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(she/they) Rachel Rachel is a Jewish Chicana Trans and Queer activist, writer, and community builder. Inspired by her working class upbringing in the USA - Mexico borderlands, Rachel is committed to exploring the invisible fronteras of identity, community, and class through her life and work. After a three year stint living, studying, and working in China and Japan, Rachel moved to France and received a Master in Social Policy from Sciences Po Paris. She worked for three years with a teachers’ union to advance transformational education policy in the USA, before coming to London to head up partnerships for an LGBTQ+ youth charity. A seasoned policy writer and public speaker, Rachel brings her intersectional lived experience and unique perspective to a broad range of topics including decolonisation, queer liberation, and sustainable culture change. Rachel Padilla Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... DEI Trends in 2025: Practitioner Wellbeing and Career Sustainability. UNLOCK | Queer Leadership 101 with Pius Kennedy Harnessing Queer Joy as an Act of Resistance. Create Space for Change. We work with 100+ Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke DEI solutions. Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce insights and craft content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Discover our bespoke corporate solutions... Work with us

Coming out Coming out (of the closet) is a metaphor used to originally describe LGBTQ people's self-disclosure of their sexual orientation, romantic orientation or their gender identity. However it can infact be used to describe self-dislosure of any intentionally or unintentionally concealed stigmatised characteristics, for example relating to mental health or HIV status. Framed and debated as a privacy issue, 'coming out' is experienced variously as a psychological process or journey; a means toward feeling acceptance and pride instead of shame and social stigma. Many LGBTQ+ people reject the notion of 'coming out' as it can unfairly place the onus of others wrongful assumptions about sexual and gender identity onto the queer person rather than the assuming party. Some are now opting for the term 'letting in', as it gives the individual agency over what to disclose, to whom and when. < Back to Glossary

(they/them) Lucifer Lucifer is a genderqueer Italian director/actor. They believe in a future in which sexuality won't need any label, but they also understand the need of many diverse humans to feel represented, reassured and safe nowadays. Their stories narrates life outside the binary and the heteronormativity, in which both members of LGBTQA+ community and straight people can see and reveal themselves. Lucifer Benedetti Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... DEI Trends in 2025: Practitioner Wellbeing and Career Sustainability. UNLOCK | Queer Leadership 101 with Pius Kennedy Harnessing Queer Joy as an Act of Resistance. Create Space for Change. We work with 100+ Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke DEI solutions. Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce insights and craft content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Discover our bespoke corporate solutions... Work with us

Transgender Woman A woman who was assigned male at birth. < Back to Glossary

(he/him) Karim Karim El Oteify is the Founder and CEO of The Wheels of Impact, specializing in DEI, communication, and change management to foster employee engagement and inclusivity. Through storytelling, tailored workshops, and consultancy, he combines empathy, expertise, and facilitation to drive meaningful transformation. Originally from Cairo and now based in the Netherlands for over six years, Karim’s work reflects his commitment to sustainable change and equity. He founded Assist NL to support the international community and led ErasmusX’s communications, amplifying its team’s diversity as a strength. He also contributed to Diverse Leaders in Tech, promoting representation through community building. Karim El Oteify Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... DEI Trends in 2025: Practitioner Wellbeing and Career Sustainability. UNLOCK | Queer Leadership 101 with Pius Kennedy Harnessing Queer Joy as an Act of Resistance. Create Space for Change. We work with 100+ Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke DEI solutions. Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce insights and craft content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Discover our bespoke corporate solutions... Work with us

(he/him) Lee Lee has 17 years’ experience in the media industry, including roles at dentsu, LADbible, and JCDecaux. Lee is a vocal advocate for change within the media and advertising industry, and supports clients in making the necessary changes to be more representative of the UK population. In 2022, Lee won the IPA Speakers’ Cup for his speech on classism in the advertising industry, and was named by The Media Leader as one of its 2022 Future Leaders. During his tenure as co-chair of LGBTQ+ ERGPROUD, dentsu UK was named in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index Top 100. Lee Mabey Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... DEI Trends in 2025: Practitioner Wellbeing and Career Sustainability. UNLOCK | Queer Leadership 101 with Pius Kennedy Harnessing Queer Joy as an Act of Resistance. Create Space for Change. We work with 100+ Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke DEI solutions. Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce insights and craft content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Discover our bespoke corporate solutions... Work with us

