University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) observes SafeZone Celebration Week from April 12 through 20, with a host of SafeZone activities on the UAA campus and at University Center in midtown Anchorage.

The SafeZone program is designed to increase the overall campus community’s understanding and awareness of issues faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, allies (GLBTQA) and other marginalized persons. SafeZone became a part of the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) community in November 2010, and now has 27 allies comprised of UAA students, staff and community members, located across campus and in the Anchorage community.

Sign ups will be available for Safe Zone trainings and other events, so we look forward to seeing you there! For a complete schedule of events happening throughout the week, please visit SafeZone Celebration Week page at the UAA website.

• Further info: Visit UAA Safe Zone’s Facebook page, or its home page at University of Alaska Anchorage.

Here’s a complete list of Safe Zone events during UAA’s SafeZone Celebration Week, April 12-20:

UAA SafeZone Resource Fair

Visit UAA and Anchorage resources related to the GLBTQA community.

• Date/time: Thursday, April 12, 11 AM-12 PM
• Location: 2nd Floor Main Hall, UAA Student Union, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage (see map)

UAA SafeZone Celebration Kick-Off Reception

Come kick off the UAA Safe Zone Celebration Week with us! Please join Safe Zone for cake and refreshments, as well as remarks from various campus and community leaders.

The keynote speaker will be Trevor Storrs of the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Associaion (Four A’s) and he’ll be joined by guest speakers Kris Katkus, UAA student leader, and Bruce Schultz, vice chancellor for student affairs. The event will be hosted by Dewain Lee, dean of students and associate vice chancellor for student development.

• Date/time: Thursday, April 12, 12:00 to 1:00 PM
• Location: North Cafeteria, UAA Student Union, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage (see map)
• Further info: see Facebook events page

GLBT…”Q & A”

Is UAA providing you with the GLBTQA support services and resources you need? Stop by our GLBT…”Q & A” tables, in three locations across campus, and share your feedback. A different question will be posed each day of the week, so check back often with your thoughts and comments (gathered anonymously).

• Date/time: Monday-Friday, April 16–20, 8 AM.-5 PM
• Location: Student Union, Gorsuch Commons, and University Center Hallways, University of Alaska Anchorage

UAA Safe Zone Ally Training

Ally Training will be offered as a part of SafeZone Celebration week. This 2-hour training takes participants through a variety of activities aimed at expanding horizons and cultivating thoughts. It will help participants examine their thoughts and views while prepping them to become better allies for the GLBTQA community. Three sessions are scheduled. To register, attend the SafeZone Celebration Kick-Off on April 13, or contact SafeZone@uaa.alaska.edu.

• Date/time: Tuesday, April 17, 5-7 PM
• Location: Lyla Richards Conference Room, UAA Student Union, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage (see map)

• Date/time: Wednesday, April 18, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
• Location: Gorsuch Commons, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3700 Sharon Gagnon Ln, Anchorage, AK (see map)

• Date/time: Thursday, April 19, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, University Center
• Location: University Center (room TBA), 3901 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK (see map)

UAA Safe Zone GLBTQA Lunchtime Discussions

How do we support our GLBTQA student population, and what UAA support services would you like to see? Bring your lunch to our open discussion.

• Date/time: Tuesday, April 17, 12-1 PM
• Location: Gorsuch Commons, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3700 Sharon Gagnon Ln, Anchorage, AK (see map)

• Date/time: Wednesday, April 18, 12-1 PM
• Location: Cafeteria, UAA Student Union, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage (see map)

The Family Meeting

UAA’s student club, The Family, regularly meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM during the academic year. Join us for this very special meeting in honor of UAA SafeZone Week.

• Date/time: Wednesday, April 18, 7:30 PM (starts)
• Location: Lyla Richards Conference Room, UAA Student Union, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage (see map)

UAA Safe Zone Day of Silence Information Table

Learn about the Day of Silence, how it works, and how you can support it or become involved.

• Date/time: Thursday, April 19, 11 AM-1:30 PM
• Location: 2nd Floor Main Hallway, UAA Student Union, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage (see map)

• Date/time: Thursday, April 19, 4:30-7:30 PM
• Location: Gorsuch Commons, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3700 Sharon Gagnon Ln, Anchorage, AK (see map)

UAA Safe zone Drag Queen B-I-N-G-O

Don’t be a drag! Join us for Drag Queen Bingo and compete for prizes!

• Date/time: Thursday, April 19, 6:30 PM (starts)
• Location: North Cafeteria, UAA Student Union, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage (see map)

Day of Silence

The Day of Silence is the largest student-led day of action in the nation. Through your active silence, or support of those participating, you will send a message that bullying and harassment faced by GLBTQA and allies affects you, your school and your community. What will you do to end the silence?

• Date/time: Friday, April 20, All Day
• Location: Campuswide, University of Alaska Anchorage