Description

Why do People Attend Safe Zone Trainings?

One common one is that LGBTQ+ folks sometimes question whether they will feel safe, welcomed, or supported in a new environment. Displaying Safe Zone stickers and demonstrating you went to a training can communicate to others the commitment you’re making to creating LGBTQ-inclusive environments.

Another reason is for people to explore, for themselves, the concepts of sexuality and gender. This goes for people who are L, G, B, T, and/or Q, as well as people who aren’t (straight and/or cisgender people).

We don’t get a lot of space in society to talk about these things, and Safe Zone trainings are unique and wonderful because they’re exactly that. A safe place to ask questions, to be vulnerable, and to learn.

There is a pressure to already know how to be LGBTQ+ inclusive. And while many of us want to be we don’t necessarily feel comfortable with the language, with our own level of understanding, and don’t know where to go to learn more. Safe Zone trainings are safe places for people can go to learn more, about their own gender/sexuality and deepen their understanding of LGBTQ+ identity and issues.

Speaker

David Roderick

Pastor, Immanuel United Methodist Church

David is a United Methodist pastor and Director of Rainbow House, an LGBTQIA+ inclusion center in Edwardsville, IL. He has worked with youth, young adults and families for nearly 4 decades as a teacher, coach and minister. He has a Masters in Christian Education and is a certified John Maxwell coach and speaker. His passion is to help those who do not belong, belong! This includes those often marginalized in our culture, especially the LGBTQIA+ community. He works to create safe space in the community through support, education and advocacy. He has a commitment to help change the narrative that sexual minorities have to choose between their faith and their identity. David is the proud father of 4 children and grandfather of 2.