Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Cruz, Val Varela and Lee Sanchez.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Safe Space Sessions (SSS) is an organization dedicated to promoting an inclusive and safe environment in our performance-based communities and bringing awareness to sexual assault. We started this organization as a response to the slue of sexual assault allegations brought up in the music community in California and in our community here in South Florida. It’s an on-going issue in the art industry with venues, performers, and concert-goers affecting the safety space. Enough is enough. Our organization is dedicated to raising money for charities whose purpose is spreading awareness about sexual assault and providing resources to survivors.
The SSS organizers met each other through their mutual love of the music scene in Miami. Their dedication to ensuring that everyone has an inclusive platform without feeling fear is what leads them to organize it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Dealing with the topic of sexual assault and violence, especially in the music community, where some of these abusers are venerated, hasn’t been easy. Some of these stories are difficult to read, but we’re providing a space where survivors can feel heard and share their experiences.
Due to the current pandemic, our events are only being live-streamed, which created an additional hurdle to raising funds. Since we’re a non-profit organization, money is always a problem that we face. We currently have an on-going GoFundMe to help us raise money for equipment and to pay the venues from which we’re hosting our live streams. All surplus funds are being donated to SaveOurStages.
Safe Space Sessions – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Safe Space Sessions specializes in organizing events to raise money for a variety of organizations dedicated to bringing awareness for sexual assault and providing resources for survivors. We’re known for hosting these events. We’ve already seen how our open space has allowed for survivors to share their experiences without feeling judged. A variety of survivors have already come forward about musicians in our scene. Because we’re an organization run by musicians for music-lovers and artists, we know first-hand how important a safe space is.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
If we can help at least one person feel safe at a performance, we will have done what set out to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: safespacesessions.com
- Email: safespacesessions@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/safespacesesh
- Facebook: facebook.com/safespacesessions
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJSNku2A/
Image Credit:
Woolbright: Steven O’ren
Bruvvy: Robert Badillo
Glass Orange: Nicole Stephens
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