STORY

Rachael Fried, a self-described 'destigmatist,’ is the creator of 'This is a Safe Space.' A social worker, artist, and systems designer by trade, Rachael uses her expertise to approach taboos, and to reduce stigmas and biases.

As someone who felt uncomfortable by the vague and ubiquitous adoption of the term 'safe space,' yet needed one herself, Rachael had been thinking about this issue for some time. She was sick and tired of all those who complained about the term’s application — and what it actually meant —  without proactively seeking a better alternative.

One night, while kvetching with Robert J. Saferstein and Halley Cohen (founder and co-chair of Eighteen:22, respectively), about the overuse and ambiguity around the term 'safe space,' the concept for this project was born.

Utilizing human-centered design, This is a Safe Space is launching in its research phase to gain a range of insights. Collecting these initial thoughts, ideas, and narratives will serve as a jumping off point for prototyping innovative ways to facilitate open dialogue and create more meaningful applications of 'safe space.'

The first project, #MySafeSpace, was made possible by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation's #MakeItHappen initiative. The opportunity for this support is made available to Rachael as a fellow of Eighteen:22 – A global network for change; the next chapter of LGBTQ Jewish life.