Safe Zone Program


The Safe Zone program provides a visible network of support to BSC's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. Safe Zone members are allies who have identified themselves as safe people with whom GLBT people can be themselves.

By displaying the Safe Zone placard, pledging to listen non-judgmentally to GLBT students who confide in them, and confronting anti-gay slurs, GLBT allies are fostering a campus environment of respect and safety.

The Safe Zone program provides learning opportunities on how to support GLBT students, colleagues, family members and friends; effectively respond to anti-GLBT statements and behaviors; and put your commitment to GLBT equality into action. In other words, the Safe Zone program assists individuals who want to be allies to or simply learn more about the realities and issues facing the GLBT community.


How do I attend the Safe Zone trainings?
The GLBTA Coordinator, Lisa Forest, offers departmental, classroom, office, and student club or organization training sessions upon request. Safe Zone trainings have a 6 person minimum. Contact Lisa at lisa.forest@bridgew.edu for more details.


How do I become an ally?

Everyone who completes the Safe Zone training will be eligible to become an officially recognized ally by the GLBTA Pride Center. Following the training, potential allies will be given the opportunity to pledge to be a safe and supportive person for GLBT students and employees. If you decide to sign the pledge, you will receive the placard and a button to display.  View the list of the official BSC Safe Zone Allies.

Primary goals of the BSC Safe Zone:

  • To increase the overall campus community's understanding and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues
  • To provide a greater sense of safety for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community
  • To challenge prejudice and discrimination toward the GLBT community

What an Ally offers:

  • A safe place
  • A resource of people and places
  • A person who is informed about the issues facing the GLBT community
  • A person who can provide comfort
  • A person who can maintain confidence
  • A person who will just listen

What an Ally is not:

  • Not necessarily a counselor
  • An expert on all topics related to GLBT issues or concerns
  • Perfect

Last Modified: November 5, 2009