Safe Zone LGBTQ+ Ally Program

Welcome to Empire State University’s Safe Zone! 

The Empire State Safe Zone Program is a transformative initiative dedicated to creating a safer, more inclusive environment for individuals across all sexual orientations, romantic orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and intersections of identities. Safe Zone is a vital step in Empire's ongoing efforts to reduce homophobia, transphobia, and cisheterosexism within our institution and in our surrounding communities. The initial program was funded by a 2023 Inclusive Learning Award DEI Mini-Grant, reflecting our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

Our Mission 

The mission of Empire’s Safe Zone program is to cultivate understanding, respect, and advocacy by identifying, educating, and supporting “allies” within our community. Allies are faculty, staff, and administrators who: 

  • Are committed to learning about the challenges and experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. 
  • Actively provide support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ individuals in their personal and professional capacities. 

Through Safe Zone, we aim to establish a robust network of allies who are dedicated to ongoing education and advocacy, ensuring that LGBTQIA+ communities at SUNY Empire and beyond feel valued, supported, and empowered. 

What is Safe Zone Training? 

The Empire Safe Zone training program is a 2-hour interactive session that is delivered virtually as well as in person. The training is designed to: 

  • Educate participants about LGBTQIA+ identities, terminology, and experiences. 
  • Challenge participants to confront and address biases, including homophobia, transphobia, and cisheterosexism. 
  • Equip participants with the tools and strategies needed to create inclusive learning, mentoring, and advising environments. 

Participants who complete the training become part of Empire's Safe Zone network, signifying their commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and safety for all. 

Who Can Participate? 

The Safe Zone program welcomes participation from all Empire faculty, staff, and administrators. Whether you are just beginning your journey as an ally or looking to deepen your understanding and advocacy skills, this program offers valuable insights and practical tools for supporting LGBTQIA+ communities. 

Our Team 

Dr. Brian Frederick, Safe Zone Project Coordinator/Trainer (they/them/theirs) is a queer criminologist and Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at SUNY Empire State in Brooklyn. Brian is also the Academic Coordinator for Empire’s B.S. in Criminal Justice program. Their research focuses largely on the (sub)cultural dynamics that underpin and or shape crime, deviance and transgression committed or experienced by queer folx. In their previous role at the University of Portsmouth (England), Brian was responsible for initiating the university’s first LGBTQ+ Safe Zone project. 

Joshua (“Josh”) Boardman, Safe Zone Project Coordinator/Trainer (he/him/his) is the Director of Student Engagement at Empire State. Prior to joining Empire, Josh spent six years as a special project coordinator with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission in Boston, where he assisted with fostering economic independence and vocational rehabilitation for people with disabilities. He also serves on Empire’s LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group. 

Both Brian and Josh have collaborated to design, deliver, and enhance the Safe Zone training experience, ensuring it meets the unique needs of Empire’s communities.  

Join Us 

Together, we can make a difference. By participating in the Safe Zone program, you are taking an essential step toward creating a campus culture where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. 

For more information or to register for an upcoming training session, please contact Brian (brian.frederick@sunyempire.edu) or Josh (joshua.boardman@sunyempire.edu). Please also look for Safe Zone trainings during the concurrent sessions at Empire's Fall and Spring conferences. 

Thank you for supporting LGBTQIA+ equity and inclusion at Empire State University. Your advocacy and allyship help build a brighter, more inclusive future for all. 

External LGBTQ+ Resources 

Here are some links that provide diverse resources, from mental health support and legal services to educational tools and community-building programs at the local, state, and national level: 

  • Statewide LGBTQ+ Resources  
    Curated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OFCS) and the New York State Commission for the Blind, this page serves as an invaluable for locating pride centers, community centers, OCFS resources, and other LGBTQ+ resources throughout New York state.  
  • Pride Center of Western New York  
    The mission of the Pride Center is to work with the community to make Western New York a safe, healthy, and satisfying place for LGBTQ+ people to live, work and establish their families. 
  • Out Alliance (Rochester) 
    A resource hub for LGBTQIA+ people in Western and Central New York, offering community events, education, and advocacy. 

  • NYC Unity Project 
    NYC's first-ever, citywide LGBTQIA+ initiative offering resources for youth, families, and allies, including health services, housing, and education programs. 

  • The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center 
    Offers a wide range of LGBTQIA+ programs, events, and services, including support groups, counseling, and advocacy initiatives. 

  • GLAAD 
    Focuses on media representation of LGBTQIA+ people and works to promote acceptance and understanding nationwide. 

  • Human Rights Campaign (HRC) 
    A leading organization advocating for LGBTQIA+ equality through legislation, education, and awareness campaigns. 
  • The Trevor Project 
    A national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQIA+ youth. 

  • Empire LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group
    A group for LGBTQ+ faculty, staff, and allies to connect, collaborate, and advocate for inclusion and equity within the SUNY Empire community. Contact Empire’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for meeting details (ODEI@sunyempire.edu).  
  • Empire LGBTQIA+ Student Group 
    Connects LGBTQIA+ students in a supportive space where everyone can express their authentic selves. Contact Joshua Boardman (Advisor), for more information (joshua.boardman@sunyempire.edu). 
  • LGBTQIA+ Library Resources 
    Features a curated collection of LGBTQIA+ books, articles, and multimedia for students, faculty, and staff, accessible through the university library. 
  • Empire Connect: Virtual LGBTQIA+ Support Network (Coming Soon!) 
    Virtual spaces for LGBTQIA+ students and allies to engage in discussions, access resources, and build community. Contact the Office of Student Life for details.