#inclusivespaces

I didn’t leave because of drama or to make a statement, I left because of principle.

X has become a platform that tolerates, and in many cases amplifies, hate, misinformation, and far-right ideology. As someone who stands with the LGBTQIA+ community, I could no longer justify staying on a site that enables such rhetoric to thrive, especially when that harm is directed at people I care about, and communities I’m a part of.

To some, X might seem “okay.” But if you’re not the one being targeted, it’s easier to dismiss the growing toxicity. I chose not to ignore it. I chose to leave.

I’m not here to debate it, I’m here to continue creating, building, collaborating, and storytelling in a space that feels safe, inclusive, and welcoming.

Many autistic people have heightened or reduced sensitivities to sensory stimuli. These sensitivities can impact multiple areas of life, including social situations, learning environments, and day-to-day activities. An ordinary situation for a neurotypical person, such as a bustling supermarket or a brightly lit room, can be overwhelming for someone with sensory sensitivities.

Championing Inclusive Play for Disabled Children

Every child deserves a childhood filled with laughter and joy, yet many are denied these simple pleasures due to inaccessible spaces and societal norms. It's time to rewrite this narrative and fight for inclusive childhoods.

Let's challenge the idea that disabled children should conform to fit into a world that doesn't accommodate them. Instead, let's create environments where every child can thrive, regardless of ability.

The cycle of exclusion hurts us all. How many summers must pass before every child can play freely without barriers? It's time for classrooms, playgrounds, and all spaces to welcome every child with open arms.

Breaking the Gender Barrier: A Reflection on Public Spaces

In this eye-opening video, we witness a bold act challenging societal norms. A woman steps into a male public restroom rather than waiting in line, only to be met with hostility and outrage from the men present. It's a stark reminder of the deeply ingrained gender norms that dictate our public spaces.

This incident prompts us to ponder: Why is it so shocking to see a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space? Why are public facilities still so heavily gendered in the 21st century? These questions lead us to a broader conversation about gender equality and the need to break down barriers that limit individuals based on their gender.

Public restrooms, like many other spaces, are often designed with a binary understanding of gender in mind. But this video serves as a powerful reminder that gender is not binary – it's a spectrum. Everyone, regardless of gender identity, deserves equal access to public facilities without fear of judgment or harassment.

Religious heritage stands at a crossroads in contemporary society, struggling with shifting social dynamics and evolving urban landscapes. The masterclass on Religious Heritage (7th-8th March 2024) explored these challenges and opportunities in transforming religious buildings during secular shifts within our societies. Experts discussed the dominant role of religious heritage in urban contexts and its modern relevance in towering above the main cityfabric.

Central themes included changes in religious buildings' societal role as our identities become more liquid with an importance of vulnerability. Churches are urged to create spaces for human connection beyond rituals, aligning with core faith principles and take up their function of care for humanity once more. Discussion becomes central instead of authority.

The role of religious buildings in shaping urban social environments nowadays should put the focus on community engagement and inclusive spaces over dominating a neighbourhood and working with exclusion. Projects like the multireligious house in Bern showcase religious heritage's continued relevance. The speakers emphasized adaptive strategies to ensure religious heritage's vitality and relevance in diverse urban landscapes. By embracing secularization and fostering inclusivity, religious institutions can contribute to community well-being and social cohesion, preserving invaluable cultural assets for the future whilst fulfilling their spatial anchorrole.

~ The masterclass was organized by the Future of Religious Heritage initiative and the University of Bologna with sponsorship from the European Union.