What Makes Spaces 'Safe'?

I’ve grown up interacting with so many different kinds of people. Different backgrounds. Different races. Different genders. Just lots of different souls. Taking stock of my interactions in with these souls, as a woman and ultimately as a Black woman, I’ve become increasingly aware of the need for what we’re calling ‘safe spaces’. 

Being one of the most oppressed groups of people in the Western world I’ve noticed how different it feels codeswitching through different spaces and interactions. I’ve grown accustomed to the places that my voice is welcomed and valued and aware of the places it isn’t. This is why when I see festivals like ‘Black Girl Fest’ and communities like ‘gal-dem’ or ‘bun/babylon’ I feel at home. I have a place where my being is celebrated, welcomed and listened to. A place where the qualities that some people may feel are untoward in me are showcased often. Belonging, I know this feeling. I understand the ways in which it is comforting, and I understand the need for fostering environments in which to celebrate these defining factors. Particularly surrounded by other likeminded souls.

However, as ‘safe spaces’ are becoming more and more prominent and sometimes less and less welcoming I’ve found myself questioning when the longing for ‘belonging’ can potentially be a pitfall. 

Safe spaces are 100% necessary when we are protecting a specific oppressed group in society. In celebratory spaces like the ones mentioned above, I believe that there’s little more wiggle room. The people who aren’t the ones being celebrated in this case, should be allowed to not only celebrate with them but also to learn from them. Where the line appears in relation to a protected safe space, is that it’s important to make sure that the people being shielded, are actually just that. Shielded from the people outside of their demographic that might then pass judgement or behave in an oppressive manner. These spaces are essential. However, ultimately the lines between safe spaces and celebratory spaces and it’s hard to know when to include and when to exclude.

This is where my confusion piqued, because at Imaginary Millions, we believe that there is space for everyone. It is a celebration sure, but first and foremost it is a celebration of every single person in The Room that night and what they are willing to give to it. We’ve attempted to create a space that not only celebrates and protects, but also instils belonging and creativity. We’ve blurred the line. Then I thought back to some of the places I listed above, gal-dem, Black Girl Fest, Pxssy Palace, they’re all doing it. I guess that’s just it. Spaces become safe when they’re created to protect and celebrate the focus group. When all of the people in the room can feel like they belong in that space, even if they don’t belong to that group. There’s space for everyone, but everyone needs to be aware of the space they take up and how they operate in it.