“So that all may learn” is WMU’s purpose, and that includes anyone who identifies as LBGTQ+.
To reinforce the University’s core values of diversity, equity and inclusion, WMU’s Safe on Campus program is among a number of initiatives focused on making sure all Broncos have the space they need to thrive.
"Safe on Campus helps to create more resources, safety and inclusion campuswide," said Nathan Nguyễn, director of Western's Office of Lesbian, Bisexual Gay and Transgender (LBGT) Student Services.
"A program like Safe on Campus is important to create inclusion; provide a sense of 'normalcy' to LGBTQ identities; bring awareness and create empathy for anyone who identifies differently; save lives; and increase the rate of matriculation,” he added.
The three-hour educational training is available each semester to all students, faculty and staff. It focuses on what it means to be an ally to LBGT students; strategies to support people who are coming out; the complexities of sex, gender and sexual orientation; and respectful language to use. Those who complete training get a placard to post on their door or in their office, indicating it is a safe space for individuals to come for help or with concerns.
"Any kind of visibility, even little things like a rainbow sticker, are so important to asserting our presence on campus and our right to be here," said Makenzie Marts, program assistant in the Office of LBGT Student Services. "(It's) an affirmation that, even if there is always more institutional equity work to be done, you are wanted, you are respected and you are valued."
Nguyễn has trained nearly 450 people since joining the staff at Western in 2016. He hopes to continue to increase the number of trained allies across campus and encourages those whose training happened more than five years ago to sign up again for a refresher course.
"Having additional allies and voices can bring new perspectives and show that creating inclusion will not only help those that the LBGT Student Services office serves but the entire campus community," he said.
You can read more about the Safe on Campus program and the Office for LBGT Student Services at WMU here.