The BU Safe Zone program, which is coordinated by BU’s LGBTA Commission, is designed to improve visibility and support to LGBT students and employees. While other minority individuals can often identify role models and mentors, the invisibility of sexual orientation makes it very difficult for LGBT members of the BU community to ascertain where they can safely turn for support and information. The Safe Zone program is comprised of trained faculty and staff (identifiable by the Safe Zone emblem posted on their door) who will be available to provide these resources.

The Safe Zone symbol is a message to LGBT students and colleagues that an employee has participated in the Safe Zone training and is committed to increasing their knowledge of and sensitivity to LGBT issues. The symbol allows the campus community to identify program members and know that they can speak freely with these individuals about issues, including sexual orientation and gender identity, which may affect their academic success or job satisfaction. Safe Zone members will be able to provide assistance, as needed, including referrals. Because one of the goals of the Safe Zone program is to improve the campus climate for LGBT individuals, the symbol also signifies that Safe Zone members have agreed to challenge homophobic and heterosexist comments or behaviors in an educational and informative manner.