The Board of Q–Queer Student’s Association Iceland
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Y T I L I B I S N O Queer spaces and their positive impact
Qnowledge of safer spaces Safer spaces are spaces made for marginalised people where they can be themselves without being subjected to microaggression, harassment or prejudice. Spaces where these groups are met with respect and care which is why they are safer spaces than others in society. Our society is built on social guidelines that uphold heteronormative principles which means that most spaces prioritise the safety of those in positions of privilege. We talk about safer spaces rather than safe spaces because safety is relative and depends on who the spaces are catered to. The users of each space dictate how the space has to work so as to meet every individual user’s safety needs. People need to be specifically mindful of confidentiality, be active listeners and be respectful of everyone’s differences within the space, with regards to intersectionality, trauma history, individual experiences and other variables. It is important to take people at their word, believe them, to give emotions the space, meet them with love and support them in sharing those feelings with the group. Safer spaces are there to share happiness and sorrow, to be angry and hurt, to share experiences and simply be human together.
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Safer spaces for queer people have importance both personally but also in a wider context where queer people are often asked to answer for their own existence and be an advocate for the whole queer community at the same time. Queer spaces can be a welcome break from reality. Spaces such as Samtökin ‘78 at Suðurgata 3 are incredibly important to queer people as a sá fer space for queer people. There queer people often find what is called a chosen family. Safer spaces create a community for marginalized people and give them an opportunity to meet each other, exchange experiences, stories and knowledge. The weight of the wider society’s prejudice is born together. Many marginalized people resort to masking in unsafe spaces to tackle micro-aggression, prejudice and violence, which safer spaces eliminate the need for. Qruical: why queer safe spaces matter It is vital that people have access to a safer space we here they are free to be themselves and are met on their own terms. For many queer people, the places where they spend the majority of their time, such as workplaces, schools or homes, are not safe spaces. We have to make sure that we are keeping our word when we promise a safer space. In times like these, when we see festering hate towards queer people and legal backlashes happen abroad, it is critical to keep watch over the safety and the rights that queer
