DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

Dear Journal,

 

This past week has been hectic. There were a lot of assignments due on Wednesday, and unfortunately, I neglected to manage my time more effectively. This resulted in an incredibly late night followed by an earlier morning. Though I seemed relatively awake for most of the day, I felt the crash settle in around 2pm. Fortunately for me, I've only experienced that overwhelming night once this semester.

 

It's time to finish this semester off strong - with an adequate amount of sleep.

 

~

 

On Monday, the SASP peers underwent a SafeZone training workshop, which is designed to create a powerful and effective awareness of and alliance with the LGBTQ community. We participated in an exercise that tested our knowledge on the language used in the LGBTQ community. I thought I would know everything considering I was in a Gender and Activism class during my first semester at John Jay, but some words even stumped me. It was a great learning experience.

 

I'm really happy Nancy offered this to us because there is a problem. Homophobia, transphobia... the irrational fears of anything or anyone not perceived as heterosexual, which, in turn, is anyone or anything that is not gender-conforming. Despite the passage of gay marriage laws, homophobic language still circulates on the streets, in the workplace, and on campuses. So, it's extremely important for us to become advocates for these persons who feel like they're trapped inside themselves due to their fears of ridicule and/or violence.

 

We are their allies. This taste of training has inspired me to seek out further training with the "It Gets Better" campaign, which is intended to provide support, hope, and optimism to youth in the LGBTQ community who are contemplating suicide.

 

~

 

Despite this past week being relatively short because of the holiday, it was fruitful with learning and understanding.

 

 

I am an Ally.

This is a safe zone. I am understanding, non-judgemental, and willing to provide an atmosphere of acceptance and assistance for members of the LGBTQ community.

 

 

Until next time,

 

Samantha

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.