Glossary
Brave Space: A brave space is a setting, whether physical or virtual, intentionally created and cultivated to promote respectful dialogue, mutual understanding, and a sense of safety for individuals to share their perspectives, experiences, and identities without fear of judgment, retribution, or marginalization. In contrast to a “safe space,” a brave space acknowledges that discomfort and conflict may arise as individuals engage in difficult conversations and challenge each other’s beliefs, but provides tools and guidelines to navigate these moments in a productive and respectful manner. The goal of a brave space is to foster learning, growth, and empathy, and to create a culture of inclusivity and equity where everyone’s voice is valued and heard.
Disparities: Preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by populations that have been disadvantaged by their social or economic status, geographic location, and environment. Many populations experience health disparities, including people from some racial and ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, women, people who are LGBTQIA2S+, people with limited English proficiency, and other groups. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Social Determinants of Health: The conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. This typically includes economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood environment, and social/community context. (Department of Health and Human Services)
LGBTQIA2S+: (Lesbian Gay Transgender Questioning Intersex Asexual Two-Spirit, and more) Refers to a broad and diverse group of people who identify as something other than heterosexual or cisgender.