Brave Space Training

Become Brave Space Certified
Report a Concern with an Active Brave Space

Creating spaces where LGBTQ+ people know: you belong here.

Brave Space is a community-based initiative to help organizations, professionals, and community members create more welcoming, affirming, and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Explore the list of all currently active Brave Spaces below!

Note: Organizations are listed because one or more of their staff members have completed WCADAMHS Brave Space training. This does not mean that the entire organization or every staff member is Brave Space certified.

When visiting a listed organization, look for the Brave Space pin or sticker to help identify individuals who have completed the training and are committed to creating a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ community members.

Certified Brave Spaces

Explore organizations across Ohio where staff have completed WCADAMHS Brave Space training and are taking intentional steps to create more welcoming, affirming, and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ community members. Brave Space individuals are committed to learning, growing, and helping create environments where LGBTQIA+ people feel respected, welcomed, and valued.

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Certified Organizations

Brave Space certification recognizes individual participation in WCADAMHS Brave Space training and a commitment to creating more welcoming and inclusive spaces. Certification does not guarantee a mistake-free experience, specialized LGBTQIA+ services, or individual professional credentials.

What is a Brave Space?

Creating spaces where LGBTQ+ people know: you belong here.

Brave Space was created by the Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board with guidance from the SafeZone Initiative to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion, belonging, and respectful care throughout Wood County.

Brave Space focuses on practical skills - not perfection. Participants learn how to recognize barriers, use affirming language, respond to harm, and become visible sources of support for LGBTQ+ people.

❋ Affirming

We respect people's identities, names, pronouns, and lived experiences.

❋ Welcoming

We work to create environments where people can participate without hiding who they are.

❋ Willing to Learn

We recognize that mistakes happen. What matters is being willing to listen, learn, and do better.

❋ Accountable

Creating a Brave Space means taking concerns seriously and addressing behavior that causes harm.

Why Brave Space?

LGBTQ+ individuals deserve to access healthcare, behavioral health services, education, employment, and community spaces without fear of discrimination or having to hide who they are.

Brave Space helps communities move beyond simply being “welcoming” toward creating environments where LGBTQ+ people can see themselves, feel respected, and know they have someone in their corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Certified individuals and organizations commit to ongoing learning, respectful and affirming practices, and creating environments where LGBTQ+ individuals can feel safe, valued, and supported.

    Certification includes:

    • LGBTQ+ terminology and identities

    • Names and pronouns

    • Understanding barriers and discrimination

    • Intersectionality

    • Creating affirming environments

    • Responding to bias and harm

    • Advocacy and allyship

    • Practical strategies for everyday situations

    Certification is not a guarantee that every interaction will be perfect. It is a visible commitment to continuing the work.

    • Behavioral health professionals

    • Healthcare providers

    • Schools and educators

    • Businesses

    • Community organizations

    • Government/public agencies

    • Faith/community groups

    • Individuals

  • 1. Learn
    Complete Brave Space training.

    2. Commit
    Agree to the Brave Space standards and expectations.

    3. Display
    Certified participants receive Brave Space materials to identify themselves as a supportive resource.

    4. Continue
    Certification represents an ongoing commitment to learning, inclusion, and accountability.

  • Looking for a place where you can feel welcomed and supported?

    Explore organizations and individuals who have made a commitment to Brave Space principles.

    • Respecting individuals' stated names and pronouns

    • Using inclusive and respectful language

    • Maintaining confidentiality and privacy

    • Addressing discriminatory or harassing behavior

    • Continuing to learn about LGBTQ+ experiences

    • Creating environments that communicate belonging

    • Responding to concerns in good faith

  • Brave Space certification is a commitment to accountability. If someone experiences behavior that does not align with Brave Space standards, they can submit a concern.

    Have a concern?

    Report it here.

  • You may contact (419) 352-8475 or MediaInquiries@WCADAMH.org for more information or to request a training!

Resource Sheets and Information

These informational sheets were created by the WCADAMHS Board with information from The SafeZone Initiative

Brave Space is for everyone.

You don't have to be LGBTQ+ to make a space safer for LGBTQ+ people.

You don't have to know everything.

You just have to be willing to learn, listen, and stand beside people when it matters.

Learn. Commit. Speak Up. Create Belonging.