Training for the Fall 2007 semester will take place on Friday, November 9 from 12-1 pm. Please use the signup page if you would like to participate.
The main objectives of these programs are: (a) to provide a supportive environment for GLBT members of the campus community, (b) to facilitate their "coming out" process, (c) to foster a social climate in which others do not feel the need to express anti-gay attitudes in order to "fit in," (d) to dispel negative stereotypes and present factually accurate information about GLBT people, and (e) to publicize other support resources or structures that are available on or off campus.
Participation in the safe space program will be entirely voluntary and open to all Georgia Tech faculty, staff, and student staff, including Housing Staff, Teaching Assistants, Student Assistants, and leaders of campus organizations. Participants in the program will publicly display a distinctive sticker or sign, bearing the program logo, in their work or living areas (e.g. dorm room door, office desk or door, etc.). The signs identify the program members as being friendly to GLBT people and opposed to all forms of anti-gay prejudice. Participants in the safe space program will be asked to attend an orientation session and to sign a statement expressing their agreement with the program's mission and goals.
The creation of such an environment does not benefit only GLBT students. Studies have shown that, in some cases, anti-gay attitudes arise from a psychological need to manifest values or opinions shared by a person's immediate social environment in order to gain acceptance and friendship. Conversely, empirical research has also shown that prejudice diminishes under conditions of equal status, common goals, shared values, cooperation, and ongoing, moderate intimacy. Thus, safe space programs foster an environment that is beneficial to the campus community as a whole.