What is the Safe Space Program?
Order a
Safe Space magnet
Safe Space brochure
(975kb - MS Word)
For more information on workplace issues visit the
 Library
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NCR wants its gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender
employees to feel comfortable in the workplace so that they can
perform at their best.
NCR's equal opportunity employment policy states
that a person's sexual orientation, gender identity and expression cannot be
used as a criterion for personnel decisions.
The Safe Space program is designed to provide a non-threatening
way to send the message that homophobia and hostility will not
be tolerated in the NCR workplace.
By displaying this magnet, you show that your desk
or office is a "safe space" for gay, lesbian, bisexual,
and transgender employees. |
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| Why is there a Safe Space Program?
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Many employees are ignorant of the facts about gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transgender employees. Some are openly
hostile. Thus, many of these gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (GLBT)
employees feel forced to hide their sexual orientation or identity
and anything in their personal life that might reveal it.
The result is that these employees become isolated.
When they need to discuss personal issues with coworkers
or managers, GLBT employees need supportive contacts. Conversely,
employees who want to be supportive of diversity often do not
know how to show this support to their coworkers.
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| How can I be supportive?
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Do not assume everyone is heterosexual. Few people of any type fit the popular stereotypes
of behavior and appearance that they are "supposed" to have. This is the same
for the GLBT community. Likewise, it's not safe to assume
that people who do fit these stereotypes are such.
Do not permit homophobic comments or jokes. These
are harmful and do not belong in the workplace. Let your coworkers
know that you find them offensive.
Use inclusive language. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender employees are often in committed, longterm
relationships, but are legally prohibited from marrying their
partners. Instead of asking if a co-worker is married, ask if
she or he is in a relationship. Terms such as "significant
other" and "partner" are more inclusive than "girlfriend",
"boyfriend",
or "spouse."
Treat the subject positively. When gay, lesbian,
bisexual, or transgender issues are discussed, make it clear
that you are supportive of diversity.
Respect the privacy of the individual. Keep in mind
that gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender co-workers may not
be ready to "come out of the closet," even if you are
trying to be supportive. They may feel threatened if your efforts
to reach out appear to be aimed specifically at them.
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| What can I do now?
Order a
Safe Space magnet
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Display this "Safe Space" magnet. This
magnet has been created as a visible, nonthreatening way
to show that your desk or office is a "safe space" for
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender employees.
- Learn more about the issues. Educational materials
are available from many sources, including League@NCR. Two recommended
books on workplace issues are:
- Gay Issues in the Workplace,
written by Brian McNaught. St. Martin's Press, 1993. ISBN 0-312-09808-1.
- Out in the Workplace,
edited by Richard A. Rasi and Lourdes Rodríguez-Nogués.
Alyson Publications, 1995. ISBN 1-55583-251-2.
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| What does the magnet symbolize?
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The magnet bears a pink triangle, a widely recognized
gaypositive symbol, surrounded by a green circle, the international
symbol of acceptance. Displaying this magnet shows gay, lesbian,
bisexual, and transgender coworkers that they can feel
safe with you, and shows unsupportive co-workers that you will
not tolerate homophobia.
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| Why the pink triangle?
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The pink triangle is an international symbol of gay
pride and liberation, but its origins are in oppression. Homosexuals
were among those persecuted in Nazi Germany; they were arrested,
placed in concentration camps, and targeted for extermination.
In these camps, homosexuals
were identified by the pink triangles they were forced to wear. A quarter of a million homosexual
prisoners died in places like Dachau. Even liberation by the Allied
armies did not always bring freedom; often, gay prisoners were
forced by the Allied powers to serve out their sentences in prison.
Today the pink triangle serves as a reminder of that
suffering; a symbol of struggle, remembrance, and pride.
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| Origins of the Safe Space Program
| The Safe Space name and logo are trademarks
of EQUAL! at Lucent Technologies and are used with permission.
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