Transmisogyny Discrimination that falls at the intersection of transphobia and misogyny, as experienced by trans women and trans feminine people. < Back to Glossary

he/they Jamie Jamie is a trans and non-binary financial adviser and founder of True Self Wealth, which provides specialist financial planning to the LGBTQ+ community. He is on a personal mission to encourage people to take charge of their money by helping people one on one with their finances and providing financial wellbeing workshops. He has been working as a financial planner for over 6 years, and worked in financial services for over 13 years. He is the founder of Trans Support Hub CIC, running clothes swaps with a focus on helping people explore their gender identity. Jamie runs queer business networking groups in Manchester and Leeds. Jamie Lowe Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... DEI Trends in 2025: Practitioner Wellbeing and Career Sustainability. UNLOCK | Queer Leadership 101 with Pius Kennedy Harnessing Queer Joy as an Act of Resistance. Create Space for Change. We work with 100+ Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke DEI solutions. Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce insights and craft content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Discover our bespoke corporate solutions... Work with us

Pansexual Pansexuality is sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction towards people regardless of their sex or gender identity. Pansexual people may refer to themselves as 'gender-blind', asserting that gender and sex are not determining factors in their romantic or sexual attraction to others. < Back to Glossary

(he/they) Jason Jason, a queer non-binary singer/songwriter from Hong Kong now based in London, has a diverse range of passions. In addition to creating hauntingly beautiful dark pop music, they are a cabaret performer, diversity and inclusion consultant, and youth worker who supports LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness across the UK. Jason also models for commercial campaigns, collaborating with brands to create inclusive and captivating campaigns that represent and celebrate diversity. Jason can offer insightful perspectives on the intersections of art and social justice, and the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces. Through their music, performances, and advocacy work, Jason is committed to empowering others and fostering positive change. Jason Kwan Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... DEI Trends in 2025: Practitioner Wellbeing and Career Sustainability. UNLOCK | Queer Leadership 101 with Pius Kennedy Harnessing Queer Joy as an Act of Resistance. Create Space for Change. We work with 100+ Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke DEI solutions. Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce insights and craft content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Discover our bespoke corporate solutions... Work with us

(he/they) José Luis José Luis is a philologist with a Ph.D. in Modern Languages and Gender Studies with a 20-year experience in international education as a teacher, team leader and academic manager. He is passionate about the teaching-learning process, as well as cinema, music and musical theatre. Some of his areas of interest are the LGBTQ+ representation and the works of pioneer women in culture, as well as leadership and team management. Growing up queer has helped him follow the yellow brick road to put diversity at the center of everything he does in the education field. José Luis Espinosa Sales Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... DEI Trends in 2025: Practitioner Wellbeing and Career Sustainability. UNLOCK | Queer Leadership 101 with Pius Kennedy Harnessing Queer Joy as an Act of Resistance. Create Space for Change. We work with 100+ Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke DEI solutions. Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce insights and craft content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Discover our bespoke corporate solutions... Work with us

(she/her) Kari Kari is a Venezuelan vocalist that pursues dance floor liberation by performing vogue, reggaeton and rap through her organic vision. Kari was interested in music from a young age, participating in dance festivals in her native Venezuela and performing in Madrid's pride parade for 4 years consecutively. Her artistry seeks to establish a radical mark in a male-dominated genre. Kari can speak on topics including Language & Terminology, Leadership, Workplace Allyship, Body Positivity, Self-empowerment, Culture Change, Community Building and Activism. Kari Serrano Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... DEI Trends in 2025: Practitioner Wellbeing and Career Sustainability. UNLOCK | Queer Leadership 101 with Pius Kennedy Harnessing Queer Joy as an Act of Resistance. Create Space for Change. We work with 100+ Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke DEI solutions. Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce insights and craft content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Discover our bespoke corporate solutions... Work with us

Multicultural Competence A process of embracing diversity and learning about people from other cultural backgrounds. The key element to becoming more culturally competent is respect for the ways that others live and an openness to learn from them. < Back to Glossary

