Safe Space
The Safe Space Committee strives to reduce homophobia, transphobia and heterosexism in the Old Dominion University community. We are dedicated to a vision of a community that is open, safe, and accepting to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning people and allies. We help cultivate this climate through awareness, education, and advocacy.
One Committee, Many Ways to Get Involved!
Are you passionate about providing a safe space for all LGBTQ members of the ODU community? There are many ways to join our efforts.
Interested in being certified as a Safe Space Ally? Attend one of our upcoming trainings!
See below for dates and registration for Spring 2022's Safe Space Faculty/Staff/Graduate Students Ally Trainings:
Spring 2022 IN-PERSON Session 1: Friday, January 28 from 09:00AM to 1:00PM
Spring 2022 IN-PERSON Session 2: Wednesday, February 16th from 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Spring 2022 VIRTUAL Session 3: Monday, March 21st from 1:00PM to 5:00PM
To register, please click here.
Interested in being certified as a Safe Space Ally? Attend one of our upcoming trainings!
See below for dates and registration for Spring 2022's Safe Space Ally Trainings for undergraduate students:
Spring 2022 IN-PERSON Session 1: Wednesday, January 19th from 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Spring 2022 VIRTUAL Session 2: Monday, February 21st from 5:00PM to 9:00PM
Spring 2022 IN-PERSON Session 3: Friday, April 1st from 10:00AM to 2:00PM
To register, please click here.
**Interested in a Safe Space training for your student organization or group? Group trainings are accommodated by request. Please contact Andrew Garber at agarber@odu.edu for more information.
- Becoming a Safe Space Committee member
- Participating in Ally Training (and encouraging colleagues to do so)
- Attending or spreading the word about our special events
- Subscribing to our listserv, or following us on Facebook or Twitter
- Self-identifying as an ally or LGBTQ on our website
- Requesting an LGBTQ 101 presentation for your class
- Joining the LGBTQ faculty/staff network
- Participating in our 'It Gets Better' video
- Co-hosting an LGBTQ-related event on campus
- Supporting Gay Cultural Studies and ODU Out
- Getting involved with community organizations such as the LGBT Life Center and Hampton Roads Pride
- Educating yourself about LGBTQ concerns and current events
- Participating in our Student Ally Training
- Attending or spreading the word about our special events
- Following us on Facebook or Twitter
- Participating in our 'It Gets Better' video *new initiative*
- Joining SAGA
- Signing up to live on the Spectrum Floor
- Getting involved with community organizations such as the LGBT Life Center and Hampton Roads Pride
Educational Resources
Programming
Annual Programs
- Lavender Reception
- ODU's Annual Pridefest
- Spirit Day
- Rainbow Graduation
- Awareness Days
Resources
On-Campus
Office of Intercultural Relations
Local
National
Spectrum Floor
This community is ideal for students wanting to embrace diversity in a safe and affirming environment that brings together LGBTQ students and straight allies to freely explore issues of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and the intersection of those while advocating for awareness and social justice.
Click here to express interest in being a part of this Living Learning Community (LLC)!
Out on Campus
Familiarize yourself with faculty and staff Monarchs that are openly part of the LGBTQ community.
Your Ideas
Do you have suggestions for how ODU's Safe Space program can support the LGBTQ and ally community? Let us hear them!
