Beginning Fall 2023, Safe Space Training will be available by group-associated (department, office, club, etc.) request only.
To request Safe Space Training for your group, please email gsrc@oneonta.edu.
The Oneonta Safe Space Program builds awareness of the issues affecting LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, etc.) people as well as providing training to the campus community to develop skills for allies. The program works to create more campus spaces where LGBTQIA+ people and their allies feel safe, supported, and valued as members of our SUNY Oneonta community.
The program provides a multi-tier workshop series for faculty, staff, and students of SUNY Oneonta, with a continuing education model.
After completing the 101-style workshop, participants will be given the option to join the Safe Space Ally Network and display an official Oneonta Safe Space symbol in a visible location. The symbol signifies the individual's commitment to being a resource and an ally to LGBTQIA+ people. Participants will then be invited to higher tier-level workshops to stay up-to-date and active in their allyship skills.
- Differentiate between and define concepts of gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and biological sex.
- Describe at least 2 allyship skills for engaging with people who have minoritized gender and sexual identities.
- Name at least 2 on-campus resources for students around gender and sexual identity development.
- Define the concept of intersectionality.
- Recall at least 3 historical facts describing Western perspectives on same-sex sexuality and gender identity.
- Describe how contemporary social norms have stigmatized certain expressions of gender and sexuality and at least one negative effect on students.
Support Network Member Responsibilities:
- To display network symbol in a visible place for members of the campus community
- To be available to members of the SUNY Oneonta community who wish to discuss LGBTQIA+ concerns
- To share information about SUNY Oneonta and community resources related to LGBTQIA+ life and following up when necessary
- To respect people's need for privacy and confidentiality (when appropriate)
- To commit to continuing to learn about LGBTQIA+ issues
If after completing the training, you decide you do not wish to participate as a Safe Space Ally Network member, it is okay. We appreciate your willingness to educate yourself on issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
LGBTQ youth who found their school to be LGBTQ-affirming reported lower rates of attempting suicide.
Source: Trevor Project 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health