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Creating Inclusive Public Spaces for All

May 14, 2025

Fostering Safe and Healthy Public Spaces for LGBTQIA+, Women, & Non-Conforming Genders

Introduction

  • Urban planning has historically been influenced by privilege and power, often to the detriment of Black and Brown-majority neighborhoods.
  • Marginalized communities often face structural racism and segregation due to discriminatory policies.

Gender in the Public Realm

  • Public spaces have been historically designed by cisgender White men, neglecting the needs of marginalized genders.
  • Women, gender non-conforming people, and LGBTQIA+ individuals face harassment and discrimination in public spaces.

Health & Well-being in Public Spaces

  • 65% of women report experiencing street harassment, compared to 25% of men.
  • Fear in public spaces affects how marginalized genders navigate them, impacting mental health and well-being.
  • Women are more likely to use public transportation, facing challenges primarily due to poverty and lack of investment in their mobility needs.
  • Safe multi-gendered and multi-generational spaces make women feel safer.

Empowering & Reflecting the Gender Spectrum in Public Spaces

  1. Reimagining Lighting:

    • Improved lighting enhances visibility and safety.
    • Nighttime walking audits can help identify areas needing better lighting.
  2. Removing Walls:

    • Reducing enclosed spaces increases perceived safety.
    • Example: London study showed women felt safer after walls were removed.
  3. Create Cozy Corners:

    • Design spaces that provide privacy without sacrificing safety.
    • Example: Benches with planters for semi-secluded seating.
  4. Provide Necessary Amenities:

    • Ensure availability of gender-inclusive restrooms to avoid conflicts.
  5. Encourage Multi-use Spaces:

    • Mixed-use areas improve comfort and safety for marginalized genders.
  6. Provide Inclusive Programming:

    • Offer family-friendly and gender-inclusive events to attract diverse groups.
  7. Make Spaces Visually Inclusive:

    • Use art and designs representative of marginalized communities.
    • Example: Rainbow crosswalks decrease vehicle speeds and enhance pedestrian safety.

Supporting Gender Inclusivity

  • Partner with Representative Organizations: Collaborate with groups representing LGBTQIA+ and women.
  • Use LGBTQIA+ Data for Demographic Analyses: Include LGBTQIA+ data in development studies to identify vulnerabilities.
  • Conduct Caucus Groups: Engage communities in design decisions to address their specific needs.
  • Recruit Diverse Workforces: Ensure representation of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals in urban planning roles.

Definitions

  • Gender Identity: One's self-concept of gender which may differ from the sex assigned at birth.
  • Gender non-conforming: Identity outside the traditional gender binary.
  • Transgender: Identity different from the gender assigned at birth.

About the Authors

  • Abygail C. Mangar: Program Manager at NLC's Center for City Solutions.
  • Lindsey Volz: Graduate intern at NLC's Center for City Solutions.