Safe Zone Sign Replaced With Welcome Sign
Boulder County Allies for Inclusion (BCAFI) is excited to announce the development of a new Welcome Sign (available in English and Spanish)! BCAFI is a coalition supported by the OASOS program at Boulder County Public Health, made up of professionals and community members working to support the LGBTQIA+ community. This sign is intended to replace the previous Safe Zone signs featuring the pink triangle developed by the OASOS program. Through conversations with LGBTQIA+ community members and experiences of members of the BCAFI group it became clear that the signs in our community may no longer be relevant. Many BCAFI members also brought up the use of ‘Safe’ Zone as problematic given that no one in a space with a sign displayed could necessarily guarantee safety.
Safe Zones are a topic that are often debated in the national conversation regarding individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+. In its work to “ensure that Boulder County residents are empowered to make informed decisions and adopt behaviors that protect and enhance the health of individuals, families, communities, and the environment,” BCPH contracted with John Snow, Inc. to research the effectiveness of Safe Zone signs to promote welcoming, respectful places of inclusivity. This study was funded by Boulder County Public Health and Boulder County Community Services on behalf of Boulder County Allies for Inclusion and was completed in December, 2016.
The findings from this study, including a literature review, focus group and Key Informant interviews, suggested that the Safe Zone sign in use by Boulder County Public Health is useful but may not be as meaningful or relevant any longer. Based on these findings, BCAFI took the recommendation of Jack Snow, Inc. to create a new sign altogether.
BCAFI worked with a graphic designer to come up with a new Welcome Sign and language that can be found here for download (after completing the brief data form). The process to complete the sign was an intentional and inclusive process that involved voices from many facets of our local LGBTQIA+ community. We are hopeful that you will display this sign in place of the pink triangle Safe Zone signs and take a minute to read the accompanying guidance that comes with the sign.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Heather Crate, OASOS Program Coordinator, hcrate@bouldercounty.org.
Thank you for your continued support and welcoming of the LGBTQIA+ Community.