LeBlanc Consulting is a Safe Zone!
LeBlanc Consulting prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants for employment and students on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran's status. Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated; management and supervisory personnel, at all levels, are responsible for taking reasonable and necessary action to prevent discrimination.
LeBlanc Consulting provides a Safe Space for all of our staff and clients, in fact our staff members are Safe Zone Trained. We know that freedom of gender choice is a fundamental human right! This is why we pledge to assure that we are a Safe Zone Trained Community.
LeBlanc Consulting provides a Safe Space for all of our staff and clients, in fact our staff members are Safe Zone Trained. We know that freedom of gender choice is a fundamental human right! This is why we pledge to assure that we are a Safe Zone Trained Community.
Rainbow Babies & Children
Our Story
We have a strong belief in inclusiveness because we are the Rainbow Babies & Children from the 1970s & 1980s!
Our founder and CEO, a proud "Rainbow Baby" both in terms of being a child born after a miscarriage and a child raised within the "Gay Community" now known as the "LGBTQIA+ community in San Francisco. In the 1970s since Gay men were not allowed to marry or adopt children as a result we were unofficially adopted by our "Fairy God Mothers" (Their choice of words, not ours) and in the 1980s we became some of the very few children running around Polk Street and the Castro.
Growing up as a rainbow child amongst so many beautiful people was a wonderful experience of constant excitement and the illumination of loving warmth. We attended protest, Gay Freedom Day Parades and night club events (Yes, they even took us to the Night Clubs). We participated in “gay-in” which took place in Golden Gate Park in the 1970s drawing hundreds of LGBTQIA+ folks from around the world. There was the feeling of Freedom like no other. We were there to witness a critical piece of history as we stood by our Aunt Amanda Hughes, to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights long before Harvey Milk was elected. Hughes (1955-1999) was a popular Vancouver and San Francisco jazz singer and philanthropist in the LGBTQ2S+ community.
After Milk was elected in 1977 to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay elected official in California history, it felt as though things were moving in a positive direction. Although they were already gathering in the streets to dance and party. Milk officially introduced "the Castro Street Fairs" which brought together artists like Carlos Santana, our founders Aunt Amanda Hughes, Roz Joseph, Harold Taylor, Patrick Cowley, Sylvester, Pearl Heart, David Sturdevant & the Medicine Ball Band with Randy Jackson, and many more.
Our founders grandmother Margret Hughes did her part by providing FREE room and board to those that were coming to San Francisco seeking freedom from persecution. Her part in providing home cooked meals and support while embracing the movement allowed many people in the community to get on their feet and get their start in the Bay Area. In the community, we created secret hand signals to inform others who we were and that we were "Safe" for them to be around.
When Milk was gunned down, along with our beloved pro-gay Mayor George Moscone, by fellow supervisor Dan White, on Nov. 27, 1978 it changed everything! After Milk died, the fight for Freedom became even stronger, and together, activists carved out a political presence that couldn't be ignored, which furthered the security and allowed the culture to flower even more fearlessly.
The People, including our CEO who'd lived through those years and folks who moved to the Castro and Polk Street in droves to join the party did not forget the joy and promise of liberation, even after the tsunami wave of HIV and AIDS crashed onto the neighborhood in the early '80s. We were still the same beautiful, brilliant, lovers-of-life that we've always been. However many died, were heartbroken, horrified, outraged, and that does take a toll on the spirit of any tribe.
We were left devastated as we lost almost half of our Castro and Polk street family to the AIDS epidemic and were traumatized by how many died. As a result, our CEO's Auntie, Amanda Hughes relocated to Canada in the mid 1980s where she became friends with KD Lang, Long John Baldry, Celine Dione and many more. Canadian singer, Amanda Hughes, performed “Reach for the Sky” the Official song of the Gay Games at the Opening Ceremonies.
Our founder and CEO, a proud "Rainbow Baby" both in terms of being a child born after a miscarriage and a child raised within the "Gay Community" now known as the "LGBTQIA+ community in San Francisco. In the 1970s since Gay men were not allowed to marry or adopt children as a result we were unofficially adopted by our "Fairy God Mothers" (Their choice of words, not ours) and in the 1980s we became some of the very few children running around Polk Street and the Castro.
