Safe Spaces concept takes off for the LGBTQI+ community

Thursday, 19 December 2019

Nelson Hospital pediatrician Dr Helke Florkowski at the paediatrics out patients ward - the first place in the hospital to have the Safe Space sticker to show support to the LGBQTI community.

A LGBTQI+ initiative is showing the community that some businesses and organisations commit to being a Safe Space.

The concept began as part of an exhibition, Sympathetic Resonance, running at Nelson's Suter Art Gallery, which displayed the Safe Space logo, a circle rainbow.

Auckland artist and LGBTQI+ activist Shannon Novak said the artistic idea behind the logo was to visually identify the gallery as a safe space where members of the LGBTQI+ community could feel relaxed.

'People got word of that idea and said, 'we're also keen to take it on, what do we need to be part of it?'.'

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The colourful symbol signals the space has no tolerance for discrimination, and that people of all genders and sexual preferences should feel comfortable to express who they are, Novak said.

Nelson City Council, Nelson Hospital departments, Nelson Police and Auckland's Britomart Precinct are the first on board the new initiative, he said.

Nelson Hospital pediatrician Dr Helke Florkowski spearheaded the hospital's pediatric department adopting the initiative as she has worked with the LGBTQI+ community.

Florkowski said it was important to have a space for the 'vulnerable young group' where they knew they would be treated with respect.

Auckland's downtown Britomart Precinct is planning to be on board in time for the Pride Festival starting on February 1.

The pediatric health department had completed training about transgender issues she said, especially in regards to using correct pronouns.

She said some appeared to be females but identified as males, while others saw themselves as nonbinary.

'It's really getting used to using the right pronouns.'

There was also discomfort around using male and female toilets, she said.

'I have heard talking about how they're feeling, being judged and feeling uncomfortable using gender-assigned toilets.'

Auckland's downtown Britomart Precinct, which covers more than 35 businesses over nine blocks, is getting behind the initiative before the city's Pride Festival begins on February 1.

Britomart Group marketing manager Jeremy Hansen said he wanted to create 'a sense of welcome for as wide a range of people as possible'.

'It can make a significant difference for stores, bars, restaurants and cafes to explicitly welcome people from every part of the community.'

Inside Out director Tabby Besley said safe spaces were critical for the LGBTQI community.

The Inside Out organisation supports rainbow youth throughout New Zealand.

Besley said organisations and businesses that displayed the Safe Space logo needed to walk the walk, including ensuring zero tolerance to homophobia or transphobia.

'What's really important is the steps you take alongside putting up a sticker to provide an inclusive service.'

*To join the campaign, visit www.safespacealliance.com