The Importance of Safe Spaces for QPOC

[Emily Clarke]

Despite strides made over the years in LGBTQ rights and acceptance, harassment, discrimination and violence against LGBTQ people still occur. Moreover, queer people of color (QPOC) are still disproportionately among the victims of this activity. This is why having safe spaces like those found on black LGBTQ dating sites for QPOC is so important. If you are looking for the best black LGBTQ dating sites, click here.

In 2018, the Human Rights Campaign reported, 26 transgender people were killed in hate crimes. Of these, the vast majority were trans black women.

Transgender women of color are also more likely to be harassed by strangers merely for their gender.

Combating Isolation

One outcropping of all this victimization is that it forces many QPOC back "into the closet" of seclusion and self-isolation. Safe spaces provide places where QPOC can step out from this isolation and find a much-needed sense of community, connection, empathy and support.

Moreover, many QPOC belong to multiple minority groups, making it even tougher to find others with similar lived experiences. In a safe space for QPOC, they can feel comfortable embracing all the different facets of their identity openly and honestly around others who empathize with their multiplicity of self.

Resource Sharing

Safe spaces for queer people of color can also be a powerful hub for resource sharing. People seeking resources for everything from mental health to domestic violence protection to elder care to housing can use these safe spaces as a place to find, provide and exchange this vital information.

Dating and More

Dating and romance can also be difficult to come by in the queer community, not to mention in the QPOC community. With queer identity still such a sensitive topic in many POC households and violence against queer people so disproportionately high in POC communities, it can be challenging for QPOC to enter the dating pool.

Whether it's in person or on POC and Black LGBTQ dating sites, a place where QPOC know they can feel comfortable being vulnerable without fear of judgment or retaliation is essential for finding a companion, partner or lover with whom they can share more time and closeness.

Read a similar blog about lesbian ally here at this page.