Ally Program
The Ally Program at Occidental College consists of a two-hour training and series of programs/seminars throughout the academic year, advocating and supporting the LGBTQ community of Occidental College. Participation in the program is voluntary, but to receive an "LGBTQ Ally" sticker, you need to take part in Ally Training.
What is an ally?
An ally is defined as "a person who is a member of the dominant or majority group
who works to end oppression in his or her private and professional life through
support of, and as an advocate for the oppressed population (Washington & Evans,
Becoming an Ally). " An ally provides a "safe zone" for lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students, faculty and staff at Occidental College. Allies can be Occidental College students, faculty and staff members. As an ally, you
do not have to be an "expert" in LGBTQ issues but must be willing to learn about
issues impacting the community.
What is expected from an ally?
As an ally you will receive an "LGBTQ Ally" sticker, sign and/or button to visibly
identify yourself as a supporter of the LGBTQ community. This can be displayed in
a public workspace, a backpack,shirt, or notebook. In displaying your "LGBTQ Ally"
sign, you are demonstrating your support for the LGBTQ community and also sending a message to the entire campus that you are committed to addressing LGBTQ issues.
Benefits of Being an Ally:
• You open yourself up to new members of the campus community.
• You have the opportunity to interact with, learn from, teach, and have an impact on a population with which you may not otherwise interact with.
• You may be influential to your friend, classmate, roommate, teammate, brother, sister, professor, mother, or father who may finally decide that life and equality is worthwhile. By establishing your space as a "safe zone," you will help LGBTQ people develop stronger self-esteem and pride in who they are.
• You create an inclusive campus community for members of the LGBTQ community.
• You will make the campus a better place for everyone. Oppression is a negative force, and as long as it exists, everyone is impacted.
Ally Training
Is a two hour training were you will receive information about becoming an advocate and resource for the LGBTQ community.
The training will consist of the following:
- Receiving information about the LGBT community
- Learning how to be a resource for the LGBT community
- The coming out process
- Your role as an ally
- Exploring your personal comfort zone
- What to do
- Challenges you may face
- What not to do
- How the CGE can be a resource to support you as an ally!