Safe Spaces Training Module Part I

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Safe Spaces Training ModulePart I

• National Youth Advocacy Coalition

September 2009
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• Founded in 1993, the National Youth Advocacy
  Coalition (NYAC), is a social justice
  organization that advocates for and with young
  people, who are lesbian, gay, bisexual,
  transgender or questioning (LGBTQ) in an effort
  to end discrimination against these youth and to
  ensure their physical and emotional well-being.

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• These images allow LGBTQ folks to recognize a
  safe space and to identify allies who help keep
  the area a safe and healthy place for everyone to
  be.

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But its more than that.

• What is a Safe Space?

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Objectives for Safe Spaces Training Module

• To understand that creating safe spaces for LGBTQ
  youth is something that we can all participate in
  doing.
• Provide the tools to creating safe spaces for
  LGBTQ youth through the following training
  modules.
• To provide resources and activities to help
  implement a safe space model in your organization
  or site.

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Why should we announce that spaces are safe?

• To help others understand why safe spaces are
  important, that attitudes, language, environment,
  and policies are integral to the construction of
  making spaces safe for LGBTQ youth.

• To start (or continue) in the process of making
  environments more inclusive, friendly, and
  accessible to LGBTQ youth by changing hearts,
  minds, practices, and policies.

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What is the reality of the what we are trying to
do?
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The reality is. .
LGBTQ youth have higher levels of family
rejection gt more likely to attempt suicide,
report depression, use illegal drugs, and engage
in unprotected sexual intercourse. Caitlin Ryan,
et al, Family Rejection as a Predictor of
Negative Health Outcomes in White and Latino
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults
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The reality is. . .

• In one study, 26 percent of gay teens who came
  out to their parents/guardians were told they
  must leave home Also, LGBT youth report they are
  threatened, belittled and abused at shelters by
  staff. as well as other residents.
• National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, An Epidemic
  of Homelessness

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The Shared Heart Portraits and Stories
Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young
People Adam Mastoon, 1997
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The Shared Heart Portraits and Stories
Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young
People Adam Mastoon, 1997
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(No Transcript)
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What does Safe mean?

• A safe space is the environmental product of a
  conscious set of decisions and actions taken by
  individuals to promote equality, fairness,
  non-violence and affirmation of the unconditional
  value of all peoples, where youth are free to
  grow, thrive and express their individual
  identities.

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A Safe Space is . . .
. . . . Someone is on my side. . .
Where I can be who I want to be. . .
Where I can speak my mind. . .
I am happy. . .
People dont say thats so gay
When I have no other place to go. . .
I feel loved. . .
I can wear the clothes I want . . .
I dont have to explain myself
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Whats the Difference?

• Not So Safe. . .

• Lee goes to the local free clinic to have an STI
  check. Upon arrival, the nurse addresses Lee
  rudely and calls her son. Lee is unsure of how
  to fill out paperwork so her parents dont find
  out. Once inside, the doctor argues with Lee
  about whether or not she needs an STI check since
  she is only fooling around with girls.

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Whats the Difference?

• Saf-er Space

• Lee goes to the local health clinic to get an STI
  exam. When she arrives, the nurse greets Lee and
  hands Lee forms with categories and questions
  that Lee can relate to. Once inside, the doctor
  gives Lee the full exam and helps Lee understand
  how to use a dental dam.

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• But if it were that easy, then every space would
  be safe. . .
• So, what are the barriers to making spaces safe?
  And what are we missing?

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Barriers

• Many providers and youth-serving organizations
  face real barriers that can prevent spaces from
  being or transforming into safe spaces. .
• These can be lumped into five (very general)
  categories.

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Overcoming the Barriers

• Attitudes
• Language
• Inclusivity and Representation
• Resources and Services
• Policies

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How this Training Works

• If you havent already, please fill out the Safe
  Spaces Training Module Pre-Test
• After you have completed all the sections of this
  training module, take the Post-Test to evaluate
  your progress!
• Use the Safe Spaces Training Module Worksheet to
  follow along in the training. It tracks your
  progress and points out your issue areas.

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How this Training Works

• You will now be guided through 5 videos separated
  by the categories we discussed a couple slides
  ago.
• At the end of each video, there will be Resource
  that can be accessed on the webpage, accompanying
  the corresponding video section.

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• 1638 R Street NW, Suite 300
• Washington, DC 20009
• Phone [phone]
• Web http//www.nyacyouth.org
• Email nyac_at_nyacyouth.org

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• Questions?
• Jennie Beeson, Program Associate
• jennie_at_nyacyouth.org
• 800.541.6922 x.12