1. SAFE ZONE TRAINING
for Allies of the LGBTQI Community
In partnership with:
UH System Commission on the Status of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Equality
The Women’s Center
RISO Pride Hilo
For the University of Hawaii at Hilo

2. Expectations of the
Program
Respect the learning process
Be an active listener and don’t hesitate to ask
questions
Demonstrate respect and tolerance for all
participants and facilitators; keep any personal
stories shared here within the room
Act on what you learn here when you leave
Have fun and don’t be afraid to laugh!

3. Ground Rules
Are there any rules you would like to add?

4. Symbols
Bisexual Pride
Flag
Lambda Legal
Human Rights Campaign
LGBTQI Pride Flag
Transgender Pride
More symbols and their explanations on page 40 of your manual

5. Terminology
Please form small groups and define the
following terms:
gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual,
transgender, cisgender, straight

6. Terminology
Gay: men sexually
attracted to other men
Lesbian: women sexually
attracted to other women
Bisexual: a person with
possible attraction to both
men and women
Pansexual: a person with
possible attraction to
another person of any
gender or sex
Transgender: to have a
gender identity that differs
from the person's
assigned sex at birth
Cisgender: to have a
gender identity that
corresponds with the
person's assigned sex at
birth
Straight: a person
sexually attracted to the
opposite gender
Find these and MORE terms and definitions on pages 3 & 4 of your manual

7. Terminology
Why is ‘homosexual’ not a preferred term for
gays and lesbians?

8. Power and Privilege
The Cycle of Oppression (page 5)
In order for minority groups to make social
gains they require the support of the people in
power
Women’s Rights, Slavery, ADA Act

9. Categories and Boxes
How do you know if someone identifies as
LGBTQI?

10. Kinsey Spectrum of Sexuality
10% 10%
Gay/Lesbian Bisexual Straight/
Heterosexual
80%
See the more detailed explanation on page 14 of your manual

12. Laws & Rights
The extent of non-discrimination laws that
relate to sexual orientation, gender identity,
and/or gender expression differ from state to
state
http://www.aclu.org/maps/non-discrimination-laws-
state-state-information-map
See pages 17 and 21-23 in your manual

13. The Dating Game
Find a partner and talk about a recent date or
meet up with a friend that you had
Do not use any pronouns or gendered words,
such as: him, her, he, she, etc.
Make notes of what you think and notice about
this activity on page 19 of your manual

14. Coming Out
“Coming out of the closet” refers to the lifelong
process a LGBTQI person experiences in regards
to self-acceptance and outward disclosure of their
sexual orientation and/or gender identity
This can reduce isolation and allow a person to
live comfortably without needing to hide, lie, or feel
like they are living a double life

15. Supporting A Friend
When an LGBTQI person feels safe and comfortable
enough with their orientation/identity they may disclose
that information to certain trusted individuals. If you find
yourself on the receiving end of this conversation, there
are some simple things you can to make things easier
for all people involved:
Be a good listener!
Respect the person’s timeline
Educate yourself
Talk again with the individual who came out to you

16. Tip for Allies
A person might be out to some people (i.e.,
close friends) but remain closeted around
others. Respect a person’s privacy and try
NEVER to disclose someone’s
orientation/identity without their consent!
“Outing” an LGBTQI person may be a serious
risk to their safety and well-being
Find more information on coming out and
related issues on pages 6-14 of your manual

17. Identity
Everybody has a multi-faceted identity, which
varies in degree and presentation from
situation to situation
What does it mean to have multiple
intersections of identity?

18. Heterosexual
Questionnaire
Turn to page 20 in your manual
What are your reactions to the questions being
asked?

19. Tearing Down the Walls
What is the first time you remember knowing
that there was a sexual orientation other than
heterosexual?
What do you remember learning about
LGBTQI people, and from what source did you
learn this?
Make notes about this activity on page 41 of
your manual

20. Discussion
What stereotypes stood out to you?
Are there any that need clarification?
What are your thoughts on these stereotypes?
How do you go about educating others on
stereotypes and misinformation?

21. Tip for Allies
An Ally should confront discriminatory
behaviors and attitudes, despite not belonging
to the targeted group. They speak up for those
who cannot, or may not be ready to, speak up
for themselves.
If you are in doubt, try it out!

22. Allies
What does it mean to be an LGBTQI Ally?
Why is this important for you as a leader?
How does it impact other underrepresented
groups?
Read more about being an Ally on pages 27-
34 in your manual

23. Four Stages of Ally
Development
(Turn to page 30 of the manual)
Awareness
Education
Skills
Action

24. More Terminology
Why is using the term ‘lifestyle’ make some
LGBTQI people feel defensive?

25. The Power of Language
http://www.nohomophobes.com/#!/today/

26. Discussion
Why do people use language like this to
communicate?
What is the impact on society and on the
LGBTQI Community?

27. Tip for Allies
Use inclusive language in your classes,
conversations, and programs
Book Recommendation: 35 Dumb Things Well
Intentioned People Say by Maura Cullen
http://microaggressions.tumblr.com

28. Creating a Safe Space
Record your overall feelings about the
presentation and activities on page 41 of your
manual
What can YOU do to show that you are open-minded
and supportive Ally of the LGBTQI
community?
The Ally Contract

29. Mahalo!
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?
EMAIL HANNAHWU@HAWAII.EDU
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Mahatma Ghandi