What is Safe Zone?
The mission of Safe Zone is to foster an atmosphere of support and celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning individuals (LGBTQ) on the WVU campuses. Safe Zone is a program designed to identify individuals who consider themselves to be open to and knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues. Members display a Safe Zone symbol to demonstrate their acceptance of LGBTQ individuals.

Why do we have Safe Zone?
West Virginia University is proud of its increasingly diverse population and is committed to developing and sustaining a campus community which feels safe and celebratory for all its members. Safe Zone is a tangible way to demonstrate that all sexual orientations and gender presentations are part of our culture and are acknowledged and supported.

What does it mean if I see a Safe Zone symbol displayed?
A Safe Zone symbol identifies members of our campus community who have chosen to educate themselves about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning issues and have information about local resources. Safe Zone symbols help convey a message that the person displaying the symbol is supportive, trustworthy, and sensitive to the needs and concerns of LGBTQ people.  In addition, the symbol indicates that all viewpoints regarding sexual orientation and gender identity will be addressed in an educational, informative, and non-threatening manner.  The symbol is not an indication of a person's sexual orientation or any particular political or moral viewpoint -- it merely states that he or she wants to ensure that LGBTQ individuals are free to be full members of the campus community.

Do I already need to know about LGBTQ resources to join?
Members of Safe Zone need only to be open-minded and supportive to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning individuals and willing to learn about issues related to sexual orientation.

Do I have to be LGBTQ to join Safe Zone?
Displaying the Safe Zone symbol does NOT mean that you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning or that you will participate in any LGBTQ activities. Displaying the symbol does communicate your willingness to foster an atmosphere of support and celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning individuals on this WVU campus.

What do Safe Zone members do?
Safe Zone members agree to be respectful of and develop an understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning individuals. Members also commit to educating themselves on LGBTQ issues. Safe Zone members also agree to be a resource to LGBTQ individuals, as well as make appropriate referrals. Safe Zone members agree to maintain confidentiality at work and actively use inclusive language, avoid stereotyping, and do not assume heterosexuality. Lastly, and most importantly, Safe Zone members may make a difference in someone's life and possibly never know about it.

How do I join Safe Zone?
Interested students, faculty and staff can email the Social Justice Representative at WVU Parkersburg, Debbie Richards, or the Safe Zone coordinator at the main University campus in Morgantown, T. Anne Hawkins, Ph.D., to request information regarding the next Safe Zone training opportunity.