I think we should clarify what the purpose of the virtual event is. If it is for women to
network and speak with each other, then it should be women only as others could derail the
conversation or talk over them and totally destroy the purpose. If the virtual event has
some other purpose, like education of the greater community or questions/answers then it
might make sense to leave it open, but even in this case I would strongly suggest having a
moderator to keep discussion on topic and support women who attend.
Additionally I don't believe safe spaces segregate people or keep people from learning
to work in the larger community. People already spend the majority of their time in the
greater community, a safe space just gives a place to recuperate from that. It is not
hiding any more than someone who takes a nap in bed after a long day is hiding. It can be
very exhausting having to defend your existence in tech online, and sometimes you just
want to be yourself without needing to do that, and a safe space is the perfect way to
give people that opportunity. No one spends all their time in safe spaces and it is
entirely possible for people to be involved with more than one project and subproject at
the same time. They do not cause segregation, instead they increase retention rates so
that you don't lose minority members who get burnt out because they don't have a
place to get support and recenter themselves.
- meskarune