The Necessity of Intentionally Closed Spaces for LGBTQ Youth of Color

Authors

  • Krishna Pattisapu University of Colorado Boulder

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33011/assembly.v2i1.489

Keywords:

QTPOC, intersectionality, diversity and inclusion, intentionally closed spaces, whiteness

Abstract

In this Dialogues essay, I argue that intentionally closed spaces provide important opportunities for LGBTQ youth of color to reflect on their experiences with racism without fear of judgement and without the expectation to educate white queer allies. Intentionally closed spaces are not antithetical to alliances and cooperative efforts; these spaces make it possible for LGBTQ youth of color to process shared experiences with exclusion, oppression, and trauma so that we can enter intersectional alliances feeling healed and more energized. The arguments I present here may be of interest to community leaders, K-12 and university educators, and students who are involved in the establishment and maintenance of spaces that support LGBTQ youth of color.


En este ensayo Dialogues, planteo que los espacios cerrados a propósito brindan oportunidades importantes para que los jóvenes LGBTQ racializados reflexionen sobre sus experiencias con el racismo sin temer de ser juzgados y sin la expectativa de educar a los aliados blancos queer. Los espacios cerrados a propósito no van en contra de las alianzas y los esfuerzos cooperativos, sino estos espacios hacen posible que los jóvenes LGBTQ racializados puedan procesar experiencias compartidas como son la exclusión, la opresión, y el trauma. Así podamos entrar en alianzas interseccionales sintiéndonos sanados y con más energía. Los argumentos que se les presentan en este artículo puedan ser de interés a líderes comunitarios, educadores a nivel K-12 y universitario, y estudiantes que están creando y manteniendo espacios que apoyan a los jóvenes LGBTQ racializados.

Author Biography

Krishna Pattisapu, University of Colorado Boulder

Krishna is a queer brown cisgender woman and critical educator who works as Director of Diversity Recruitment and Retention for the School of Education at the University of Colorado Boulder. She supports first-generation students, students of color, and LGBTQ students. Originally from the rural Midwest, Krishna is a leader in local LGBTQ organizing and intersectional social justice efforts.

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Published

2019-10-01