Safety and responsibility

The Board of Q–Queer Student’s Association Iceland

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.

Queer spaces and their positive impact

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 people have.

The increased presence of hate speech on social media has severe consequences. To see more and more queer teens and children come out when they are still in grade school warms our hearts, those of us who could not or did not dare to come out until we were older. However, they still face harassment from non-queer youth just for being themselves. Not only does queer youth face scorn and judgment, but groups are being formed with the express purpose of working against queer rights, even in the Icelandic parliament, which is supposed to ensure the rights and interests of the entire nation. This is why queer spaces for young people, such as the queer youth centre (Hinsegin félagsmiðstöðin) is so important. We encourage all to inform themselves on how safe spaces can contribute to a healthier society use the subsequent points to make the works a little bit safer.

ReQuirements for ensuring the safety of a space:

There are certain rules which must be upheld in safer spaces. A lot of responsibility is needed to maintain such rules, remind people of them and ensure everyone's safety within the space.

Correct people and yourself - Each and everyone must be unafraid to correct themselves and others if something is misspoken and must speak with respect to and about each other. If people care about the one who misspoke, the correction is usually taken positively.

Asking people to leave - If individuals in the space don't behave towards others with respect you can ask them to leave the premises since others' safety is prioritized.

Support - Safer spaces are places for people to take care of themselves and others around them. There is no requirement made stating that you have to be in a good mood or bring any solutions to the table, the emphasis is rather on listening and being there for those who want to speak up.

Confidentiality - Make space for others to speak and exchange opinions. It is critical to keep attendance confidential, as well as what is said and about whom.

Boundaries - Respect other people's boundaries and take care to set your own boundaries, both physically and emotionally.

An open mind - Don't assume or judge gender identity, sexuality, religion, health or economic status, opinions or other things that have to do with the background of others.