Why do we need The Safe Zone Project at Keene State College?
Our GLBTQ and Allied community do not always feel safe, supported, or welcome on our campus. We often hear derogatory terms, used casually and intentionally, in classrooms, in residence halls, in the Student Center, and in the Dining Commons. Often, homophobic slang is seen in graffiti form on campus. This negative climate impacts all of us, no matter ones sexual orientation, and detracts from a healthy and safe environment for everyone. Unlike some minorities, gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals can be “invisible.” Invisibility reinforces the assumption that everyone is heterosexual. When students are isolated from knowing others (like themselves) or have difficulty accepting themselves because of socially determined sexual and gender roles they may feel scared and isolated. This in turn can feed feelings of low self-esteem and lack of self-acceptance, which perpetuates prejudices. Students and others who see a “Safe Zone” sticker can feel assured that at least one person in that departm
