Students, faculty and staff can participate in the Gay-Straight Alliance’s Safe Space training, which is designed to create areas where students who need to discuss issues can go without being judged.
“When you talk to a Safe Space, it is confidential,” GSA President Ariel Williams said.
To become a Safe Space, one must attend a presentation over topics ranging from properly using language to being informed about biases that affect the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. According to GSA Secretary Rachel Lusk, training takes roughly an hour to complete.
“After the presentation, you sign a sheet that says you are qualified to be a Safe Space,” Lusk said.
On campus, there are many faculty and staff that are Safe Spaces, as well as some students, including all executive members of the GSA.
“The fact that there is someone there to talk to can be so much help,” GSA member Rahel Braunschweig said.
The goal of Safe Space training is to make the community a safer place for everyone, and many at Baker are embracing this idea. Some local supporters include Minister to the University Ira DeSpain, Director of Student Health Services Ruth Sarna and Director of Counseling Center Tim Hodges.
“(Safe Space training) encourages people to be who they want to be without discrimination,” Williams said.
In order to reach out to other students, the GSA plans to compile a list of students and faculty who are Safe Spaces and post them around campus.
“We’re also working to put together a paper version of Safe Space training so that people who couldn’t come initially can be certified,” Lusk said.
Due to this, students who have busy schedules and may not have time for weekly meetings can still have the ability to become a Safe Space.
“Even if you’re interested in one event, you should come and join us,” Braunschweig said.
GSA meets at 9 p.m. every Thursday, discussing many social issues that relate to being part of the LGBT. Guest orators attend once a month to give lectures on past experiences, with all students encouraged and welcome to attend.