Keeping LGBTQ Safe at School

 

Whether it's an in-person pop-up queer space, a virtual hangout, or a plethora of resources on LGBTQ+ issues, safe spaces are a fundamental part of the LGBTQ+ experience. However, their ubiquity is dwindling in countries around the world. So how can educators ensure that their students have the right to learn and feel safe at school?

Safe spaces are vital to the health of the LGBTQ+ community. Especially in areas where there is little or no legal protection, they provide a safe place for members of the community to meet and connect. They also serve as resource centers for the community, offering support, services, and events. In many cases, a safe place provides a sanctuary where people can escape to when they need a respite from their daily lives.

To improve the overall safety of the LGBTQ+ community, the Orlando Police Department launched the Safe Place Initiative, which will provide decals to local businesses and residents. Additionally, OPD has an LGBTQ liaison officer who has developed partnerships with the LGBTQ community. This individual works with residents to promote safe spaces, build awareness about the program, and educate the community about the signs and resources that will help to keep people safe.

One example of the nifty new LGBTQ SAFE -related technology that educators are already making use of is the "Safe Zone" program. The program, created by the LGBT Resource Center, distributes rainbow-themed stickers to allies. When people see these stickers, it indicates that the area is a safe space. Educators may also want to implement the "Safe Zone" as part of their school's curriculum.

Another example of an effective safe-space is a mascot-themed program. The New School, for example, has a Safe Zone program that builds a voluntary network of advocates who help the community. It provides introductory training, publicizes the program, and educates the larger community about how to recognize the symbols on a Safe Zone sign.

Several countries have a mixed bag of laws and policies relating to the LGBT+ community. For instance, while Japan has been consistently supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and favored same-sex marriage, it's still illegal for someone to sexually assault a woman in public. Meanwhile, former British colonies that have become independent for the last 50 years have decided to stick with outdated and antiquated laws. These inconsistent legislations create a hazy gray area.

Educators across the nation are working to make schools safer for the LGBTQ+ students. Some are doing their work in the classroom, while others are helping to build or strengthen partnerships within the community. But there is still a lot to be done. While a "safer" school can be a good start, educators must move beyond this and ensure that all aspects of their school are devoted to affirming the identities of their students.

Regardless of whether they work in their own schools or on the local level, educators need to move past "safe" schools to truly embrace their students and ensure that all of their efforts are geared towards protecting the LGBTQ+ community.