Creating Safe Spaces in Your Community: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Teens
Safe spaces are essential for everyone and their well-being. Safe spaces help increase self-esteem, academic achievement, peer connectedness, reduce the effects of stressful events, and overall, create resiliency. As we celebrate Pride Month, it’s important to understand how we can create and maintain safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and teens.
What do we mean by a ‘safe space?”
First, let’s define what a safe space is. A safe space can be defined as a place or environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm. Now that we have an idea of what a safe space is, let’s see how they can be created within your community, whether that is at home, school, work, or among friends.
You might be wondering how you yourself could possibly create safe spaces within your community, but it’s much simpler than you think!
Here are a few ways:
Be mindful of pronouns: When introducing yourself to others, include your pronouns as well and invite others to do the same! For example, “I use she/her pronouns, what pronouns do you use?”
Show allyship: Decorate your personal items with things that signify allyship. This could be, and not limited to, stickers, buttons, pins, or keychains of the pride flag or LGBTQ+ artists or films.
Talk positively: Words of affirmation and positive talk about LGBTQ+ people and community promotes understanding, peer connectedness, and contributes in creating safe spaces.
Educate: One of the most important and long-lasting ways to create safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community is to stay educated. Educating yourself about LGBTQ+ history is one way to be informed of the issues and impacts that still face our society today. As a friend, parent, or educator, integrating LGBTQ+ accomplishments throughout history in conversations are ways to foster a positive environment towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Speak up: Do not tolerate of any sort of bullying or harassment. Standing up and speaking out against it demonstrates support and that LGBTQ+ youth have allies that won’t put up with bullying. If you see a persistent problem of bullying and harassment, report the issue to someone in charge such as a parent, teacher, or school administrator. This ensures that safe spaces are maintained and another reminder that the LGBTQ+ community has allies.
How can I create a safe space at my school?
If you are looking to create or improve a safe space for LGBTQ+ students at your school, check to see if your school has a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) club. GSAs are student-led clubs/organizations that contribute and support the physical, social, emotional, and academic well-being of LGBTQ+ students and their allies. GSAs are places where students can build community, and organize around issues that are relevant to them. Research indicates that creating safe environments for LGBTQ+ students improves education outcomes for all students, not just those within the LGBTQ+ community. Advocating for GSAs within your school, supports everyone and their well-being.
Let’s Recap.
Everyone deserves to have a safe space. Whether through small or large actions, all efforts matter in creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ members in your community. A safe space for one, is a safe space for all.
