Faculty & Staff LGBTQ+ Workshops | Penn State Student Affairs

The Safer People Safer Places network seeks to create a safer and more inclusive environment for sexual and gender diversity. The network is a campus-wide program designed to raise visibility about the LGBTQ+ population, increase the understanding of issues facing LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff, and raise the awareness of the various LGBTQ+ resources available across Penn State.

The program offers a variety of workshops providing a foundation of knowledge needed to be an effective ally to the LGBTQ+ community at Penn State. Individuals who complete workshops can choose to display a Safer People Safer Places decal in their work area. Network members should be comfortable with LGBTQ+ individuals approaching them to talk about LGBTQ+ related issues, and be able to assist individuals in finding campus and/or local resources. Those who complete the foundations workshop will also be added to our Safer People Safer Places network listserv and be listed on our website as a network participant.

Program Workshops

Please note, all individuals must complete the Foundations workshop before electing other available options. Registration is required for Safer People, Safer Places Workshops.

Safer People Safer Places Foundations Workshop

The Safer People Safer Places Foundations workshop provides a baseline knowledge for understanding and addressing sexual and gender diversity.

Through the workshop, participants discuss a variety of topics that will help them become a better ally and provide support to members of the LGBTQ+ community. After attending the Foundations workshop, participants will be able to define and describe common concepts and language relating to sexuality and gender; explore the experience of homophobia, heterosexism and genderism; and identify specific actions to create welcoming, affirming and inclusive spaces for people marginalized by their sexuality and/or gender. After completing the Foundations workshop, participants will be able to display the Safer People Safer Places decal as well as be listed on our online resource page as a network member.

Note: In Person Sessions are limited to 40 participants

Safer People Safer Places Transgender & Gender Inclusion 101 Workshop

The Transgender and Gender Inclusion 101 Workshop explores basic terminology associated with the transgender and/or gender non-binary community, engages participants in a discussion around gender diversity, and highlights some of the challenges constructed by gender restrictive practices.

The workshop concludes with ways to be an ally to transgender and gender non-binary community members and challenges participants to recognize ways that they can foster culture change.

Note: In Person Sessions are limited to 40 participants

Safer People Safer Places: Lunch and Learn Sessions

The Safer People Safer Places program has been created to foster culture change across Penn State. As part of that mission, the Safer People Safer Places Lunch and Learn sessions are meant to provide network members with direct and on-going conversations around real-life situations related to bias and discrimination that occur in the daily life of the University and surrounding community. Network members will be asked to provide suggested topics for discussion in advance of each session and content is planned accordingly.

Upcoming Workshop Schedule & Registration Links

Spring 2024

Safer People Safer Places Foundations workshops

Click on the date you wish to attend to be directed to the registration form for that session.

Confirmations will be sent one day prior to the workshop and will include location, Zoom link (if virtual), a pre-survey, and any materials needed for the workshop.

Safer People Safer Places Transgender and Gender Inclusion workshops

Reminder, you MUST have participated in the Foundations workshop prior to Trans and Gender Inclusion 101.

Click on the date you wish to attend to be directed to the registration form for that session.

Confirmations will be sent one day prior to the workshop and will include location, Zoom link (if virtual), a pre-survey, and any materials needed for the workshop.

Safer People Safer Places Network Members

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Faculty & Staff Workshops

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