SAFE ZONE Allies

List of Allies

View a list of current allies around USF Campuses:

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.

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.

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.