Drury Allies is an organization that seeks to provide a community space for students who identify as LGBTQ+ or are in support of those that do. This month they are hosting two exciting programs: Safe Zone Training and Sex Inqueeries.

Safe Zone Training

A “Safe Zone” used in this context is a place, either physical or social, where acceptance for people of any sexual orientation, race, gender or any other category of person can feel confident that they will not face discrimination or harm.

According to Drury Allies Vice President Maclen Johnson, “Safe Zone training is a two- to three-hour session where students who sign up receive qualifications on how to make places on campus and in the world a safe zone for LGBTQ+ members. It is open to anyone who wants to sign up and is intended as a program to encourage learning, vulnerability and understanding on LGBTQ+ issues.”

Drury Allies is hosting this training and bringing in a facilitator from the AIDS Project of the Ozarks, or the APO, so that students can learn how to create this kind of space on campus.

Drury Allies Treasurer Nick Rispoli also commented on the upcoming training. He stated, “In past years we’ve brought in a Safe Zone Trainer from APO, and they’ve guided the meeting to educate students on things such as the LGBTQ+ community and/or tolerance. Safe Zone Training does not have a set date yet; However, Drury Allies plans to facilitate the event around the time we host the Coming Out Monologues so that these two events can go hand in hand.”

This type of training can promote acceptance of people who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as create awareness and encourage discussion about issues and concerns of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you, a family member or friend identify as LGBTQ+, a space for this type of open dialogue is invaluable.

(Photo via Drury Allies Facebook)

Sex Inqueeries

If you left your middle or high school sex education class even more confused than before you attended, you are not alone. Sex education in the United States can often be described as using an abstinence-based approach that can vary from state to state. Some agree that these classes also lack the education regarding safe sex for people who identify as LGBTQ+. Sex Inqueeries is one effort to fill this gap of knowledge. It is a question-and-answer forum designed to answer questions regarding safe sex for all sexualities.

Regarding the upcoming Sex Inqueeries forum, Johnson stated, “Inqueeries is an event hosted to emphasize awareness and practice for safe sex, especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community since sex ed is so often taught specifically for heterosexual couples.”

This forum is an excellent resource, and everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can benefit from attending and learning about an important topic in sex education. Sex Inqueeries will be held Sept. 19 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Johnson summarized the importance of these events best when she said, “Allies believes both of these events are important to our mission because all places at Drury should be safe spaces.”

“Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or the countless other categories people can be sorted into, everyone should feel that this campus embraces them for them,” Johnson continued. “Allies seeks to encourage communication, connection and understanding.”

If you have questions or would like to attend any of the above events, please contact Drury Allies on Facebook.

Written by Lauren Barclay.