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.
Safe Space Ally Certification for Faculty & Staff 2023-2024
Fall 2023 Training Dates:
There will be two Faculty/Staff Safe Space Trainings offered each semester. Private group training is available upon request for groups of 9 or more people.
- Wednesday, September 27th from 1:00pm - 4:00pm via Zoom
- Tuesday, December 5th from 9:00am - 12:00pm via Zoom
To register for either training date, please sign up here.
Safe Space Ally Certification for Undergraduate Students 2023-2024
Fall 2023 Training Dates:
There will be two Safe Space Trainings for undergraduate students offered each semester. Private group training for student organizations is available upon request for groups of 9 or more people.
- Monday, September 25th from 12:00pm - 3:00pm via Zoom
- Wednesday, December 6th from 1:00pm - 4:00pm via Zoom
To register for either training date, please sign up here.
- 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!