What Makes a Space Actually Safe?

…(And What Happens When You Try to Test It.)

You’ve seen the sticker.
You’ve heard the buzzword.
“Safe space.”

But let’s be honest— too many people treat it like a mood board instead of a mandate.
Cozykins means it when we say we work hard to host safer events. That doesn’t mean conflict-free, drama-free, or everyone's-a-saint; it means we’ve set clear, non-negotiable standards about how people treat each other, and what happens if they don’t!
We’re not interested in vibes-only safety, though we do also curate those.
We care about actual safety. And that requires clarity, not vague promises for the clout.

Quick Reality Check:

• No, you can’t “joke” about race, gender, religion, ability, trauma, violence, or other painful topics to a person.*

• No, being neurodivergent or “just blunt”/”brutally honest” isn’t a free pass for being cruel. (Spoken as a neurospicy person.)

• No, your “playstyle,” your tone, or your intent don’t override someone else’s safety and wellness, nor our expectations, our Code.

• And no— you don’t get to try calling out “not inclusive” just because we won’t accommodate shitty behavior.~

We’ve had a few people try that. Let’s say, we have a history of proving our zero-tolerance policies aren’t the ones to test boundaries on. There won’t be any friendly unblocking for these violations.
*You can make jokes. And you can say some pretty twisted, ridiculous stuff…. BUT, you simply cannot blurt out whatever dark humor pops into your head to whoever, whenever. If you are unsure, don’t say it. We don’t play with the “It was just a joke!” excuse.

Time passing is not an apology. Unbans have to be earned through an apology to the community.
“Kind, not nice.” It’s a reminder that enforcing boundaries is not villainous or wicked, and that our compassion and care come from places of experience and advocacy. Remember, Cozykins may be newer, but the Takari Tribe has been around with these expectations since 2017; a lot has been witnessed across this near-decade of entrepreneurship and experimentation across industries!

Inclusivity does NOT mean “anyone and anything goes.” It means we are powerfully warm to and protective of those that can’t win ground in other communities due to bias, prejudice, bigotry, and hate. It’s not inclusive of us to allow someone to spew hateful ideology while everyone is uncomfortable; that’s just coddling lame energy. (Wolf in the sheep pen metaphor, anyone?)
Feeling unheard sucks. You will garner friends in good time if you chill out, be yourself, and put in the work to be better and do better. You don’t have to stir the pot or strike a match to some drama to feel like you have sway, or are being recognized. Come talk to us! Between our brand partners, we want you to have a friggin’ EPIC time.

Life is tough enough. We need more spots to just relax, no? Be part of that by being an awesome person.

Even in typing all of this up, having this heart-to-heart, some people are shaking their head. “I thought this was a brand about toys for kids!” Well, then you have not been following our socials, attending our events, scrolling our website, or engaging with Cozykins, Takari Tribe, Wyo Artisan, Dragon Dreams, or our other partner brands outside of this here blog post, because I intentionally try to keep it all everywhere. Posts, blogs, graphics, sponsorships, and events that all vibrantly color what we’re all about!
So, before I walk us a bit deeper, let’s pause. I’m Alex, I have created everything you’re scrolling around on, here. I have love for everyone, and that does not obligate me to have brands that are gracious in adversity, patient with hate, permissable to toxicity, or whatever clever ideas folks have to bend and break for loopholes in communities like mine— especially entirely unreciprocated.

So What Is a Safe Space?

At all of our brands, safe means:

• The freedom to express yourself without backlash. That is, safe, loving, self-expression.

• Zero tolerance for hate, abuse, or threats—online or in person, direct or indirect.

• Consent-first play, especially at Takari Tribe LARP events!

• One warning for minor violations. And trust us, some things? No second chances, no warnings.

We don't give people the benefit of the doubt when others' dignity, safety, or trauma are on the line. In today’s society, we need to be uplifting one another, not enshrining our goofy ideas on the wrong side of history. Genuinely, it’s easy to have accountability and integrity. It’s easy to own mistakes and apologize.
Not doing so is simply severe weakness, a malnourishment of our very soul. “Ghosting” on decent people is emotional avoidance and lack of accountability in relationships. We’re way stronger than that, and always hope folks can see that in themselves, too!

And If You Cross That Line?

You’re done.
We mean that in the most cozy way possible. No big fight— we don’t do drama.
We do uphold boundaries.
We utilize our network in severe situations; you could be blacklisted from affiliated events, communities, etc. There’s a formal Ban Policy shared in areas like the Takari Tribe, and it covers everything we proudly host and take part in.

Why It Matters

Because many of us didn’t grow up in safe homes, towns, or friend circles.
Because some of us still flinch when we hear someone raise their voice.
Because our events serve neurodivergent kids, queer teens, disabled adults, parents in recovery, and folks rebuilding their entire sense of belonging.
We’re trying to be a soft place to land. And that takes work!

🧸 Want to Join Us?

Cool. Come hang. Just don’t test our patience in the name of “just being real!”

We’ll always choose real safety over fake civility. That’s what makes Cozy actually cozy!

Keep up with events and connections over at Facebook!