Brown Bag Talks: LGBTQIA+ Ally Training

Location: Academic I, Room 1106
Audience: Faculty & Staff/Admin
Presenter: Steven Marks, Coordinator of the Connection Center

Description:
As a valued member of our educational community, your support is essential in fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all students. Even if you’ve participated in LGBTQIA+ Ally Trainings before 2024, we invite you to join this updated, RCC-developed session. This training delivers the latest insights and best practices to elevate your role as an ally—and you’ll receive a new LGBTQIA+ Ally sticker to proudly display in your area.

Objectives:

• Understand Diversity: Recognize and appreciate the full spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities.
• Support Effectively: Discover practical strategies to support LGBTQIA+ students in both academic and social settings.
• Address Key Issues: Explore current challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community and learn proactive approaches to overcome them.

Why Attend:

• Improved Academic Performance and Retention Rates: Research shows that Safe Space training programs can positively impact LGBTQIA+ students’ academic performance and retention. A study in the Journal of College Student Development found that LGBTQIA+ students with access to Safe Space programs achieved higher GPAs and were more likely to persist in their academic pursuits compared to those without such support.
  Source: Woodford, M. R., Kulick, A., Sinco, B. R., Hong, J. S., & Diamond, L. M. (2014). Safe Spaces: Making Schools and Communities Welcoming to LGBT Youth. Journal of School Violence, 13(1), 21-42.
• Enhanced Faculty and Staff Satisfaction: Participation in Safe Space training has been linked to increased job satisfaction and overall well-being among faculty and staff. Studies indicate that those who complete such training feel more supported and valued, which translates into higher productivity and a more positive workplace atmosphere.
  Source: Rankin, S. R. (2003). Campus Climate for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender People: A National Perspective. New York: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute.
• Reduction in LGBTQ+ Discrimination and Harassment: Comprehensive Safe Space programs can significantly decrease instances of discrimination and harassment on campus. Institutions that invest in these trainings report lower rates of adverse behaviors against LGBTQIA+ individuals.
  Source: Rankin, S. R., & Reason, R. D. (2005). Differing Levels of Campus Comfort for LGBT Faculty. Journal of College Student Development, 46(2), 237-241.
• Fostering Diversity and Inclusion: Safe Space training contributes to creating a campus environment where diversity is celebrated and every individual feels respected. Research highlights that robust programs lead to higher levels of inclusivity and cultural competence among faculty, staff, and students.
  Source: Rankin, S. R., Weber, G. N., Blumenfeld, W. J., & Frazer, S. L. (2010). State of Higher Education for LGBT People. Charlotte, NC: Campus Pride.

Join us in this vital training session to reinforce our collective commitment to a diverse, supportive, and inclusive campus community.