A Safe Space is a place where anyone can relax and be able to fully express, without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of biological s*x, race, ethnicity, class, age, s*xual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, religious affiliation, age, or physical or mental ability, etc. In other words, a safe space is an area that one construc
ts around oneself by virtue of being inclusive via one's language, demeanor, non-verbal communication, etc. It gives a member of the ‘othered’ (also: marginalized) community the ability to communicate freely without fear of being judged. The aim of the Safe Space program is to ultimately attain a level of sensitivity in individuals so that the ‘marginalized’ community doesn't feel oppressed. As such, the safe space program centers around Ally training where individuals are taught on how to be an effective advocate for themselves and the said community. Training techniques include terminology-education, counseling tactics, common arguments and their counter-arguments, sensitization regarding community needs, and debunking stereotypes associated with the marginalized community. These techniques help remove the stigma and fear surrounding the said community and helps bring its members’ problems into mainstream attention so that they can be addressed.
