UBC school <strong>of</strong> social work equity and diversity strategic plan: A compilation <strong>of</strong> case studies 109 • Psychological and social aspects <strong>of</strong> chronic pain • Disabilities • Aging and Gerontology • <strong>Social</strong> <strong>Work</strong> field education • <strong>Social</strong> <strong>Work</strong> administration and management (<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Manitoba, Faculty <strong>of</strong> <strong>Social</strong> <strong>Work</strong>, 2012)
UBC school <strong>of</strong> social work equity and diversity strategic plan: A compilation <strong>of</strong> case studies 110 Appendix I <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Manitoba, Identifying Allies: Safe Spaces Project Goals: The Ally project at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Manitoba hopes to create a campus climate that is more welcoming and inclusive <strong>of</strong> all individuals. Through the use <strong>of</strong> Ally <strong>Work</strong>shops, people can come onboard the project and represent themselves as allies <strong>of</strong> GLBTT individuals by displaying an "Ally-Safe Person/Safe Space" card on their <strong>of</strong>fice door or desk. Individuals without <strong>of</strong>fices/set workspace or in <strong>of</strong>fices with more than one employee/person can display their ally status by the use <strong>of</strong> an Ally button. The displaying <strong>of</strong> an Ally card or button means that the person has gone through training around the issues <strong>of</strong> homophobia, heterosexism, and how to be supportive <strong>of</strong> gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and two-spirited (GLBTT) people. Allies pledge to work towards making the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Manitoba campus a safer and more welcoming place for GLBTT individuals by: • Recognizing and challenging homophobia & heterosexism at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Manitoba • Supporting the inclusiveness <strong>of</strong> GLBTT people on campus & in all aspects <strong>of</strong> campus life • Being familiar with issues & resources that exist for GLBTT people on campus & <strong>of</strong>f • Respecting the confidentiality <strong>of</strong> people (<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Manitoba, n.d.) Why Is This Needed? Although there have been some significant gains in attitudes & behaviours toward GLBTT persons in recent years, much still needs to be done to foster a truly inclusive community. The reality is that many GLBTT persons grow up in a climate <strong>of</strong> disapproval, fear or shame <strong>of</strong> their sexual orientation. It is true that every place on campus should be GLBTT friendly and that the <strong>University</strong>’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment prohibits discrimination and harassment on the grounds <strong>of</strong> sexual orientation (among other grounds). However, many students, staff and faculty who either are GLBTT or who are perceived to be GLBTT face insults, assault, exclusion and harassment at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Manitoba and within their wider communities. These experiences, coupled with the relative invisibility <strong>of</strong> GLBTT positive places on campus and the fear <strong>of</strong> retaliation, can result in few persons self-identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and/or two-spirited on campus. The Identifying Allies project hopes to increase the visibility <strong>of</strong> safe spaces on campus, create new ones and contribute to a more welcoming campus environment. Through education, respectful inclusion, support and referrals, we hope in time that all people can feel more comfortable and confident in being themselves, recognizing, and working to end, all forms <strong>of</strong> homophobia & heterosexism and increasing their value <strong>of</strong> diversity. (<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Manitoba, n.d.)
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