This Book is Gay Reflection

     One thing I really love about This Book is Gay is the discussion of safe spaces for queer folx.

    Dawson describes LGBTQ safe spaces exclusively as "a friendly and supportive environment without the fear of encountering prejudice" and "safe spaces for LGBT* people t meet free from ridicule or harassment" (152, 156). These two quotes really show just how important spaces like these are for queer people. The world is already so hateful and angry at us for existing, and these spaces give a reprieve from the bombardment of judgement and prejudice. 

    However, in the section on safe spaces I really wish that Dawson had touched on the age-old argument that creating safe spaces for LGBTQ folx or any LGBTQ-only spaces is discriminating against non-LGBTQ people. I come across arguments like this all the time and just never know what to do about it––whether it be in the form of being told that refusing to be friends with homophobes or transphobes is being small-minded and prejudiced against them, or that having a spectrum club is discriminatory because there's no straight people club, etc. 

    I also kind of wished Dawson in this section talked about the place of allies in LGBTQ safe-spaces: are they allowed ? Is it a safe space for them too ? Can they participate in the discussion that take place in safe spaces ? As well as the difference between safe spaces and LGBTQ-friendly spaces. Is there a difference there ? I feel like there would be, since LGBTQ-friendly spaces feel like they would still cater mostly to the cishet majority and just maybe tell people not to be homophobic/transphobic, while LGBTQ safe spaces would cater to LGBTQ people, but I'm not sure.

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