As a white, straight, cisgendered woman, I've had to struggle a bit with the concept of safe spaces, because it feels... well, you know. Anyway, I really appreciate this post, which really lays it out for those of us who haven't always Gotten It.
Very well-articulated post. I especially appreciated the explanation of the two different 'allies' at the beginning because I know some of the 'Nice Guy TM' sorts that I've had difficulties explaining in what way they weren't being actual allies. Maybe now the next time it comes up I can explain the difference in a way that might actually be understandable (instead of my previous verbal flailing of 'but it's not the same, really!')
They don't understand that women and PoC and queers have always been making these decisions, have always been sharing information about racism and sexism and homophobia and safe(r) cons, have always been building cons and fanmoots and film nights and tv groups to make safe(r) spaces.
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As a white, straight, cisgendered woman, I've had to struggle a bit with the concept of safe spaces, because it feels... well, you know. Anyway, I really appreciate this post, which really lays it out for those of us who haven't always Gotten It.
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Very well-articulated post. I especially appreciated the explanation of the two different 'allies' at the beginning because I know some of the 'Nice Guy TM' sorts that I've had difficulties explaining in what way they weren't being actual allies. Maybe now the next time it comes up I can explain the difference in a way that might actually be understandable (instead of my previous verbal flailing of 'but it's not the same, really!')
Reply
This is an interesting and well-worded post. Thank you so much for taking pains to define safespace.
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This.
Excellent post.
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