LGBTA Resources + Information

Assumptions Behind Safe Zone



Discussing feelings is important to understanding the issues of difference and diversity.  We hope to create a sense of safety so that feelings can be shared.

We assume everyone is present because they care about ending all forms of oppression, including heterosexism.  We may act in ways that are oppressive, though that is not our intent.  Unfortunately, whether we intend it or not, it has the same effect.

We assume that there are multiple paths toward change.  Many different groups and individuals taking small steps together chip away at oppression and build toward a vision of celebrating diversity.

We assume that learning accurate information, ending the system of oppression, and creating a celebratory and diverse community is a long-term process.  Today we are taking another step.

There may be a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person in this group who will choose not to come out, while others will elect to do so.  This may be true as well for others who have family members or loved ones who are GLBT.

Being heterosexual is not a choice.  Neither is being homosexual.

Because of homophobia, we assume that there is usually little opportunity to talk freely and learn about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.  This serves to perpetuate heterosexism.

Heterosexism is a form of oppression, like racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, classism, ableism, ageism, etc.

We all learned oppressive, homophobic beliefs.  We did not ask to be taught them.  While we now have the opportunity to take responsibility for them, it is not our fault that we learned them.  Change hinges on our ability to separate fault from responsibility.