Alyssa Granderson- BD7

• What do Vera-Gray and Kelly  say about “public space” as “gendered space”– what do they mean? What can  you add to their discussion from your own observations and experiences of public space?

According to the article, what Vera-Gray and Kelly have to say about  “public space” being “gendered space” is “public space is gendered space has not been a focus of mainstream academic analysis, but such a framing offers important insights”. Based off this and other quotes throughout the reading, all public space is gendered space. All of us as human beings are able to be in a public space and express their gender in that space. But in society it is not acceptable as a women to be in a public space alone. When walking down the street people watch, stare and even approach you with inappropriate comments. Women space in public spaces is not respected. One quote that really stuck with me from the other article that I feel is related is “A woman is supposed to be hidden. So the moment she’s out in public space, especially if she’s on her own, its like, ‘Oh she’s this loose woman.’” I feel like I see this in every day movements. When women are seen in certain spaces or at different times, when are looked down upon.

• What do the authors mean by “safety work?” What examples do they offer? Do you have other examples to add?

According to the article, the term “safety work” means existence in the form of invisible work mandated for women and girls in public. “Safety work” is something that is trying to be made visible. Women and girls are trying not to become another statistic, victim or savior of sexual harassment or assault.

• How do you think the praxis models engage in “safety work,” if at all? What other “work” do these interventions do?

This interventions bring light to multiple issues but also shows intersectionality. There was discussions about gendered harassment which included cisgendered women as well as members of the LGBT+ community. All the articles are related to each other in terms of creating change and fighting to be accepted in public spaces no matter their gender identity. In Stop Telling Women to Smile women were right to be able to walk their streets without fear of being harassed or attacked. In Fenced Out is a documentary about the fight of the Christopher St. Pier because that was their safe space.

• Do any of these models give you ideas for your own project- and especially about the use of websites, videos, journalistic essays?

The documentary  Fenced Out gave me ideas for my project. It gave a lot of insight in on what goes on in the community as well as the feelings of all people involved. I think I’m going to look into more documentaries instead of just articles and journals.