Fiserv Forum joins Safe Space initiative for LGBTQ+ and human trafficking victims to call police for assistance

Bill Glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
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The Safe Space initiative decal located at Fiserv Forum's service entrance on Highland Avenue near North 6th Street.
The Safe Space initiative decal located at Fiserv Forum's service entrance on Highland Avenue near North 6th Street.

Fiserv Forum joined the Safe Space initiative Tuesday, creating a safe harbor for members of the LGBTQ+ community and victims of human trafficking to call police for assistance.

Milwaukee rolled out the program last fall and since then around 30 businesses have signed up, according to Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. The program is modeled after one that was created in Seattle.

The Safe Place logo identifies a business, organization or location where someone can safely call 911. The decal is located at Fiserv Forum's service entrance on Highland Avenue near North 6th Street.

"We are beyond pleased to be part of it, support it and grow it," Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin said of the program.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said having Fiserv Forum in the program serves as "a pillar" and creates "a new standard for other businesses to join."

Jamie Weinstein, a Bucks senior vice president, said "everyone has moments where they feel unsafe, especially in the LGBTQIA-plus community. So it's important for organizations to talk about these issues internally and act upon them externally."

The announcement was made ahead of the Bucks Wednesday night "Pride Celebration" that will occur when the Bucks take on the Denver Nuggets.

Norman said the program shows that "public safety is a community-wide type of involvement," and also "helps build trust."

"We were able to show that we're putting our best foot forward of engaging, of seeing all parts of our community and understand that all parts of the community need our services," he said.

Norman said all members of the community, not just those who are underserved, can make use of the program.

"I just want people to understand that we're here for you and use it as a sign that there's going to be a level of sensitivity, cooperation and support," he said, adding he hoped the program would serve as "a beacon for all those who need services"

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fiserv Forum joins Safe Space initiative for LGBTQ+ community