Safety in Numbers: Ensuring your Space is a Safe Space

In simple terms, a safe space is defined as one where people can be safe, in every way, and where they can be themselves. But the world isn’t safe for many 2sLGBTQI+ people. There are 71 countries where it’s illegal to be 2sLGBTQI +. In eleven of those countries, the punishment is death. Closer to home, many 2sLGBTQI + people still face significant rates of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia – where they live and where they work.

How can organizations create safe spaces? What are the things that an organization needs to consider beyond hanging a rainbow flag for Pride Month?

Safety in Numbers: Ensuring your Space is a Safe Space examines the concept of safe space; articulating what it is, and how organizations can ensure they are providing it. Based on his new book Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work, Michael Bach uses humor, storytelling and his own lived experience to teach participants how they can create safe spaces for 2sLGBTQI+ people.

Learning Objectives

Participants will come away with a clear understanding of:

  1. The concept of safe space.

  2. Key components to consider.

  3. Potential pitfalls to avoid.

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What People Are Saying:

We have recently partnered with Michael Bach to deliver a series of virtual workshops to our leaders and staff to support and strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion awareness and competencies critical for our organization and our communities. Michael proposed an excellent set of sessions that focus on providing foundational understanding, organizational implications, fostering safe spaces, and allyship, drawing on his recent book, Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work. Michael brought credibility and transparency, along with energy and passion (and humour!) that enabled strong engagement from participants. Recently, our organization officially participated in our local community Pride parade, with strong and enthusiastic participation from our senior leadership – a historic, important step, and looking forward to what’s ahead!

 Joseph Silva | Director, Strategies & Partnerships, Community and Health Services Department | The Regional Municipality of York