Safe spaces are mental health

When we think of mental health, we often imagine consultations, psychotherapy, or individual self-care strategies. However, our emotional health is also constructed outside of these contexts, through how we relate to others, the types of environments we frequent, and the cultural and social experiences we experience.

For many LGBTQIA+ people and the community at large, inclusive spaces like the Werkroom represent more than just a place to relax. They are places of affirmation, where we can breathe deeply, be who we are without masks, and experience a sense of belonging.

Psychology has shown how essential this is. Minority stress theory (Meyer, 2003) describes how people from marginalized groups experience increased levels of stress due to prejudice, stigma, and discrimination. This constant stress is not just an individual issue, but a structural one, and has a real impact on mental health, increasing anxiety, depression, and isolation.

This is where safe and inclusive spaces come in. They act as protective factors. In a place where we don't need to justify our identity, where diversity is celebrated and not just tolerated, we find relief from this chronic stress. We can simply exist, without the constant worry of defending ourselves.

From a community perspective, environments like Werkroom help reduce loneliness, strengthen support networks, and create opportunities for us to express our authenticity. And this translates directly into mental health.

Caring for ourselves isn't just about seeking professional help when we're in crisis. It also involves choosing environments that nourish us, validate who we are, and make us feel part of something bigger. Werkroom is one of those places. It's an invitation to be together, to recognize ourselves, and remember that we all deserve to feel at home in the world. 🌈

Author,

Affirmative Q

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● Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129(5), 674–697. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674

● Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497–529. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.117.3.497

● Seromenho, R. H. (n.d.). Affirmative Q – LGBTQIA+ affirmative psychology. Retrieved August 26, 2025, from https://www.affirmativeq.com