Safe Space, an event for queer people in Stellenbosch, was held again recently after a two-year absence due to Covid-19 regulations.
This is according to Chleo Pheiffer, who is part of the general committee of QueerUs.
QueerUs is a student society at Stellenbosch University (SU) that aims to serve LGBTQIA+ students in a compassionate, dignified and supportive manner, said Pheiffer. QueerUs also organises Safe Space, a recurring meeting for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The first Safe Space gathering for the year took place on 23 February, said Pheiffer. “We are trying to build on the queer community and the queer culture within Stellenbosch and create a safe and comfortable space for everyone to express themselves and feel comfortable whilst still being in Stellenbosch,” explained Pheiffer.
Audio: Robyn-Leigh Stevens, a first-year bachelor of social work student at Stellenbosch University, who recently attended Safe Space, explains their excitement to attend Safe Space and why such gatherings are important to the LGBTQIA+ community. AUDIO: Takudzwa Pongweni
As the main queer society at SU, QueerUs and events such as Safe Space are crucial for the LGBTQIA+ community of Stellenbosch, stated Alex Vink, head of SU’s Student Representative Council’s Womxn and Queer Empowerment portfolio. “It was designed and created to help give a voice to communities that are often silenced, and a space for people to find people who they can relate to and grow with,” explained Vink via email correspondence with MatieMedia.
Alex Vink, head of the Student Representative Council’s Womxn and Queer Empowerment portfolio, encourages queer students to “take up space, own who you are, and continue to shine your light as beacons of hope for all the young queer who are still to set foot on this campus”. PHOTO: Supplied/Alex Vink
“QueerUs and Safe Space are very important because there are people who are not out yet and they still want to find a community or find people who they are comfortable being themselves around and Safe Space creates that,” said Pheiffer, who added that any queer or queer questioning individual can attend Safe Space.
Chleo Pheiffer, a general committee member of QueerUS, told MatieMedia that people should feel comfortable to attend Safe Space and are always welcome to talk to anyone who is part of QueerUs. “I can understand why people would be scared and a bit intimidated about attending but I can assure you that it is nothing intimidating at all. It is a very open and welcoming space.” PHOTO: Takudzwa Pongweni
The return of Safe Space has been welcomed by individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. “It provides people a haven to be themselves,” said T Rajoale, who studies BAHons international studies at SU. “You will find that, while it is a bit daunting to go for the first time, you feel a whole lot more accepted and loved,” continued T Rajoale, who has been attending Safe Space since 2020.
“Trying to figure out yourself in a community is a whole lot easier than trying to figure yourself out by yourself and I am a testament to that. I have made friends for life at Safe Space,” said T Rajoale, a BAHons international studies student at SU. PHOTO: Takudzwa Pongweni
“Attending my first Safe Space was absolutely so much fun and it kind of made me feel much prouder to be part of such a supportive family,” said Hakeemah Matinka, a second-year BEd student at SU, who attended Safe Space for the first time. “I do hope to see more newcomer queers attend because I feel that these spaces really make you feel connected to the people around you.”
Along with Safe Space, QueerUs in the past has hosted Brave Space, which facilitated conversations between allies and queer individuals. “We will talk about starting it up again because I think it is a very important and informative thing to have,” said Pheiffer.
The Equality Unit on Victoria Street in Stellenbosch is one of a number of bodies at Stellenbosch University that aims to support the LGBTQAI+ community, said Alex Vink, head of the Student Representative Council’s Womxn and Queer Empowerment portfolio. PHOTO: Takudzwa Pongweni