LGBTQ Safe Space Training
This program teaches about and supports LGBTQ students. The training is offered to students, faculty, and staff.
Hudson Valley’s Pride Alliance Club supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals of the campus and is linked with the program.
The adviser, Deanne Martocci, said, “The Pride Alliance Club is open to everyone. We even have a lot of straight people join.”
Faculty and staff who went to the training are showing the LGBTQ students that their office or room is a safe space. Often stickers indicating a safe space will be represented by an LGBTQ symbol, such as a rainbow flag.
Professor Ann Ruecker said, “I think everybody should take this program at least once. It teaches you a lot about the different types of gender identity.”
Not only did faculty and staff participate in the program, but so did many students.
Christina Hoult, a member of the Pride Alliance Club, said, “I don’t like how people joke about guys being too feminine. This program helps shows what things aren’t appropriate to say.”
Kelsey Mildon, Individual Studies freshman and member of the Pride Alliance Club, said, “It makes me feel uncomfortable when people say things like ‘that’s so gay.’ I think this program helps find safe people and places to go to.”
Cris McIntyre, Liberal Arts senior, said, “What we learned so far hasn’t been much of a surprise. But, there has been a lot of discussion, which is the most important part of it, in my opinion.”