Safe space is any space free of judgement, where people can feel comfortable and respected regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ability, cultural background, biological sex, race or ethnicity.

 

Though ideally safe space encompasses all of these elements, it`s often focused on building acceptance towards GLBTTQ communities. Often safe space training is completed in schools and universities, but activist organizations from community radio stations to activist campaign committees can benefit from the training. It helps activists establish the ground rules of a space as well as forces participants to contemplate intersectionalities within movements.

 

American Advocates for Youth produced an excellent 80 page guide on safe space training, along with worksheets, though the language is not always what is acceptable in Canada (ie Native American vs indigenous).

 

Safe space training focuses on acknowledging oppressions but not actively working against them, so it should be completed in conjunction with anti-oppression training.