A few weeks ago, AIChE’s LGBTQ+ & Allies Initiative held two Safe Zone Ally Training workshops to better equip allies with the right tools to help foster a more inclusive environment. The events were held in conjunction with ASEE and as part of AIChE's Diversity & Inclusion initiative.
If you were unable to attend the live workshops, you can access the recorded versions at the link below, after creating a free account with ASEE.
See below for a short recap of what was discussed.
Safety Zone LGBTQ+ Ally Training Level 1 Recap
This workshop was led by Bryce Hughes and Anthony Butterfield.
- Emphasized the importance of understanding terminology to better relate to and communicate with LGBTQ+ individuals
- Provided exact definitions of sex, gender, sexual orientation and more LGBTQ+ terminology
- Explained what a "safe zone" actually is and how to create this kind of safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff
- Explained what normative assumptions are and why these assumptions have a negative impact on those who identify as LGBTQ+
Safety Zone LGBTQ+ Ally Training Level 2 Recap
This workshop was led by Robyn Sandekian and Alisha Sarang-Sieminski.
- Explained why it's necessary to build the knowledge base and skills needed to establish welcoming and safe environments
- Explained what privilege and bias mean when it comes to sexual identity and gender
- Described LGBTQ+ experiences in society and how to be more mindful
- Discussed why LGBTQ+ individuals are needed in engineering and STEM and why their unique outlook is essential for growth
- Outlined strategies to create more inclusive strategies for LGBTQ+ individuals
ASEE Safe Zone Ally Training Workshops are supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through Grant Nos. EEC-1539140 and EEC-1748499. Since this project commenced in fall 2015, ASEE has hosted 70 workshops and trained more than 1,200 individuals. Learn more at https://lgbtq.asee.org.
Join AIChE's LGBTQ+ & Allies Online Community
This community is open to professional AIChE members who are LGBTQ+ and allies. Topics of discussion will include the ongoing development of LGBTQ+ initiatives within AIChE, plus issues concerning, and opportunities for, LGBTQ+ chemical engineering professionals.
Learn more about the community.
This initiative is supported by the AIChE Foundation's Doing a World of Good Campaign.
AIChE Foundation – All for Good Campaign
