       |
LGBT
LGBT initiatives at Florida International University strives to reduce homophobia and heterosexism on both campuses through education, advocacy, and awareness. The program contributes to an open campus climate that is safe and accepting for all members of the University community regardless of sexual orientation. LGBT initiatives include LGBT 101 presentations, a program designed to educate students about and sensitize students to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered/sexual individuals.
Safe Zone is also a function of LGBT initiatives at FIU. Safe Zone is an LGBT training program for administrators, faculty, and students. According to GLSEN’s 2001 National School Climate Survey, a majority of LGBT students feel insecure at school and are likely to skip school out of concern for personal safety. However, the same research indicates that students who can identify a supportive faculty/staff member or student group are more likely to feel a sense of belonging at schools than those who cannot. Safe Zone programs seek to increase the visible presence of student and allies who can help to shape a school culture that is accepting of all people regardless of gender identity/expression, or any other difference. The main purpose of a Safe Zone program is to visibly mark people and places that are “safe” for LGBT students. At FIU this is accomplished through a sticker with FIU’s golden panther trademark accompanied by a rainbow triangle with the text “safe zone”. When students and staff affix stickers to their lockers, desks, backpacks, or office doors, it signifies an affirmation of LGBT people and lets others know that they are a safe person to approach for support or guidance.
Traditional LGBT Events
WELCOME RECEPTION
The LGBT welcome reception recognizes members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender/sexual (LGBT) and their supporters (allies) by welcoming them back to school. The event takes place during the second or third week of September.
LGBT LAVENDER GRADUATION
Lavender Graduation is a cultural celebration that recognizes LGBT students of all races and ethnicities and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to the university as students who survived the college experience. Through such recognition LGBT students may leave the university with a positive last experience of the institution thereby encouraging them to become involved mentors for current students as well as financially contributing alumni.
DAY OF SILENCE
The Day of Silence is a national day of action to protest the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students and their supporters. Students and professors take a day long vow of silence to symbolically represent the silencing of LGBT students and their supporters (allies). Day of Silence is observed nationally on April 17th of every year. At FIU, the event takes place one or two weeks earlier in consideration of final examinations.
COMING OUT DAY
Coming Out Day is an internationally-observed day of awareness for the “coming out” process of LGBT individuals and a time to foster discussion about LGBT issues. It is observed nationally on October 11th of every year by members of the LGBT community and their supporters. At FIU, the event takes place in consideration of weekends and holidays but as close to the national event as possible.
Traditional LGBT Events
WELCOME RECEPTION
The LGBT welcome reception recognizes members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender/sexual (LGBT) and their supporters (allies) by welcoming them back to school. The event takes place during the second or third week of September.
LGBT LAVENDER GRADUATION
Lavender Graduation is a cultural celebration that recognizes LGBT students of all races and ethnicities and acknowledges their achievements and contributions to the university as students who survived the college experience. Through such recognition LGBT students may leave the university with a positive last experience of the institution thereby encouraging them to become involved mentors for current students as well as financially contributing alumni.
DAY OF SILENCE
The Day of Silence is a national day of action to protest the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students and their supporters. Students and professors take a day long vow of silence to symbolically represent the silencing of LGBT students and their supporters (allies). Day of Silence is observed nationally on April 17th of every year. At FIU, the event takes place one or two weeks earlier in consideration of final examinations.
COMING OUT DAY
Coming Out Day is an internationally-observed day of awareness for the “coming out” process of LGBT individuals and a time to foster discussion about LGBT issues. It is observed nationally on October 11th of every year by members of the LGBT community and their supporters. At FIU, the event takes place in consideration of weekends and holidays but as close to the national event as possible.
