'Different people, Different solutions' is new LGBTQA campaign at UNL

LGBTQA Programs and Services at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Oct. 1 launches a new Safe Space/Ally campaign, "Different people. Different needs. Different solutions."

In conjunction with the month-long LGBTQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Ally) History Month celebration, the campaign focuses on the recognition of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions in Safe Spaces and by Allies.

UNL is the first campus community to encourage public designations between Safe Space and Allies through the use of cards and buttons. By offering the option to display either a Safe Space or Ally card, the campaign affirms that individuals have different needs and that the words "Safe Space" and "Ally" have particular significance and different meanings for LGBTQ students.

The university expects to spark dialogue and self-reflection among faculty, staff and students through this campaign as community members identifying as an Ally or designating a campus Safe Space reflect on how they respond to LGBTQ students and colleagues and how they are perceived by others.

Displaying a Safe Space card designates tolerance, a place where individuals can expect equitable access, dignity and safety. An Ally card indicates acceptance, that the individual displaying it is committed to and affirms diversity, inclusion, mutual respect and personal safety for all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

"Institutions that include sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policies expect non-discriminatory action towards the LGBTQ community and may consider all campus environments to be Safe Spaces. For LGBTQ students, however, only complying with a non-discrimination policy does not constitute a Safe Space. Community members can practice non-discriminatory actions while expressing a belief that sexual orientation and gender expressions are not identities, for example, but lifestyle choices," said Linda Major, director of Student Involvement.

"What distinguishes a Safe Space from non-discrimination policy compliance is that even if some community members within a Safe Space believe that heterosexuality is preferred to being gay, lesbian or bisexual, it is not expressed in word or action," said Pat Tetreault, assistant director of Student Involvement, LGBTQA Programs and Services "Displaying a Safe Space card does not necessarily mean that everyone affirms or embraces all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities, nor are those who believe heterosexuality is preferred rejected. In a Safe Space, all people, regardless of their values and beliefs, can participate with dignity and safety without threat of expressed prejudice or discrimination."

An Ally, on the other hand, embraces and affirms sexual orientation and gender expression as one of many identities that are equally appreciated and included as part of a diverse world, Tetreault added. "A Safe Space may not include an Ally, but an Ally creates a Safe Space," Tetreault said.

Part of UNL's mission is to prepare graduates to become active participants in a democratic society. Student involvement in an inclusive environment prepares students to respect individuals and their ideas, become leaders and create change, Tetreault and Major said.

For more information about creating a safe space and UNL's "Different people. Different needs. Different solutions" Safe Space/Ally campaign, visit http://involved.unl.edu. Graphics for Safe Space cards, Ally cards and buttons, and "Different people. Different needs. Different solutions" Safe Space/Ally campaign promotional materials are available for download.