RWU Safe Zone Training

Click here to submit the RWU Safe Zone Training Form

The Safe Zone program at Roger Williams University is offered by the QTRAC & Intercultural Center as a way to increase awareness and acceptance of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, queer, transgender, gender nonconforming, and intersex students, faculty, and staff.

There are three tiers to the Safe Zone program at Roger Williams University. Please note that you cannot register for the second or third tiers until you have completed the first.

Tier 1 - Safe Zone 101

This tier will focus on the basic definitions, terms, and concepts related to queer and trans culture. Participants in this tier will gain foundational knowledge about queer and trans life, identity development, and how to serve as an ally. Participants will also receive tools and resources to help create more inclusive spaces.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will gain a general understanding of the terminology associated with sexual identity, sexual identity development, gender identity, and transgender identity development.
  2. Participants will gain a general understanding of the differences between gender identity and sexuality.
  3. Participants will understand heterosexism, homophobia, and transphobia as social constructions and tools of oppression.
  4. Participants will learn how they can be allies for the queer and trans communities through action steps they can take in their classrooms, peer groups, and campus community.

Tier 2 - Moving from "Ally" to Advocate

This tier will provide in-depth knowledge and awareness of issues faced by the queer and trans communities and will focus on how to become effective advocates. Participants in this tier will also have the opportunity to self-reflect, and critically examine societal issues faced by members of the queer and trans communities.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will examine issues prevalent in the queer and trans communities.
  2. Participants will enhance communication skills to combat heterosexism, homophobia, and transphobia within society.
  3. Participants will examine instances of heterosexism, homophobia, and transphobia within our current culture and learn how they could intervene.
  4. Participants will learn how to advance in their ally development and work towards becoming advocates for social change for the queer and trans communities.

Tier 3 - Gender Identity 101: Supporting our Trans Siblings

This tier provides education and awareness about issues related to the transgender community. Participants in this tier will learn how to serve as allies to the trans community.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will explore the experiences of the trans community as well as the institutional and structural obstacles they face.
  2. Participants will learn ways in which they can become better allies for the trans community.
  3. Participants will gain tips and tools on how to create safe spaces for those within the transgender community around campus.