Safe Space’s mission, as a representative club, is to advocate and enact change on EMU’s campus to make the community more welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ and ally populations. We look to create and adapt policies to be more inclusive and prepare for students of all identities. We strive to promote love across divisions for “… we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16).

This year, Safe Space engaged with campus staff in conversations on inclusivity and faith; specifically, on how we hold space for people with opposing beliefs. This culminated in the protest in front of Lehman Auditorium during N.T. Wright’s visit. While this visit was met with some controversy, it opened up conversations on campus around LGBTQIA+ issues.

The club also holds space each week to educate and support members of the queer community. Often these meetings serve as a casual space to unwind from the week, or as a place to vent about something members are wrestling with. And lots of rainbows. Definitely lots of rainbows.

We are open to anyone who wishes to engage in the shared space each week, whether queer, ally, or questioning.

Some folks have come with questions about family or friends who recently came out, while others have sought out community among students like themselves.

In the coming years, we have hope that EMU’s policies and culture can become more welcoming to people like the members of Safe Space.

We are stronger when we stand together, and Safe Space will continue to provide the space to stand.