by Autumn Laws
If you’ve spent some time wandering around campus, I’m sure you have noticed the rainbow stickers stuck on doors—you know, the ones with the blue, upside-down triangle wrapped by a rainbow with the words “Safe Space” on the rainbow ribbon. Those stickers are on the doors of those who have been Safe Space trained by Capital. Safe Space training is a new Capital program to teach staff, faculty, and students how to prepare and offer a safe environment for those struggling with their identity.
The identity struggle could include sexual identity or gender identity. A person discovering their gender identity may feel like their biological sex doesn’t match the gender they identify with.
“Everyone has their own personal closet to come out of,” Brittany Hodge, student and Safe Space Trainer, said.
While you may not have ever struggled with your sexuality or gender identity, it is important to understand the significance of being available for others to talk to.
Though this article should not be a substitute for the Safe Space training, it is imperative for students to recognize the significance of offering a place and confidant for those who may be having an identity crisis. Most who are Safe Space trained display their stickers (or door hangs) proudly to the public to say that they are available and trained to talk to those who may be having difficulty finding, accepting, or announcing their identities.
There are some crucial ground rules for being Safe Space trained:
- Don’t be the judge. Being Safe Space trained means you are expected to offer support and guidance to those who may not understand themselves, or are afraid of how others will understand them. It is not your place to tell someone that what they are feeling and thinking is ‘wrong’ or ‘unnatural.’
- Confidentiality is key. If you display a Safe Space sticker and someone comes to you to talk about their personal identity, it is not appropriate to talk with anyone about what they tell you. If you find that their safety is in jeopardy, then it is recommended that you refer them to Health and Wellness.
- Have respect. While you may not have specifically experienced the emotions or confusion that those struggling with their identity are experiencing, it does not make their feelings any less real.
- Don’t make assumptions. They can be not only hurtful to the person coming to you, they can also be flat out wrong. Let them tell you what they want and don’t hear what you want to hear.
- Ask questions. If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid of asking. Having someone articulate themselves can help both them and the audience better understand the emotions.
It’s important to remember that just because you are (or possibly will be) Safe Space trained, it does not mean you are responsible for the mental health of anyone who confides in you. If there are obvious and impairing signs of distress, denial, fear, anger, or generally negative emotions, you should direct them to Health and Wellness.
Aside from providing simply verbal or physical support for those struggling with their identity, those who are Safe Space trained need to be conscious of their Safe Space environment (generally dorm for students or office for faculty/staff). It is important for those struggling with their identity to feel comfortable and removed from the all-too-typical societal backlash that can come from identifying as gay, bi, trans, etc. Removing pictures, movies, or books that may be offensive from plain sight can reinforce the safe environment expected from someone Safe Space trained.
Students can attend Safe Space training during designated presentation times, or by contacting Carolyn Newberry to be personally Safe Space trained. Going to a presentation gives people an opportunity to share stories and listen to others’ experiences with Safe Space.
You are also given several scenarios during training to help practice being Safe Space certified. These components of training are meant to better prepare you for everything that being Safe Space trained entails.
alaws@capital.edu
