SAFE ZONE Allies
List of Allies
View a list of current allies around USF Campuses:
A USF Safe Zone Ally
- Has worked to develop an understanding of homosexuality and the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.
- Chooses to align with GLBT people and responds to their needs.
- Believes that it is in her or his self-interest to be an ally.
- Is committed to the personal growth required to be an ally.
- Is quick to take pride and appreciate success.
- Expects support from other allies.
- Is able to acknowledge and articulate how patterns of oppression have operated in their lives.
- Expects to make some mistakes but does not use it as an excuse for non-action.
- Knows that both sides of an ally relationship have a clear responsibility for their own change whether or not persons on the other side choose to respond.
- Knows that in the most empowered ally relationship, the persons in the non-homosexual role initiate the change toward personal, institutional, and societal justice and equality.
- Knows that he or she is responsible for humanizing or empowering their role in society, particularly as their role relates to responding to gays and lesbians.
- Promotes a sense of community with the gay community and teaches others about the importance of outreach.
- Has a good sense of humor.
Things that discourage people from becoming allies
- Being labeled a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender by the heterosexual population ("by association"). The label is not negative in itself, but can cause difficulties for the heterosexual when looking for a significant other.
- Allies are often mocked and ridiculed by heterosexuals that view the issue as unimportant or unpopular.
- Friends and colleagues that are not comfortable with the topic may alienate Allies. These people may noticeably distance themselves from the ally in order to avoid conflict or labels.
- Allies may become victim of overt or subtle discrimination such as getting appointed to a committee, a negative reaction on an evaluation, or needing to look for a position that is more supportive of their views.
- The gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community may not accept the ally, and believe that the person is just not ready to admit that they are really a member of the homosexual community.
- Learning the culture and language may be difficult if not impossible without the assistance of a member of the oppressed group.
- Due to some past experiences with heterosexuals, the GLBT population may question an ally's motivation.
Benefits of Being an Ally
- You open yourself up to the possibility of close relationships with an additional 10% of the world.
- You may become less likely to stereotype according to sex roles.
- You may increase your ability to have close and loving relationships with same-sex friends.
- You have opportunities to learn from, teach, and have an impact on a population with whom you might not otherwise interact.
- You may be the reason an individual finally decides that his or her life is worth something.
For more information, contact Cristian Chandler at 974-3001 or cjchandl@admin.usf.edu.
