In this time of vast political uproar and an unwarranted revival of silencing the voiceless, minority groups having exclusive safe spaces has never been so important. Allies are, as ever, much needed and much appreciated. Straight people are welcome at LGBTQ+ pride parades, all genders are accepted in Feminist societies, and white people are encouraged to attend lectures hosted by BME organizations, and we need them to encourage their less liberal friends, family members and lovers to open their minds and hearts. Nevertheless, having minority only safe spaces retains its significance in our society for three main reasons.
An atmosphere free of fear
Minority safe spaces provide, perhaps quite obviously, an environment in which to feel safe. Safe from derogatory slurs, aggression and violence that minorities are always looking over their shoulder in fear of. In a safe space, there is no need to worry that anybody in the room wants to pick a fight with you because they believe that you are an inferior race, or that you are sinful for enjoying sex, or that you are not free to love who your heart desires. As a minority, you never know quite how ‘equal’ a non-minority will treat you until you really get to know them, so often in the back of your mind you are always wary and hoping that they don’t say something offensive. In minority safe spaces, you have a chance to finally let go of this disheartening inhibition.
A space where the context of your experiences is understood
Minority safe spaces are an environment in which individuals can share thoughts, ideas and experiences with the knowledge that those listening understand their context. It is not uncommon for to minorities feel that others might belittle their experiences as they have never seen life through the same lens. For example, I have previously said I would leave a club and go home if a guy grabbed my butt or my breasts, and have subsequently had men ask me why I wouldn’t just “shrug it off” and simply enjoy the rest of the night. If I were sharing this story with only women, I would feel more confident that they would understand such an incident as one experience amidst others of being followed down dark alleyways at night, being taunted with sexual slurs, and most importantly, fearing being abused in many different situations. The reason I couldn’t shrug it off is that I would feel shaken. As a woman, I live my life with the responsibility of doing my very best to remove myself from situations in which I may be taken advantage of, and that is an exhausting, and frightening burden that I don’t appreciate being dismissed. I welcome with open arms a community in which I can feel truly understood.
A source of empowerment
In minority safe spaces, you are accepted not only despite your difference, but because of your difference. Your uniqueness is rejoiced in. They provide an opportunity to celebrate the positive aspects of what far too often manifests itself as a heavy load pulling you lower down than your non-minority counterparts. They offer you the chance to pat yourself on the back for persisting in a world that you were born into with less privilege than others. Safe spaces allow you to celebrate your struggle and your achievements, without having non-minorities feeling defensive and highlighting that they too face adversity. In minority safe spaces, we can build each other up, encourage one another to move forward, and empower the people who refuse to be ignored.
In minority safe spaces, we remember that we can triumph.
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