Safe Spaces LogoThe Safe Spaces Project is an initiative intended to raise visibility and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirit, intersex, queer, and questioning (LGBTTTIQQ) people and issues. Moreover, this project is focused on raising awareness through education, with a goal of increasing the number of LGBTTTIQQ culturally-competent workplaces and agencies in Brant County. It also offers accreditation to all workplaces and agencies that complete the Safe Spaces workshop.

What is a Safe Space?

Safe Spaces are locations where all sexual orientations and gender identities are affirmed. Furthermore, it is where individuals who are questioning their sexual orientation and gender identity will have access to service providers who are knowledgeable about LGBTTTIQQ issues and can provide support and information for referrals.

How will the community know who has completed the Safe Spaces Training?

Upon completion of the training, participants will be given a Safe Spaces agreement to sign and a sticker to display at their workspace. The name of each organization that is Safe Spaces accredited will be listed on the Sexual Assault Centre of Brant Safe Spaces Project homepage, as well as receive a certificate demonstrating their accreditation status.

What does the logo on the Safe Spaces sticker mean?

The logo includes the colours of the rainbow flag, which is a symbol of pride in LGBTTTIQQ communities. These colours also represent life (red), healing (orange), sun (yellow), nature (green), harmony (blue), and spirit (violet). The Safe Spaces logo indicates to LGBTTTIQQ persons and allies that workplaces displaying this sticker are supportive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of their employees and clients.

What are the project objectives?

  • Raise visibility and support of LGBTTTIQQ individuals in Brant County.
  • Decrease homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and heterosexism in the workplace.
  • Become more aware of the various forms of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and heterosexism that often exist in organizations and communities.
  • Increase the number of service agencies that provide LGBTTTIQQ culturally competent services.
  • Offer resources to organizations in order for them to create and encourage a supportive, welcoming, and inclusive environment for LGBTTTIQQ employees and/or clients.
  • Increase visibility of LGBTTTIQQ safe spaces by displaying Safe Spaces stickers and increasing awareness of employees that are supportive and knowledgeable about LGBTTTIQQ issues and can provide information and referrals.

What is LGBTTTIQQ cultural competency?

Cultural competency is a service provider’s ability to respect each client’s uniqueness. Service providers who are LGBTTTIQQ culturally competent are capable of interacting effectively and sensitively with individuals, who identify as LGBTTTIQQ. LGBTTTIQQ culturally competent service providers have the ability to work in cross-cultural situations. Safe Spaces training raises the LGBTTTIQQ culturally competency level of service providers who receive the training.

Increase LGBTTTIQQ cultural competency by:

  • Start a group that is interested in promoting LGBTTTIQQ cultural competency in your organization.
  • Brainstorm what needs to be changed in order to increase LGBTTTIQQ cultural competency.
  • Provide training activities as part of yearly training and new staff orientation.

To access the Space Spaces Project, click here.