Do Permanent ‘Safe Spaces’ Exist?
Short answer: No.
Let me be clear — violent-free homes and locations exist. However, I agree with Micky ScottBey Jones,
“There is no such thing as a “safe space”
We exist in the real world
We all carry scars and we all have caused wounds.”
Erin Casali argues a ‘safe space’ is merely a moment.
“Safe space is the name given to a moment in time between two or more people where a person can feel confident not to be judged, criticized, harassed, and in general that they will be able to be themselves with no harm, neither present-nor future.” -Erin Casali
I thought an important element of equity, diversity, and inclusion was ensuring the permanent existence of safe spaces, but I was wrong.
Maybe, just maybe, the purpose of equity, diversity, and inclusion is to motivate folks to approach situations and people, not from a place of fear but from a place of hope and curiosity.
Again, without expectations of a permanent safe space, but in hopes of achieving moments of understanding.
In those moments of hope and curiosity, we can move collectively toward a more inclusive vision and community.
