BLUNT x Safe Space Alliance | Limited Edition Collaboration
Auckland Pride may look a little different this year, but we won’t let than rain on our parade!
BLUNT have launched their latest collaboration with the Safe Space Alliance, a LGBTQI+* led non-profit organisation that aims to help people identify, navigate, and create safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ community in Aotearoa, New Zealand and worldwide.
Founded by artist and activist Shannon Novak, the Safe Space Alliance is made up of thousands of individuals, organisations, and businesses all supporting a similar vision of a world where the LGBTQI+ community can freely express themselves without fear. It is a flourishing global network that acknowledges, supports, and celebrates the LGBTQI+ community 365 days a year.
“Many in the LGBTQI+ community feel unsafe. They are subjected to violence, bullying, and hate speech in physical and/or digital spaces. This continues to contribute to highly disproportionate rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide in the LGBTQI+ community globally, marking a clear need for safe spaces that do not tolerate these behaviours.” Director of Safe Space Alliance, Shannon Novak (he/him) says.
Novak continues, “We are working hard to make a better world for the LGBTQI+ community by acknowledging, supporting, and celebrating this community, in this case through a striking umbrella.”
Known for collaborating with a diverse range of artists, creatives, brands and organisations, BLUNT are also passionate about freedom of self-expression and personal style making this the perfect pairing. With this collaboration BLUNT are proud to support the Safe Space Alliance’s vision to create a community free of violence, bullying and hate speech, and are a registered safe space.
The BLUNT x Safe Space Alliance Metro Umbrella is a safe space in itself, providing a barrier to negativity whilst celebrating Pride unapologetically through its bright, bold and illustrative style.
The collaboration umbrella will be available from February for $139.00, with $5.00 NZD from every sale going direct to the Safe Space Alliance to continue their amazing work in the community.
The story of Safe Space Alliance
The Safe Space Alliance was founded by artist and LGBTQI+ activist Shannon Novak. It began as an artwork at The Suter Art Gallery in Nelson, New Zealand, in response to the growing need for clearly identifiable safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ community.
The gallery was the first safe space as verified by the Safe Space Alliance, and the Safe Space Alliance logo was installed temporarily on the gallery windows. The idea then spread to the surrounding community in Nelson including Nelson City Council who became a verified safe space, then funded a light art project that projected the Safe Space Alliance logo onto buildings around the city. The idea then extended to other cities in New Zealand with the help of Auckland’s Britomart Group, then went international.
What is a safe space?
A safe space is a space where the LGBTQI+ community can freely express themselves without fear. It is a space that does not tolerate violence, bullying or hate speech towards the community.
Safe Spaces can be a physical location, digital (i.e. a website) or mobile (a space that moves around i.e. a Sales Agent). A safe space does not guarantee 100% safety, rather, it is a space that has your back if an incident (violence, bullying, hate speech) were to occur.
How can you get involved with Safe Space Alliance?
Listing with the Safe Space Alliance is totally free as the organisation is non-profit. There are no up-front or ongoing charges. You can submit your space/s at www.safespacealliance.com for consideration. Anyone anywhere in the world with a genuine interest in creating safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ community can list a safe space with us. We welcome and value all spaces regardless of size, location, and category/industry.
In addition to listing safe spaces, you can:
· Become a Sponsor of the Safe Space Alliance
· Become an LGBTQI+ partner (for LGBTQI+ organisations)
· Become an Allied Partner
· Volunteer
· Donate
*LGBTQI+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and the plus sign represents other people marginalised by sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and/or sex characteristics.