Growing up as a rainbow child amongst so many beautiful people was a wonderful experience of constant excitement and the illumination of loving warmth. We attended protest, Gay Freedom Day Parades and night club events (Yes, they even took us to the Night Clubs). We participated in “gay-in” which took place in Golden Gate Park in the 1970s drawing hundreds of LGBTQIA+ folks from around the world. There was the feeling of Freedom like no other. We were there to witness a critical piece of history as we stood by our Aunt Amanda Hughes, to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights long before Harvey Milk was elected. Hughes (1955-1999) was a popular Vancouver and San Francisco jazz singer and philanthropist in the LGBTQ2S+ community.
After Milk was elected in 1977 to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay elected official in California history, it felt as though things were moving in a positive direction. Although they were already gathering in the streets to dance and party. Milk officially introduced "the Castro Street Fairs" which brought together artists like Carlos Santana, our founders Aunt Amanda Hughes, Roz Joseph, Harold Taylor, Patrick Cowley, Sylvester, Pearl Heart, David Sturdevant & the Medicine Ball Band with Randy Jackson, and many more.
Our founders grandmother Margret Hughes did her part by providing FREE room and board to those that were coming to San Francisco seeking freedom from persecution. Her part in providing home cooked meals and support while embracing the movement allowed many people in the community to get on their feet and get their start in the Bay Area. In the community, we created secret hand signals to inform others who we were and that we were "Safe" for them to be around.
When Milk was gunned down, along with our beloved pro-gay Mayor George Moscone, by fellow supervisor Dan White, on Nov. 27, 1978 it changed everything! After Milk died, the fight for Freedom became even stronger, and together, activists carved out a political presence that couldn't be ignored, which furthered the security and allowed the culture to flower even more fearlessly.
The People, including our CEO who'd lived through those years and folks who moved to the Castro and Polk Street in droves to join the party did not forget the joy and promise of liberation, even after the tsunami wave of HIV and AIDS crashed onto the neighborhood in the early '80s. We were still the same beautiful, brilliant, lovers-of-life that we've always been. However many died, were heartbroken, horrified, outraged, and that does take a toll on the spirit of any tribe.
We were left devastated as we lost almost half of our Castro and Polk street family to the AIDS epidemic and were traumatized by how many died. As a result, our CEO's Auntie, Amanda Hughes relocated to Canada in the mid 1980s where she became friends with KD Lang, Long John Baldry, Celine Dione and many more. Canadian singer, Amanda Hughes, performed “Reach for the Sky” the Official song of the Gay Games at the Opening Ceremonies.
Amanda Hughes, and Sylvester
Who are they and how are they connect with the work we do?
Our CEO's Aunts Amanda Hughes and Sylvester, were two well known singers in the Gay Community. In the 1970's and 1980's they were also advocates for LIBERTY & FREEDOM! The Gay Community wouldn't be what it is today without their important contribution.
Like her ancestors that came before her, our CEO continues the legacy of Community Services in remembrance of her loved ones. In addition, she contributed some of the family photos to museums across the world as a way of remembering her Polk Street and Castro Street Aunts, Uncles, and Fairy God Mothers.
LeBlanc Consulting has dedicated our hard work in the LGBTQIA+ Community to Auntie Amanda Hughes, Fairy God Mothers Sylvester, Lee, Harold, Stevan, Stephan, and all those that died in the fight for Gender Freedom!
Like her ancestors that came before her, our CEO continues the legacy of Community Services in remembrance of her loved ones. In addition, she contributed some of the family photos to museums across the world as a way of remembering her Polk Street and Castro Street Aunts, Uncles, and Fairy God Mothers.
LeBlanc Consulting has dedicated our hard work in the LGBTQIA+ Community to Auntie Amanda Hughes, Fairy God Mothers Sylvester, Lee, Harold, Stevan, Stephan, and all those that died in the fight for Gender Freedom!
