There Are No Safe Spaces

Depending on where you live in the world, and which communities you identify with, safety may or may not be a concept with which you are intimately acquainted.

When we have something to say, that's important, we want to be heard and acknowledged. We don't want to be judged, or scoffed at, threatened, or persecuted because of the thoughts we share. But whether we're in a classroom, or a boardroom, or the bedroom--there just are no guarantees.

In times like these, a refrain from one of my mentors comes sharply into focus: "There are no safe spaces."

Safety is not a given.

Speaking up and speaking out always involves risk and consequences.

The risk can be social, emotional, mental, physical, financial.

The consequences can be inspiring and uplifting, or heart-wrenchingly painful, or both.

I do not say this to discourage anyone from speaking out. On the contrary, I say this to remind myself, and all of us, about the tremendous courage it takes to share your voice in the face of imminent danger.

I say this to remind myself, and all of us, about the power of words and ideas and beliefs.

I say this to remind myself, and all of us, about the reasons some people choose not to cry out, and why that is a valid choice.

Dissent is radical whether it's whispered under your breath, written on a sign, or expressed on a ballot.

If your voice didn't matter, there wouldn't be centuries-old systems designed to keep you from using it.

May we all find the courage to take risks for ourselves and the future of our country.

With love and respect,
Malika