We often talk about stepping outside our comfort zones. But leaving them entirely is rarely possible, nor should it be. When we move into unfamiliar territory, we still need things that ground us: a helping hand, a familiar gesture, or simply the feeling of being understood while we’re in the middle of a process.
Complete safety is impossible to guarantee. That’s why we speak about safer spaces instead. In a community made up of people, absolutes rarely hold. What we can do, however, is keep trying -again and again- to create spaces where care, respect, and attention guide how we meet each other.
Maybe safety doesn’t lie in perfection, but in intention.
That intention is what we hope people feel in the Open Hearts Space and in the activities that grow from it: a place where the messiness of being human can exist, and where people can engage with it in ways that feel comfortable for them.
For International Women’s Day, we asked participants from the Open Hearts Space the following question: What makes a space feel safe to you?
Here are their responses:
"A safe space is where I’m welcomed with open arms. Where there is diversity of people & thought, and in it I can find a nice space myself and my own diverse perspectives and experiences. A safe space is where I feel acknowledged and valuable - like I am a member of a community that cares about each other showing up. A safe space leaves a warm feeling in my heart; leaves me filled with gratitude."
Niasha
"For me, a safe place is with my family and my girlfriend, who accept me. I know that in that place I don’t have to change myself. I feel good enough, and that feeling gives me joy. A safe place also means cooking together and eating well. I really enjoy sharing something with my partner, my family, or my girlfriend."
Ilayda
"A safe place for me is a place where I don’t have to be afraid. There I feel accepted and respected, without being discriminated against because of my religion, my opinion, or my origin. I can speak openly and say what I think. No one judges me or puts pressure on me. A safe place gives me calm, trust, and strength."
Muna
"1. A place is only safe if women do not have to fear death or sexual violence.
2. A place is only safe if women do not have to fear not being hired or being dismissed simply because they are women.
3. For many women, a place is only safe when they can decide for themselves about their education, their choice of partner, divorce, the number of children they have, and their clothing."
Şerife
Our safer spaces are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Alstom Foundation that funds language exchanges and workshops for our FLINTA community.