Our Founder and CEO's
Aunt & Fairy God Mother Sylvester
Our Founder and CEO's
Aunt Amanda Hughes
A Historical Look back at
1976-1982
LeBlanc Consulting's Safe Zone began in fall of 2011 when LeBlanc Consulting was founded and a representative from LeBlanc Consulting provided the first ally training to staff. Additional training was provided later as a “Train the Trainer” program for ally training. Staff in attendance formed a group of volunteers who provided 1-2 ally training sessions per year, and 1-2 volunteer meetings each year. The purpose of Safe Zone is to train Staff as Allies who would help LGBTQIA+ clients.
What is Safe Zone?
Safe Zone is a community of people who...
- Will be understanding, supportive, and trustworthy if LGBTQIA+ people need help, advice, or just someone to talk to.
- Will not tolerate homophobic, heterosexist, cisgenderism comments and actions but will address them in an educational and informative manner.
- Have attended Safe Zone training and have information and community resources.
Mission and Goals
Safe Zone's Mission
LeBlanc Consulting has worked to develop a community of allies and provide support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and ally/asexual (LGBTQIA+) client, students, faculty, and staff with the ultimate goal of developing LeBlanc Consulting as a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ people.
LeBlanc Consulting has worked to develop a community of allies and provide support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and ally/asexual (LGBTQIA+) client, students, faculty, and staff with the ultimate goal of developing LeBlanc Consulting as a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ people.
Resource Manual
The Safe Zone Resources and Manual
LeBlanc Consulting uses the Safe Zone Project CURRICULUM and ACTIVITIES to assist with training and educating our staff members. The Safe Zone foundational curriculum is recommended for all groups to introduce them to core concepts of marginalized genders and sexualities.In addition to curricula, the Safe Zone Project has a collection of individual activities have you covered for à la carte LGBTQ+ educational opportunities
LeBlanc Consulting has a resource manual for all Safe Zone members available upon request. Every staff member is encouraged to take time to read through the contents of the manual to become familiar with the information it contains. The manual can be a source of information so one may more accurately respond to the needs of individuals who seek support. Additionally, one may want to photocopy sections of this manual to give to someone else. The manual represents a small amount of the information that is available about gay/lesbian/bisexual issues. We encourage you to forward information to LeBlanc Consulting and title it "the Safe Zone project" if you would like information to be included in the manual. This manual is intended to be an ongoing project.
LeBlanc Consulting uses the Safe Zone Project CURRICULUM and ACTIVITIES to assist with training and educating our staff members. The Safe Zone foundational curriculum is recommended for all groups to introduce them to core concepts of marginalized genders and sexualities.In addition to curricula, the Safe Zone Project has a collection of individual activities have you covered for à la carte LGBTQ+ educational opportunities
LeBlanc Consulting has a resource manual for all Safe Zone members available upon request. Every staff member is encouraged to take time to read through the contents of the manual to become familiar with the information it contains. The manual can be a source of information so one may more accurately respond to the needs of individuals who seek support. Additionally, one may want to photocopy sections of this manual to give to someone else. The manual represents a small amount of the information that is available about gay/lesbian/bisexual issues. We encourage you to forward information to LeBlanc Consulting and title it "the Safe Zone project" if you would like information to be included in the manual. This manual is intended to be an ongoing project.
The operating papers
The operating papers for the Safe Zone Committee outline in more detail how this committee fits into the institution in terms of funding and reporting structure. In addition the operating papers provide information on the leadership positions for Safe Zone and how those positions are filled. If you have any questions regarding this information please contact a LeBlanc Consulting Human Resource.
Past and Current Chairs
Donnie Hicks 2023-Current
Tracey Mitchel 2020-2023
Rosie Ward 2017-2020
Dorice McFadden 2014-2017
Selena LeBlanc 2011-2014
Tracey Mitchel 2020-2023
Rosie Ward 2017-2020
Dorice McFadden 2014-2017
Selena LeBlanc 2011-2014
Rainbow Certificate Celebration
What is the Rainbow Certificate Celebration ?Sometimes referred to as Lavender Graduation, Rainbow Graduation is a ceremony conducted to celebrate the achievements of any graduating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, or ally student.
