Office of LGBTQ* Resources to host campuswide SafeZone Workshop By Ryan Girves
The Office of LGBTQ* Resources, a unit in the University of Kentucky Office for Student Success, will host a SafeZone Workshop from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, in the Gatton Student Center E. Britt Brockman MD Senate Chamber.
SafeZone Workshops are 90-minute workshops to equip individuals to be more aware and active allies. This workshop explores LGBTQ* identities, strategies for supporting student experiences and exploring LGBTQ* related campus and community resources.
“There is a pressure to already know how to be LGBTQ+ inclusive. And while many of us want to be, we don’t necessarily feel comfortable with the language, with our own level of understanding, and don’t know where to go to learn more,” J'Lissabeth Faughn, director the Office of LGBTQ* Resources, said. “SafeZone Workshops are safe places for people to go to learn more, about their own gender/sexuality and deepen their understanding of LGBTQ+ identity and issues.”
While the workshop is just one day, The Office of LGBTQ* Resources, works tirelessly throughout the year to support LGBTQ* students. Serving as the central hub for accessing information, groups and services related to diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, the office seeks to make sure that the campus community is a welcoming, safe and supportive place for all students, faculty, staff and alumni.
"Our mission focuses on the three core pillars of education, advocacy and community building," Faughn said. "We are actively engaged in supporting student organizations, offering professional development opportunities for campus groups and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals from many walks of life. Our ultimate goal is to highlight the wonderfully diverse experiences of LGBTQ* Wildcats while working to decrease marginalization in all forms."
The SafeZone Worksop is open to the entire campus community, free of charge. To register for the event, click https://uky.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8546356.
Contact the Office of LGBTQ* Resources for more information via phone at 859-218-4816 or email to lgbtq@uky.edu.