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The Safe Space Emblem and the EQUAL! Logo are registered trademarks of EQUAL! . EQUAL! is an education and support group that addresses workplace environment issues affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender employees and their friends and families. For more information on EQUAL! and the Safe Space Program, please visit us on the web at: http://www.equal.org .
Most gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) associates remain closeted in the work environment. Often their coworkers are supportive, but do not want to risk making the GLBT associates uncomfortable and don’t know how to approach the subject.
These suggestions are offered to help all employees promote a work environment that is inclusive of gay, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender associates whether they choose to disclose or not.
Display a Safe Space emblem in your office.
EQUAL! has developed this emblem to designate "safe spaces" in the workplace. The emblem bears a pink triangle, an internationally recognized symbol of positive gay identity, surrounded by a green circle, an international symbol of acceptance.
Displaying this emblem will let others know you support full participation of all members of the workplace, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, characteristics, or expression.
Do not permit homophobic jokes or comments.
Do not make comments or jokes, and step in when someone else does. These types of remarks are harmful and don't belong in the workplace. If you hear a co-worker talking inappropriately, let them know that you find the remarks offensive. This will reinforce your support of a "safe" workplace.
Do not assume everyone is heterosexual.
About 10% of the people in the U.S. are gay, bisexual or lesbian. Few of them fit the popular stereotypes of behavior and appearance. Likewise, it's not safe to assume that people who do fit these stereotypes are gay or lesbian. Use inclusive language such as "significant other" or "partner." Instead of asking if someone is married, ask if they are in a relationship, leaving the gender ambiguous.
Include domestic partners.
If you know a co-worker is involved in a relationship, include his or her partner in the same work functions where spouses or dates are normally invited. When you’re conversing socially, refer to a domestic partner the same way you would refer to someone’s husband or wife. The terms partner and significant other are more inclusive than spouse. If you are unsure how to refer to someone’s partner, ask them.
Treat the subject in a positive manner.
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender associates frequently feel invisible or alone. Many fear losing their jobs, reputations, and even their careers.
Respect the privacy of the individual. Coming out can be a difficult process for many GLBT associates. Even in a supportive environment, some people may never feel comfortable coming out. The value you add is providing a supportive workplace atmosphere without insisting that they self identify.
What can I do now?
Learn more about the issues. Take a workshop or class that is designed to help sensitize people to the concerns of their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender associates. Educational materials are available from many sources, including EQUAL!.
Display a "Safe Space" emblem in your work environment. EQUAL! has magnets available that bear the Safe Space emblem. These magnets fit well into the office environment and can be placed on your office door, desk, or cabinets. The Safe Space emblem shows your colleagues that your workspace is a "safe space" for GLBT associates.
Many employers have an equal opportunity employment policy stating that a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, characteristics or expression cannot be used as a criterion for personnel decisions. A comprehensive EO policy such as this confirms that an employer wants its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender associates to feel comfortable in the workplace and so they can perform at their best.
Even with a non-discrimination policy in place, many people remain unaware of the facts about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender associates. This can lead to an uncomfortable or openly hostile environment where employees feel forced to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity or anything that might reveal it. Isolation and fear results in reduced effectiveness in the workplace.
Conversely, managers and employees who want to be supportive of diversity often don't know how to show this support to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender associates.
The Safe Space Program was created to provide a way to send a message to all associates that the environment is supportive of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender associates, and that hostility will not be tolerated. Displaying a Safe Space magnet in your workplace creates feelings of comfort, teamwork, and acceptance, and leads to increased engagement of all employees.
Today the pink triangle serves as a reminder of that suffering; a symbol of struggle, remembrance, and pride.
Where do I get the magnet?
Contact your local chapter (Alcatel-Lucent employees only) or visit our shopping page.