A LeBlanc Consulting Staff designed and implemented the very first Rainbow/Lavender Graduation at the 2015 after being denied the right to participate in her children’s graduation ceremonies due to her sexual orientation.
Rainbow Certificate Celebration is…
A LeBlanc Consulting Staff designed and implemented the very first Rainbow/Lavender Graduation at the 2015 after being denied the right to participate in her children’s graduation ceremonies due to her sexual orientation.
Rainbow Certificate Celebration is…
- An event for you to invite your family, close friends, and those most important to you to join
- An opportunity to honor YOU and all you have accomplished while at SIUE
- Your formal induction into the ranks of SIUE LGBTQIA+ & Ally Alumni
- Something you'd ask a favorite professor or staff member who has positively impacted you during your time at SIUE to attend
- The last formal program of the academic year from Safe Zone.
Become an LGBTQIA+ Ally
An "Ally" is "a person who is a member of the dominant or majority group who works to end oppression in his or her personal and professional life through support of, and as an advocate for, the oppressed population." (Washington and Evans, Becoming and Ally) Allies to racial, religious and ethnic minorities have been remarkable effective in promoting positive change in the dominant culture, and only recently has their instrumental position been extended to the area of sexual orientation. The past few decades have witnessed the development of heterosexual Ally organizations which have attempted to make the culture of a campus or workplace more aware and accepting of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex individuals.
Resources for allies:
When a friend comes out
About stages in coming out
An Ally strives to…Be a friend; be a listener; be open-minded; have their own opinions; be willing to talk; commit to personal growth in spite of the discomfort it may sometimes cause; recognize their personal boundaries; recognize when to refer an individual to additional resources; confront their own prejudices; join others with a common purpose; believe that all persons regardless of age, sex, race, gender, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation should be treated with dignity and respect; engage in the process of developing a culture free of homophobia, cisgenderism and heterosexism; recognize their mistakes, but not use them as an excuse for inaction; be responsible for empowering their role in a community, particularly as it relates to responding to homophobia; recognize the legal powers and privileges that heterosexuals have and which LGBTQIA+ people are denied; and support the ally program of their university or workplace.
As important as it is to define what an Ally is in a positive sense, it is also helpful to understand the boundaries of an Ally's role.
An Ally is NOT…Someone with ready-made answers; necessarily a counselor, nor is he or she necessarily trained to deal with crisis situations; or, expected to proceed with an interaction if levels of comfort or personal safety have been violated.
As a heterosexual/cisgender individual, how can you show support?
Excerpted and adapted in part from writings of Warren J. Blumenfeld; G. Goodman, J Lashof, E.E. Thorne, and Una Fay
Resources for allies:
When a friend comes out
About stages in coming out
An Ally strives to…Be a friend; be a listener; be open-minded; have their own opinions; be willing to talk; commit to personal growth in spite of the discomfort it may sometimes cause; recognize their personal boundaries; recognize when to refer an individual to additional resources; confront their own prejudices; join others with a common purpose; believe that all persons regardless of age, sex, race, gender, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation should be treated with dignity and respect; engage in the process of developing a culture free of homophobia, cisgenderism and heterosexism; recognize their mistakes, but not use them as an excuse for inaction; be responsible for empowering their role in a community, particularly as it relates to responding to homophobia; recognize the legal powers and privileges that heterosexuals have and which LGBTQIA+ people are denied; and support the ally program of their university or workplace.
As important as it is to define what an Ally is in a positive sense, it is also helpful to understand the boundaries of an Ally's role.
An Ally is NOT…Someone with ready-made answers; necessarily a counselor, nor is he or she necessarily trained to deal with crisis situations; or, expected to proceed with an interaction if levels of comfort or personal safety have been violated.
As a heterosexual/cisgender individual, how can you show support?
- Assume that, wherever you go, there are LGBTQIA+ people present who are wondering how safe the environment is for them. Provide safety by making it clear that you accept gayness.
- Notice the many ways in which you reveal your heterosexuality/cisgenderism. Imagine how it would feel if you had to keep it hidden.
