Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender

1. Positive Space What Can I do? Talk about Sexual Diversity If gay-related topics come up, talk about them as you would other issues. Gay, lesbian, or straight, if there are things you don’t know or understand, ask. Challenge anti-gay/lesbian/bi/trans comments If friends or associates engage in discriminatory talk, let them know you don’t share their beliefs or their sense of humour. Volunteer Become involved in groups on or off campus that take up issues of sexual diversity, AIDS, etc. Find out about the work of campus equity groups These groups have useful flyers and other materials, and offer supportive service and advice for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgendered. Attend the Positive Space Training Program Contact the Human Rights and Equity Advisor to find out when the next training session is being offered. All members and organizations within the community who appreciate gender and sexual diversity are encouraged to become involved in this program.  This includes service providers, community members, StFX students, faculty and staff, teachers, etc.  The use of both buttons and stickers allows flexibility around either identification of a space or a person as positive. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Positive Space Training The positive space training program involves two levels of training sessions that are offered to create understanding and awareness of the differences that exist in our community, particularly with LGBT individuals. At the completion of both training sessions, the participants receive stickers and pins that can be displayed to actively and visibly support members of the community who are coming to accept their gender identity or sexual orientation. If you are interested in attending a training session, please contact the Human Rights and Equity Advisor at 867-5306, mshebib@stfx.ca Positive Space Program - 2009 Campus Resources Human Rights and Equity Advisor: Maureen Shebib, 867-5306, mshebib@stfx.ca LGBT Advisor: Prof. Chris Frazer, 867-5076, cfrazer@stfx.ca X-Pride: An LGBT student society that offers support, social events, educational campaigns at StFX. xpride@stfx.caor visit room 215, SUB Counselling Centre: 867-2281

2. Questions and Answers What are the objectives of this campaign? The Positive Space Campaign is intended to help create a campus that is free of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. It is also aimed at generating a broad and visible commitment to welcoming sexual diversity, making talk of that diversity more open and less unusual. Why single out this among other “equity” issues? There is a variety of equity issues that call out for public discussion and political support. One distinctive result of marginalization based on sexual orientation is that many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people remain closeted. They grow up in an environment hostile to homosexuality, and will assume negative views unless given a strong indication to the contrary. In other words, the ways that sexual minorities are marginalized makes this kind of campaign – focusing on education and visibility – an appropriate response. What does it mean if someone is not displaying a sticker or a button? An individual who chooses not to display a sticker should not be assumed to be unsupportive of the issue.  They may not be aware of the campaign, or they may not be accustomed to displaying stickers or buttons, or may not have control over this decision. What are my responsibilities if I display a sticker or wear a pin? Posting a sticker indicates your general support of this issue.  If you are approached by an individual who needs counselling or support beyond what you can realistically provide, you should not hesitate to refer them on to other resources on or off campus.  What might others think of my gender identity or sexual orientation if I display a pin or button? A long-term goal of this campaign is to create an environment where this question does not need to be an issue. Straight individuals are being encouraged to join with sexual and gender minorities in challenging these oppressions. This campaign asks people to think about why these types of labels make people uncomfortable.  Being seen as “different” is difficult for many individuals, and program participants, whether straight or LGBT, must decide if they are willing to be seen as aligned with the LGBT community. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Positive Space Program The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community is a diverse group of professionals, students, youth and seniors.  The Positive Space Program celebrates this diversity, and recognizes the responsibility of our community to work towards being a safe and accepting environment for persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations.  More than ensuring a safe and equitable region, this campaign hopes to see the creation of a genuinely inclusive community.   The goal of this campaign is to reduce the climate of disapproval and fear of same-sex attraction and the ostracism of variable gender expression. The Positive Space Program brings visibility and support to LGBT communities.  Participants in this training program will receive a sticker or a pin to post at the entrance to their work, living, or study area, or to wear on their person.  This sticker or button indicates that they are LGBT-positive and able to provide information and referrals.  The presence of these stickers and buttons in our community raises awareness of the differences that exist and sensitizes others to the presence of both subtle and overt forms of homophobia, heterosexism and transphobia. The rainbow triangle combines two images. The rainbow flag has become a symbol of pride for sexual minorities around the world. An inverted pink triangle was worn by gay prisoners in the Nazi concentration camp, and has become a mark of remembrance and pride. “Anti-social” women, including many lesbians, were forced to wear an inverted black triangle in those camps.