The Safe Zone Allies training session welcome full and part-time university employees of all sexual and gender identities who are interested in and committed to addressing issues and topics of importance to the LGBTQ+ community.

This two-hour training session addresses terminology around gender and sexual identities, community cultures and norms, polices that impact the LGBTQ+ community, heteronormativity, oppression and allyship. During this training session, participants engage in discussion and learning to gain valuable knowledge that will help them in developing their LGBTQ+ advocacy and allyship.

After attending the session, participants can self-select to be a University Safe Zone Ally and will receive a window/door Safe Zone Allies sticker recognizing the commitment to being a safe space and place for all and will be added to the Microsoft Teams Community with other University Allies. 

Please register through the epd.uark.edu training calendar. This virtual session will be from 2-4 p.m., Thursday, Sept 30. The Zoom link will be sent 24 hours prior to the session. 

Safe Zone Allies are individuals who believe that all people in the campus community should be treated equitably regardless of sexual orientation, gender or gender expression. Allies are supportive and affirming of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, gender fluid and any queer-identifying student and employee. Allies listen without judgment, provide safe and brave spaces for discussion and are equipped with appropriate resources to assist and educate others. 

 Our Safe Zone Allies training session allows participants to leave with the following:

• An increased awareness of the issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community.
• A foundational knowledge of terminology and common language.
• A deeper awareness, understanding and comfort with LGBTQ+ topics.
• An understanding of advantages society affords non-LGBTQ+ people.
• An opportunity to be an ally to LGBTQ+ community on campus.

Trainings are held multiple times throughout the semester and open to all university employee.