- Challenge homophobic and transphobic jokes and the use of homophobic and transphobic epithets whenever you hear them; do not wait for LGBTQIA+ individuals to do it.
- Speak out about stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination or any kind.
- Sometimes it is the assumptions as well as anti-gay statements, which need challenging. The assumption that everyone present is heterosexual (Heterosexism) is discounting and hurtful to gays/lesbians/bisexuals. Challenge it.
- Use inclusive, affirming, or gender-neutral language when referring to romantic relationships and sexuality. If you use terms such a s "partner", "companion", "s.o./significant other", "main squeeze", you convey openness to different kinds of partnerships.
- Get to know someone who is gay/lesbian/bisexual. Listen to their feelings and experiences.
- Some heterosexuals believe that gays and lesbians are attracted to everyone of the same gender. Don't make that mistake and assume that if a gay/lesbian/bisexual person of the same gender as you seems friendly or "comes out" to you, they are making a pass.
- When speaking of your heterosexual companion, point out that theyare of the other gender, implying that they would not necessarily be. Or, in situations where it is unclear whether you are seeing a man or a woman, leave it that way. Your choice not to exercise your "heterosexual privilege" will convey that the gender of one's partner doesn't matter.
- Realize that the cultural oppression of LGBTQIA+ indviduals is perpetuated in social situations where the only hugging and physical affection is between men and women. You can refrain from romantic touching with the other gender, and/or be affectionate with persons of the same gender.
- Attend LGBTQIA+ cultural and community events. Read LGBTQIA+ literature, books, and articles.
- Wear pro-gay buttons and/or T-shirts, or those with anti-prejudice or pro-diversity themes.
- If people jump to the conclusion that you are gay/lesbian/bisexual because you speak out about gay oppression or are otherwise supportive, are seen hugging a same-gender friend, etc., resist the impulse to point out that you are not gay. Let yourself experience the oppression that gay/lesbian/bisexual people suffer; it will enrich your sensitivity and empathy.
- On "National coming Out Day' (October 11), communicate your admiration and support to gay/lesbian/bisexual friends who have taken the risk of disclosing their sexual orientation, and your empathy for those who continue to fear doing so.
Excerpted and adapted in part from writings of Warren J. Blumenfeld; G. Goodman, J Lashof, E.E. Thorne, and Una Fay
We Provide Services 24/7
Administrative Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 7:00am-7:00pm
Saturday & Sunday by Appointment Only
We operate on Pacific Standard Time.
Contact us:
Toll FREE: 1(800) 707-1852
North Bay Office: 1(707) 654-8488
North Bay Cell: 1(707) 727-9100
East Bay Office: 1(510) 275-3679
East Bay Cell: 1( 510) 241-9115
South Bay Cell: 1(831) 313-7902
Golden Gate Cell: 1(415) 630-0112
E-mail: [email protected]
Administrative Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 7:00am-7:00pm
Saturday & Sunday by Appointment Only
We operate on Pacific Standard Time.
Contact us:
Toll FREE: 1(800) 707-1852
North Bay Office: 1(707) 654-8488
North Bay Cell: 1(707) 727-9100
East Bay Office: 1(510) 275-3679
East Bay Cell: 1( 510) 241-9115
South Bay Cell: 1(831) 313-7902
Golden Gate Cell: 1(415) 630-0112
E-mail: [email protected]
Copyright © 2011-2025, LeBlanc Consulting,Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
Please Note: If you have questions, please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to speak with you. Le Blanc consulting reserves the right to refuse services and admission to our programs. Tours and Open house can be reserved by clicking here The information presented in this website is for informational use only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please consult a health practitioner before embarking on any health protocol. Moreover, LeBlanc Consulting is not responsible for any problems, issues, or technical difficulties related to downloading or accessing any information on this website. This web site is designed for your general information only. The information presented on this website should not be construed to be formal Therapeutic Counseling sessions or advice nor the formation of a Therapist/client relationship. Furthermore, the hiring of a Professional is an important decision and should not be based solely upon any form of advertisements. Before you decide to hire, please feel free to review our degrees and certification by contacting us for more information about our qualifications and experience.
