At a recent session of Safe Zone training, a UW-Platteville program aimed at educating individuals about the LGBTQ community, Deidre Dalsing transformed Room 103 of Dounda Hall into a place that emulated the name of the training itself: literally a safe zone in which students could express their thoughts or feelings, ask questions and participate in open discussion.

“Deidre created a really safe, open and welcoming environment and she let us know that we were there to listen, learn and share thoughts,” Jess Sandry, a graduate student in counselor education and one of the 22 people to attend the training said. “She has a friendly, lively presence that made the entire session an overwhelmingly positive experience.”

“I am very passionate about this training because it is very near and dear to my heart,” Dalsing, a counselor at UW-P Counseling Services said. “The sessions are not the place for religious discussion or political debate, but somewhere where we can encourage exploration of the issues and emphasize an increase in knowledge about the LGBTQ community.”

Throughout the training, Dalsing led open discussions that addressed problematic and offensive language, common definitions and LGBTQ terminology, and the qualities of a supportive LGBTQ ally. The interactive and informative training included large-group activities and small group discussions.

“For people who may be afraid to say something or struggle to think that their opinions matter in these types of situations, the training is a great way to gain insight, build confidence and learn to make more informed decisions,” said Todd Carothers, assistant professor of business and accounting.

Upon completion of the training, all participants picked up a green and pink Safe Zone triangle that identified them as allies for LGBTQ individuals and advocates for the community.

“As a faculty member, I am here to help students tap into their future and I don’t want to be closed off to any element of what that might entail,” Carothers said. “By hanging the Safe Zone triangle in my office, I believe that I am just doing my job: conveying a sense of acceptance and encouragement and sending a message to students that I seek to understand and support who they are.”

“Supporting other human beings should be everyone’s goal,” Sandry said. “Everyone has an impact on one another in some way, even if it is small, and it’s really important to make that impact in a positive way. Safe Zone training is an excellent way to learn how to make that positive impact.”

Safe Zone training is offered once every semester. On- and off-campus groups can also contact Dalsing at any time and request specific times for training. To learn more about Safe Zone training or to request a group training session, contact Dalsing at 342-1865 or at dalsingd@uwplatt.edu.