Ally Program
An ALLY is a person whose attitudes and behavior are pro-GLBTQ and anti-heterosexist who works to help create an accepting, respectful, and safe environment for people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression; committed to diversity, mutual respect, and personal safety for all.
History of ALLY Cards at UNL
ALLY/safe space/safe person cards were developed and distributed on the UNL campus for the first time in the fall of 1995 by the UHC Sexuality Education eXchange. The concept for the card originated with two events. First, the Gay Lesbian Student Association had distributed pink triangle stickers on campus during the prior academic year and there had been some vocal negative reactions to their distribution. Pat Tetreault, S.E.X. Coordinator had also received a safe space, safe person ally card from the University of Vermont (UVM).For more information on the ALLY cards and on becoming an ALLY download the ALLY Brochure
On the Back of the Card
The "Safe Person, Safe Place / ALLY card" is provided by the University Health Center Sexuality Education eXchange. It is our hope that it will be posted on your door, desk, bulletin board or other prominent place, demonstrating your commitment to respect, openness, and acceptance. It is not meant to say anything about your sexual orientation or identity, political, or religious perspective, or personal life. Its sole purpose is to define an environment of personal safety, commitment to diversity, and mutual respect. It may help gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people take the chance of letting themselves into your life. It may identify a place where issues concerning the status of non-heterosexuals can be discussed. It could be the beginning of a level of sharing and trust which can help uphold the rights of all people in the United States, regardless of who they are.
