Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender

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Positive Space What Can I do?
Talk about Sexual Diversity If gay-related topics
come up, talk about them as you would other
issues. Gay, lesbian, or straight, if there are
things you dont know or understand,
ask. Challenge anti-gay/lesbian/bi/trans
comments If friends or associates engage in
discriminatory talk, let them know you dont
share their beliefs or their sense of
humour. Volunteer Become involved in groups on
or off campus that take up issues of sexual
diversity, AIDS, etc. Find out about the work of
campus equity groups These groups have useful
flyers and other materials, and offer supportive
service and advice for gays, lesbians, bisexuals
and the transgendered. Attend the Positive Space
Training Program Contact the Human Rights and
Equity Advisor to find out when the next training
session is being offered.
All members and organizations within the
community who appreciate gender and sexual
diversity are encouraged to become involved in
this program.  This includes service providers,
community members, StFX students, faculty and
staff, teachers, etc.  The use of both buttons
and stickers allows flexibility around either
identification of a space or a person as
positive.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender
Positive Space Training The positive space
training program involves two levels of training
sessions that are offered to create understanding
and awareness of the differences that exist in
our community, particularly with LGBT
individuals. At the completion of both training
sessions, the participants receive stickers and
pins that can be displayed to actively and
visibly support members of the community who are
coming to accept their gender identity or sexual
orientation. If you are interested in attending
a training session, please contact the Human
Rights and Equity Advisor at 867-5306,
mshebib_at_stfx.ca
Positive Space Program - 2009
Campus Resources Human Rights and Equity Advisor
Maureen Shebib, 867-5306, mshebib_at_stfx.ca LGBT
Advisor Prof. Chris Frazer, 867-5076,
cfrazer_at_stfx.ca X-Pride An LGBT student society
that offers support, social events, educational
campaigns at StFX. xpride_at_stfx.ca or visit room
215, SUB Counselling Centre 867-2281
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Questions and Answers What are the objectives of
this campaign? The Positive Space Campaign is
intended to help create a campus that is free of
discrimination on the basis of sexual
orientation. It is also aimed at generating a
broad and visible commitment to welcoming sexual
diversity, making talk of that diversity more
open and less unusual. Why single out this
among other equity issues? There is a variety
of equity issues that call out for public
discussion and political support. One
distinctive result of marginalization based on
sexual orientation is that many lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender people remain closeted.
They grow up in an environment hostile to
homosexuality, and will assume negative views
unless given a strong indication to the contrary.
In other words, the ways that sexual minorities
are marginalized makes this kind of campaign
focusing on education and visibility an
appropriate response.
What does it mean if someone is not displaying a
sticker or a button? An individual who chooses
not to display a sticker should not be assumed to
be unsupportive of the issue.  They may not be
aware of the campaign, or they may not be
accustomed to displaying stickers or buttons, or
may not have control over this decision. What are
my responsibilities if I display a sticker or
wear a pin? Posting a sticker indicates your
general support of this issue.  If you are
approached by an individual who needs counselling
or support beyond what you can realistically
provide, you should not hesitate to refer them on
to other resources on or off campus.  What might
others think of my gender identity or sexual
orientation if I display a pin or button? A
long-term goal of this campaign is to create an
environment where this question does not need to
be an issue. Straight individuals are being
encouraged to join with sexual and gender
minorities in challenging these oppressions. This
campaign asks people to think about why these
types of labels make people uncomfortable.  Being
seen as different is difficult for many
individuals, and program participants, whether
straight or LGBT, must decide if they are willing
to be seen as aligned with the LGBT community.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Positive
Space Program The lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender (LGBT) community is a diverse group
of professionals, students, youth and seniors. 
The Positive Space Program celebrates this
diversity, and recognizes the responsibility of
our community to work towards being a safe and
accepting environment for persons of all gender
identities and sexual orientations.  More than
ensuring a safe and equitable region, this
campaign hopes to see the creation of a genuinely
inclusive community.   The goal of this campaign
is to reduce the climate of disapproval and fear
of same-sex attraction and the ostracism of
variable gender expression. The Positive Space
Program brings visibility and support to LGBT
communities.  Participants in this training
program will receive a sticker or a pin to post
at the entrance to their work, living, or study
area, or to wear on their person.  This sticker
or button indicates that they are LGBT-positive
and able to provide information and referrals. 
The presence of these stickers and buttons in our
community raises awareness of the differences
that exist and sensitizes others to the presence
of both subtle and overt forms of homophobia,
heterosexism and transphobia.
The rainbow triangle combines two images. The
rainbow flag has become a symbol of pride for
sexual minorities around the world. An inverted
pink triangle was worn by gay prisoners in the
Nazi concentration camp, and has become a mark of
remembrance and pride. Anti-social women,
including many lesbians, were forced to wear an
inverted black triangle in those camps.