Mandated Reporter Notice: All Instructors,Caregivers and staff affiliated with Le Blanc Consulting are considered Mandated Reporters. California Law, under section WIC 15630(a) of the Welfare & Institution Code provides for mandatory reporting of physical abuse, neglect, self neglect, sexual abuse, mental suffering, financial abuse, isolation, abandonment or abduction of a dependent adult when:1) The victim reports abuse has occurred or has knowledge of abuse. 2) You observe the incident. 3) when an injury or condition reasonably leads one to suspect that abuse has occurred. Any signs of abuse will be reported to Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services.
Intellectual Property & Copyright Material Warning: All images are on this website copyright to their respective owners/photographers, no copyright infringement intended. Some of the material and documents available for your view is copyrighted and protected by applicable state and federal copyright laws. LeBlanc Consulting respects the intellectual property of others, and we ask our users to do the same.You are not authorized and may not reproduce, download, post, modify, distribute, or reproduce in any way copyrighted or other proprietary materials that are stored in this database without obtaining the prior written consent of the copyright owner of such materials. We may, in appropriate circumstances and at our discretion, deny access to a site or service or disable and/or terminate the accounts of any user who is alleged to have infringed the intellectual property or proprietary rights of LeBlanc Consulting or another.
The use, reproduction, downloading, or distribution of copyrighted materials and works may subject you to applicable penalties and damages under state and federal copyright laws. You are granted public access to such copyrighted works in our database for examination and inspection purposes only. Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the public information data and graphic representations, LeBlanc Consulting cannot and shall not be responsible for consequences resulting from any omissions or errors contained herein. LeBlanc Consulting assumes no liability whatsoever associated with the use or misuse of this data.
Please Note: If you have questions, please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to speak with you. Le Blanc consulting reserves the right to refuse services and admission to our programs. Tours and Open house can be reserved by clicking here The information presented in this website is for informational use only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please consult a health practitioner before embarking on any health protocol. Moreover, LeBlanc Consulting is not responsible for any problems, issues, or technical difficulties related to downloading or accessing any information on this website. This web site is designed for your general information only. The information presented on this website should not be construed to be formal Therapeutic Counseling sessions or advice nor the formation of a Therapist/client relationship. Furthermore, the hiring of a Professional is an important decision and should not be based solely upon any form of advertisements. Before you decide to hire, please feel free to review our degrees and certification by contacting us for more information about our qualifications and experience.
Mandated Reporter Notice: All Instructors,Caregivers and staff affiliated with Le Blanc Consulting are considered Mandated Reporters. California Law, under section WIC 15630(a) of the Welfare & Institution Code provides for mandatory reporting of physical abuse, neglect, self neglect, sexual abuse, mental suffering, financial abuse, isolation, abandonment or abduction of a dependent adult when:1) The victim reports abuse has occurred or has knowledge of abuse. 2) You observe the incident. 3) when an injury or condition reasonably leads one to suspect that abuse has occurred. Any signs of abuse will be reported to Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services.
Intellectual Property & Copyright Material Warning: All images are on this website copyright to their respective owners/photographers, no copyright infringement intended. Some of the material and documents available for your view is copyrighted and protected by applicable state and federal copyright laws. LeBlanc Consulting respects the intellectual property of others, and we ask our users to do the same.You are not authorized and may not reproduce, download, post, modify, distribute, or reproduce in any way copyrighted or other proprietary materials that are stored in this database without obtaining the prior written consent of the copyright owner of such materials. We may, in appropriate circumstances and at our discretion, deny access to a site or service or disable and/or terminate the accounts of any user who is alleged to have infringed the intellectual property or proprietary rights of LeBlanc Consulting or another.
The use, reproduction, downloading, or distribution of copyrighted materials and works may subject you to applicable penalties and damages under state and federal copyright laws. You are granted public access to such copyrighted works in our database for examination and inspection purposes only. Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the public information data and graphic representations, LeBlanc Consulting cannot and shall not be responsible for consequences resulting from any omissions or errors contained herein. LeBlanc Consulting assumes no liability whatsoever associated with the use or misuse of this data.