What is the program about?

Goals:

The Ally project at the University of Manitoba hopes to create a campus climate that is more welcoming and inclusive of all individuals.  Through the use of Ally Workshops, people can come onboard the project and represent themselves as allies of GLBTT individuals by displaying an "Ally-Safe Person/Safe Space" card on their office door or desk.  Individuals without offices/set workspace or in offices with more than one employee/person can display their ally status by the use of an Ally button.  The displaying of an Ally card or button means that the person has gone through training around the issues of homophobia, heterosexism, and how to be supportive of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and two-spirited (GLBTT) people.  Allies pledge to work towards making the University of Manitoba campus a safer and more welcoming place for GLBTT individuals by:

• Recognizing and challenging homophobia & heterosexism at the University of Manitoba
• Supporting the inclusiveness of GLBTT people on campus & in all aspects of campus life
• Being familiar with issues & resources that exist for GLBTT people on campus & off
• Respecting the confidentiality of people

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 of disapproval, fear or shame of their sexual orientation. It is true that every place on campus should be GLBTT friendly and that the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment prohibits discrimination and harassment on the grounds of 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 University of Manitoba and within their wider communities. These experiences, coupled with the relative invisibility of GLBTT positive places on campus and the fear of 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 of 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 of homophobia &  heterosexism and increasing their value of diversity.

For workshop registrations and information, contact Lisa Seymour in the Student Counselling & Career Centre.  Lisa can be reached by e-mail at Lisa_Seymour@umanitoba.ca or by phone at (204) 474-8617.

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