Presenting
the
UCSB Safe Zone Project
Sponsored by Eucalpytus 
(the University Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns) and funded by the 
Student Fee Advisory Committee and 
the Office of Student Life
Why do we need a "Safe Zone" Project at UCSB?
Research indicates that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) students find many campus climates to be uninviting or even hostile. In addition, LGBTQI students often have to deal with verbal or physical harassment, both on and off campus property. This hostile environment complicates attempts at fostering student development, both academically and personally. The UCSB Safe Zone Project is a way for us to reach out proactively to people and provide a safer and more comfortable and open atmosphere for all members of our community. 

What the "Safe Zone" Sticker Means
The "Safe Zone" sticker sends a visible message to students and colleagues letting them know that you are actively committed to providing a safe environment for all at UCSB. It is a sign that you are aware of, and sensitive to, the concerns of LGBTQI people. It also indicates a willingness and a commitment on your part to provide an atmosphere of tolerance, acceptance, and assistance that is free of judgment. The choice to post a "Safe Zone" sticker is a decision to make a visible statement that others can easily identify. 

What May I Expect by 
Posting this Sticker?
_	You may find that students and colleagues will be more at ease and will anticipate a non-judgmental atmosphere in your work space. 
_	You may find that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) students and colleagues censor their speech less, providing a more genuine exchange 
with you.
_	You may not notice any difference in the interactions you have with students and colleagues, but you will still make a difference. 
_	You will make a personal contribution to improving UCSB's campus environment and the lives of all our community members. 

What May I NOT Expect?
_	You will not be the only contact for LGBTQI students and colleagues. 
_	You will not be expected to have all the answers or never to make mistakes. 
_	Posting a sticker does not imply anything about your sexual or gender identity. 
_	Posting a sticker is not the only step you can take toward making this campus a safer space-take other steps as well.
If you have any questions about LGBTQI concerns and vocabulary, or about the "Safe Zone" Project or sticker that this brochure does not address, please contact the Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (RCSGD) at (805) 893-5847 or see the resource list included at the end of this brochure.

What is a "Safer" Zone?
This project is called the "Safe Zone" Project, but we recognize that no space is ever completely "safe." Here are some things that you can do to create a safer space:
_	Believe that everyone on our campus has the right to be safe in all of their multiple identities (sexual and gender identy, race and ethnicity, ability, religion, socio-economic class, cultural difference, etc.). Understand that we each have many overlapping identities, all of the time. 
_	Do not make assumptions about an individual's sexuality or gender identity-in other words, do not assume everyone is heterosexual, or that you understand someone's gender. In private, ask an individual's preferred name and pronoun.
_	Use inclusive language: for example, "partner" or "significant other" instead of boy- or girlfriend. 
_	Be aware of the presence of LGBTQI students and colleagues and be willing to engage in genuine dialogue and interaction.
_	Be willing to discuss issues affecting LGBTQI people's lives in a non-judgmental manner. At the same time, understand that some people may not want to talk about issues affecting their personal lives.
_	Be aware that there is a wide range of LGBTQI identities and concerns.
_	Maintain the strictest confidentiality and be open to feedback. 

What else can I do? 
_	Learn, understand, and be able to speak about the differences between sex, gender, and sexual identity. Sex is generally defined as biological sex, the equipment/plumbing we are born with. Gender is generally defined as the social role we take on including the ways we dress, act, talk and move through the world. Society defines gender in a binary of masculine and feminine roles that often follow biological sex, but gender is not fixed by sex, and does not have to be binary. Sexual Identity is generally defined as our desire for intimate emotional and sexual relationships with people. This includes but is not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, and heterosexual identities. 
_	Educate yourself about the experiences and concerns of LGBTQI people. Use local resources, read books, attend workshops, participate in functions, etc.
_	Join the RCSGD email list to find out more about what is happening in LGBTQI communities. To join, email the RCSGD at rcsgd@sa.ucsb.edu.
_	Challenge insensitive or hateful comments and behaviors (jokes, remarks, comments, language, etc.) in your personal and professional life.
_	Think critically about materials you use in your workplace, such as teaching resources, gender boxes on forms, artwork on posters, etc.
_	Support student-led initiatives and attend student-organized events.
_	Help increase awareness on this campus by scheduling workshops and panels for your department, class, committee, etc. on topics related to the LGBTQI and ally communities.
_	Build coalitions between your organization and LGBTQI organizations (both campus and community). Think about co-sponsoring events or sharing resources.
_	Challenge typical gender and sex assigned roles and norms.
_	Consider how LGBTQI issues affect you in your personal and professional life.

Local Resources
UCSB Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (RCSGD)
(805) 893-5847, www.sa.ucsb.edu/sgd, email: rcsgd@sa.ucsb.edu 
The RCSGD is designed to be a safe and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff, offering resources for the LGBTQI community and allies. The RCSGD is committed to support and advocacy, educational, social and supportive programming, training and consultation. Contact the RCSGD for information about quarterly programs, current issues, and for resources like the LGBTQI library. There are many support, discussion, social, and activist groups at UCSB working on issues that affect the LGBTQI and ally communities. For a current list, contact the RCSGD.

EUCALYPTUS
University Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Concerns 
Housed in the Office of Student Life, visit www.sa.ucsb.edu/queerinfo/branch.htm or call (805) 893-4569 for more information. 

UCSB Counseling & Career Services
Visit www.counseling.ucsb.edu or call (805) 893-4411 for more information. 

UCSB Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Questioning or Transgender 
Mentoring Program
Visit www.career.ucsb.edu/counseling/mentor.htm or call (805) 893-4411 for more information.

UCSB Hate Incidents Response Coordinator
Call (805) 893-5016 or visit the Office of Student Life. 

UCSB Minor in LGBTQ Studies
Contact the Women's Studies Program at (805) 893-4330 for more information. 

UCSB On-Campus Rainbow House
Contact Housing & Residential Services at (805) 893-3281 for more information. 

UC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex Association (UCLGBTIA)
Visit www.uclgbtia.org for more information. 

Pacific Pride Foundation, Gay & Lesbian Resource Center, 
AIDS Project Central Coast
These are community-based programs that serve the LBTQI communities in Santa Barbara county. For a current list of services, meetings, and discussion groups, contact them at:
126 East Haley, Santa Barbara, (805) 963-3636, www.silcom.com/~pride 

Financial Aid for LGBTQI Students
Visit www.finaid.org/otheraid/gay.phtml
At UCSB, contact the Office of Financial Aid, (805) 893-2432, www.finaid.ucsb.edu

UCSB MultiCultural Center
Visit www.sa.ucsb.edu/mcc/ or call (805) 893-8411 for more information.

UCSB Women's Center
Visit www.sa.ucsb.edu/women'scenter/ or call (805) 893-3778 for more information.

Education Program for Cultural Awareness (EPCA)
Visit www.sa.ucsb.edu/epca/ for more information. 


Thank you for your 
efforts to make UCSB a welcoming place 
for all.

Here is your sticker!

If you choose not to display this sticker, please return this brochure to the 
Office of Student Life (mailcode 5010) so that we may pass it along to 
someone else. Thank you.