Positive Space Workshops (For Employees)
Positive Space Workshops are 3-hour information sessions that will help you build practical skills and knowledge to counter homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism in college settings. The sessions provide an introduction to LGBTQ culture, cover common myths and terms, illustrate the important role of an ally, and give you a chance to discuss case studies in an open, respectful environment. These sessions also provide you with resources and materials so that you can act as a Positive Space resource person.
Workshops are offered to all employees 2-3 times per year. After the workshop, participants can choose to display their Positive Space logo and have their name added to the list of active members. For more information, email positivespace@algonquincollege.com.
About Positive Space
The Positive Space campaign focuses on education and visibility as a response to LGBTQ marginalization. One result of marginalization based on sexual orientation and gender identity is that many LGBTQ people remain closeted for fear of repercussions of coming out (e.g. rejection, harassment, humiliation, or being “outed”). For some students, their high school provided a visible and supportive campus climate, and they expect the same at Algonquin College. For others, college is their first platform in the adult world in which they will come out. This time can be difficult and confusing for these students, and offering support and access to resources can ease the process.
The Positive Space Logo
Displaying the Positive Space logo in your workspace indicates your general support of the campaign. On the reverse, under What can I do?, several specific actions are listed:
- Attend the Positive Space Training
- Talk about gender and sexual diversity. Visibility and open dialogue are essential.
- Challenge derogatory comments against individuals who are (or are perceived to be) LGBTQ.
- Lend support and provide a resource.
- Provide feedback, suggestions or assistance so that the campaign can offer the best possible support to our students, staff and faculty.
Should you be approached by an individual who needs support beyond what you can provide, please refer them to an appropriate resource or inform the Positive Space Coordinator.
Please note, the absence of a Positive Space logo in a workplace does not suggest that the individual who works there is not inclusive of LGBTQ individuals. There are many reasons why logos are not displayed in all workspaces on campus. Some individuals may not be familiar with the campaign or available to attend a workshop. Many staff and faculty share workspace and therefore cannot ensure that their co-workers have been trained or share their conviction. It could also indicate that, although supportive of LGBTQ individuals, some people do not feel prepared enough to speak on these issues.