Diane Smith, a reporter for the Record-Courier, took part in Kent State University’s Safe Space Ally Training, giving readers a first-person perspective on what the program involves. The training Smith took part in was hosted by Ken Ditlevson, director of Kent State’s LGBTQ+ Center, earlier this month during the city’s Rainbow Weekend. The training was open to the community and held at the Kent Free Library.
In the Record-Courier article, Smith shared that participants learn a list of terminology “dos and don’ts,” how to convey respect as well as the appropriate way to ask about a person’s pronouns. However, as Ditlevson said in the article, being an ally goes beyond simply being respectful.
“Being an ally is about action,” Ditlevson said.
Offered regularly on the Kent Campus, the university’s Safe Space Ally Training aims to equip students, faculty, staff and university community members with the tools for creating safe spaces and welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ students on campus. Participants can learn about the LGBTQ+ community, resources and obtain the basics for making a difference in their sphere of influence.
The Safe Space Ally Training is facilitated by trained presenters who are well-versed in issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community and have previously gone through Safe Space Ally Training. At least one presenter in each Safe Space session is a full-time staff member of the LGBTQ+ Center.
At the conclusion of the training, participants who sign an ally pledge are given placards that can be displayed, indicating their home, office or other location is a “safe space.”
Read Smith’s account of the experience here.
Learn more about becoming a Safe Space Ally.