THE POSITIVE SPACE CAMPAIGN AT UBC

The Positive Space Campaign is an initiative intended to raise the visibility of safe and supportive places for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, transexual, two-spirit, inter-sex, and questioning (LGBQTTI) people and issues on campus. It aims to foster a welcoming atmosphere on campus for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities by identifying spaces where sexual and gender diversity is supported and valued.

Resource Persons display their Positive Space posters at their UBC work, living or study environment to let others know that these are places where anyone can turn for support, resources and referrals on a wide variety of LGBQTTI issues. Before receiving the poster, every volunteer Resource Person participates in a training session to strengthen their understanding of issues related to homophobia, heterosexism, transphobia, queer culture and local resources. Additionally, Resource Persons have the opportunity to participate in further specialized training, should they so desire.

Apart from the benefits to our current LGBQTTI population, the Positive Space Campaign is a public sign that UBC is a supportive campus to potential students, staff and faculty exploring the possibility of UBC for their studies or career. Although this program focuses on sexual and gender identity issues, research has suggested that people who have positive attitudes about these issues are also more supportive of other forms of diversity. Thus, we hope that all members of the campus community, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, two-spirit, inter-sex, transexual, and heterosexual staff, faculty, students and alumni, will find support and respect in these Positive Spaces.

Anyone at UBC - individuals, groups and departments - can be a Positive Space. Groups and individuals that wish to be a part of this campaign are self-selecting. Please see our list of current Resource People.

If you are interested in becoming a resource person, please sign up for one of our Workshops. New volunteers are always welcome and we offer training sessions regularly. We hope for diverse, cross-campus participation so please spread the word!

The Positive Space Campaign is coordinated by UBC's Equity Office, with support from Counselling Services. If you have any questions about the Campaign or want further information please see our FAQs page or contact us.