About Our Program
The Safe Space workshop is an innovative, dynamic, hands-on approach to creating safe space for all; focusing specifically on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA) community. From the classroom bully to the unintentional exclusion by use of certain language, LGBTQIA people frequently find themselves excluded and uncomfortable in a variety of settings. This workshop aims to reduce the often unwelcoming and even hostile environments in which LGBTQIA people navigate in their daily lives. Workshop participants will explore their role and responsibility in creating a more welcoming environment at work, school, and in our communities. All attendees will leave the workshop with greater understanding and workable solutions for promoting Safe Spaces of Respect, Acceptance, and Support for all.
A History of Safe Space Training
Salisbury University
History
Mid-1990's
Horizons Program
Horizons was a program brought to SU in the mid-1990s by Dr. Jim McCallops (History)
2014
Program Redeveloped
While on sabbatical, Diane Illig overhauled the program entirely. A new logo was created, content was added and revised, target audiences were developed, and more trainers were added to the program to meet the growing demand.
2014 -2021
Partnerships
After a workshop in July 2014, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights committed to being an active partner with Safe Spaces in October 2014. This partnership continued for seven years.
2020
Expanding to Virtual Spaces
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Safe Spaces expanded its programming to include online, Zoom-based workshops, digital training exercises, and more content focusing on creating more welcoming, virtual spaces.
Mid-1990- 2005
Program Overhaul
August 2013
Pilot for Safe Spaces Workshops
- Increased session time for CEU
- Several revisions to the resource book
- Added different exercise types
Demand for the Workshop Exploded
- AY 13-14 trained 150
- Since July 2014, 400 people were trained
- Spread entirely by word of mouth
Skills
Diane S. Illig, PhD
Safe Spaces Director
Diane has practiced sociology at Salisbury University for the last 14 years, where she teaches courses in Gender, Sexuality and Family among others. Diane represents Salisbury University on the University System of Maryland Women’s Forum. In addition to her PhD, Diane holds a graduate certificate in Women’s Studies and participated in the Summer Institute on Sexuality at San Francisco State University. Prior to completing her advanced degrees, she worked professionally for Girl Scouts in councils in Pennsylvania and Virginia as a field executive, camp director and Director of Outdoor Program. In each capacity Diane developed and/or conducted workshops on diversity and inclusion of girls and women, racial and cultural minorities, the disabled, and more recently, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people. In May of 2013, Diane married her partner of 18 years in Maryland following the legalization of same-sex marriage.
Our Partners
