Serving students and our community
FGCU Safe Zone provides information and resources that serve the LGBTIQ community
(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer or Questioning). Our goal to
understand, support, and nurture diversity at FGCU and in our communities.
Programs and Services
Presentations are made in various classroom and university settings to promote understanding
of the LGBTIQ culture. Informational material is available through representation
at events such as Campus Pride, PFGLAG meetings, SWFL Pride Festival, as well as outreach
in classrooms and residence life events. Safe Zone trainings occur monthly and are
open to any student, faculty or staff of FGCU. For specific requests for a presentation,
contact Hugh Clark at hclark@fgcu.edu
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Safe Zone Training
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Presentations are made in various classroom and university settings to promote understanding
of the LGBTIQ culture. Information material is available through representation at
events such as Campus Pride, PFLAG meetings, SWFL Pride Festival, as well as outreach
in classrooms and residence life events. Safe Zone trainings occur monthly and are
open to any student, faculty, or staff of FGCU. For specific requests for a presentation,
contact the CAPS office (590-7950).
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Safe Zones on Campus
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Safe Zone areas on campus are those specific offices and individuals where the FGCU
Safe Zone logo is displayed. These areas are individual work/personal space as well
as the individual displaying the FGCU logo tag on their briefcase, backpack, or purse.
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Participants
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Participants are those individuals who are interested in learning more about the LGBTIQ
population at FGCU by attending a Safe Zone training. We understand that people come
from varied backgrounds and may want to attend Safe Zone for the learning experience,
but may not wish to identify as an Ally. That's not a problem! Everyone is welcome
at trainings.
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Allies
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Although many students, faculty, and staff support the LGBTIQ community, only those
who have attended the training and signed the Ally Agreement are able to display the
FGCU Safe Zone logo. The logo is intended as a way to easily identify allies with
specific training and resources from the program - look for the Safe Zone! They can
be easily identified by the FGCU Safe Zone log exhibited in their office or attached
to their briefcases, backpacks, or purses. There have been over 400 students, faculty,
and staff trained as Safe Zone Allies...
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Trainers
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Trainers are individuals who have attended a workshop specifically providing detailed
training in issues affecting the LGBTIQ community and have experience in presenting
the program.
Trainers include:
Dennis Christoffersen
Hugh Clark
Georgia Willis
MISSION
The mission of the Safe Zone Ally program at Florida Gulf Coast University is to identify,
enlist, and educate allies, who will support and advocate for the LGBTIQ community.
VISION
The vision of the Safe Zone Ally program is to foster an atmosphere of support and
celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer/Questioning
individuals within the Florida Gulf Coast University community.
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Our History
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- Fall 2007 - initial presentation was done through the efforts of Mateo de la Rosa,
and CAPS volunteered to fund and actively promote the Safe Zone Ally Program.
- May 2008 - CAPS staff and First-Year Advising received Safe Zone training and moved
forward with program development.
- June 2008 - a committee of GSA officers, Drs. Roca, Rosenthal, Harrison, and Rob Gerrick
met to discuss the Safe Zone program.
- August 2008 - development of FGCU Safe Zone logo.
- September 2008 - development of logo, vision, and mission statements with guidance
and endorsement of GSA.
- May 2009 - the first two training sessions occur with 20 individuals from student
affairs, faculty, and residence life.
- As of Spring 2021, we have trained over 1000 FGCU faculty, staff, and students.
Contact
Safe Zone
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Blvd. S.
Merwin Hall 0144
Fort Myers, Florida 33965-6565
(239) 590-7824
hclark@fgcu.edu