Queering Safe Spaces: Being Brave beyond Binaries

The Safety Trap: Why We Need Diverse and Brave Spaces explores how the histories and currency of safe spaces are determined by those with privilege and power, and how gender-diverse and queer non-binary people are challenging traditional ways of being male, female, gay, straight, Black, white, good, and bad. They address the urgent need for accessible and inclusive spaces everywhere and encourage us to listen and speak across the ideological voids that divide us.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Safety Trap: Why We Need Diverse and Brave Spaces delves into the intricate dynamics that shape the existence and significance of safe spaces. It sheds light on the fact that the histories and narratives of these spaces are predominantly influenced by individuals who hold privilege and power, determining who is invited to participate and who is excluded. These boundaries manifest in various forms, from national borders to bathrooms and birth certificates, directly impacting our personal safety and well-being. Gender-diverse and queer non-binary individuals, with their unique bodies, brains, and hearts, challenge traditional notions of masculinity, femininity, sexuality, race, and morality. These practitioners, operating at the intersections of government policy, architecture, queer art curation, group work, sex work, and tattooing, explore the complexities of cancel culture and free speech, contemplating the courage it takes to be bold and vocal in the face of adversity.

In the context of our contemporary global landscape characterized by conflict and binary oppositions, the need for accessible and inclusive spaces has become increasingly urgent. These practitioners recognize the importance of creating environments where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together, listen to each other, and engage in meaningful dialogue. By understanding the underlying differences that fuel our feelings of safety and discomfort, we can bridge the ideological voids that divide us and work towards a more inclusive and harmonious society.

The Safety Trap: Why We Need Diverse and Brave Spaces serves as a powerful reminder that our personal safety and well-being are intertwined with the broader social and political context in which we live. It urges us to be vigilant in recognizing and challenging oppressive systems and practices, and to advocate for the creation of safe spaces that honor the diversity of our experiences and identities. By embracing diversity and courage, we can build a world where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 237 x 158 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793618832