoiding stereotyping, and not assuming heterosexuality.
I'm interested in talking to a Safe Zone participant. How can I find one on campus?
Participants are identified by a sticker with the Safe Zone logo. Many have also agreed to have their contact information posted on this web site. Click here for an alphabetical listing of Safe Zone participants.
What if I just want to show support, but I don't have time to provide on-going counseling?
Safe Zone members are not expected to be "experts" or counselors. One of the reasons we require attendance at the training session is to provide knowledge about how and where to refer someone to a counselor or other resources on campus.
I'm interested in becoming a Safe Zone participant. How can I get involved?
The first step is to register for a Safe Zone training session. The training lasts 2.5 hours, and is an interactive program designed to enhance awareness of GLBT issues and experiences. Training sessions are open to all interested students, faculty, and staff at Xavier. Those interested may register for a training session by visiting our registration page. Any further inquiries are always welcome to XUAlliance@xavier.edu.
(Portions of the information on this page were adapted from a publication of the VACUHO Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Issues Task Force, as well as the St. Louis University Safe Zone)