Deepen your knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, experiences and allyship with this self-navigated FREE LGBTQ+ inclusion online course and LGBT training programme designed to encourage knowledge building around issues relating to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI). We combine informational knowledge sharing, research, resources and real-life experiences. Who am I? Home page LGBTQ+ Inclusion EXPLORE QUEER IDENTITIES, EXPERIENCES & ALLYSHIP. FREE LGBTQ+ INCLUSION ONLINE TRAINING Our free LGBTQ+ Inclusion online course is designed to help you deepen your knowledge and understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities, experiences and allyship. Start now Allyship Programmes Ready to get started? Check out the course overview and content below for more detailed information. Start now MODULE 1 DEI Core Concepts. In this section, we cover core concepts relating to inclusion and determining LGBTQIA+ identities, creating a solid foundation that you can build on. Lesson 1: The Importance of Language. Lesson 2: Community Through Belonging. Lesson 3: The Power of Inclusion. Lesson 4: LGBTQ+ Initialisms. Lesson 5: The Significance of Symbols. Lesson 6: Determining LGBTQ+ Identities. MODULE 2 LGBTQIA+ Identities. In this section, we examine identities that fall under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella and provide space for participants to reflect on how they relate to their own identity. Lesson 1: What is Identity? Lesson 2: Orientation & Attraction. Lesson 3: LGBTQ+ Identities (Part 1) Lesson 4: What is Gender Identity? Lesson 5: LGBTQ+ Identities (Part 2) Lesson 6a: Gender Transition. Lesson 6b: Pronouns & Misgendering. MODULE 3 Intersectional Experiences. In this section, we'll spotlight Queer experiences across history, different global and social contexts and within the workplace, considering both the challenges and joys of being LGBTQ+. Lesson 1a: Systems of Oppression. Lesson 1b: Intersectionality. Lesson 2a: Representation & Visibility. Lesson 2b: Authenticity & Role Models. Lesson 3: Queer Histories. Lesson 4a: Queer Experiences - Global. Lesson 4b: Queer Experiences - Workplaces. Lesson 4c: Queer Experiences - Media. Lesson 5: Queer Joy & Queer Futures. MODULE 4 Queer Allyship. In this section, we tie together the foundational knowledge from the first three modules and explore how to be an ally to LGBTQ+ individuals in your immediate circles, across society and even globally. Lesson 1: What is Allyship? Lesson 2: Power & Privilege. Lesson 3a: Unconscious & Implicit Bias. Lesson 3b: Microaggressions. Lesson 4: Organisational Allyship. Lesson 5: Individual Allyship. Lesson 6: Action Planning. Your hosts Each lesson will be hosted by one of our LGBTQ+ Inclusion specialists, Diego Lazaro or Yassine Senghor. Yassine Senghor (ANY PRONOUNS) Yassine is a DEI consultant, writer, facilitator, mentor, speaker, sensitivity coach and podcaster with expertise in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, building community spaces and creating anti-racist workplaces. Diego Lazaro (HE/HIM) Diego is a DEI consultant and passionate about bringing positive change within organisations and his purpose is to work towards improving LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace and society as a whole. Guest Speakers Yassine and Diego are joined by a range of guests from the WCS Speaker Collective, who expand on key themes within the course by sharing elements of their lived experience, personal and professional life stories. Kevin Hawkins (HE/HIM) Sanjukta Moorthy (SHE/HER) Elliot Theodore (HE/HIM) Cindy Nehme (SHE/HER) Our Platform. All of our courses are delivered via WCS | Campus , our online community learning platform and social hub. Want to know more? For information on bespoke corporate packages or multi-user licensing please get in touch. Enquire now Any other Questions? If you're looking to develop resources for your business or organisation, we offer a variety of bespoke solutions designed to honour and elevate the diverse voices and perspectives of marginalised communities. To book a free consultation, please email hello@wecreatespace.co 💌. Get in touch

Solidarity If someone shows solidarity, they show unwavering unity and support for another group or person. < Back to Glossary

Lesbian A woman (or non-binary person) who has a particular romantic, emotional and/or sexual attraction towards women. < Back to Glossary

Gaslighting A deliberate attempt to undermine a victim’s sense of reality or sanity. In a work context, it usually means behaviours that undermine the success, self-confidence, self-esteem or wellbeing of the target. For people in underrepresented groups, it is more likely to occur, with more severe and harmful cumulative effects. Tactics can include withholding (critical information, meeting invitations, silent treatment), isolation (exclusion, causing conflict with coworkers), and discrediting (consistently shooting down the target’s ideas, ignoring or taking credit for them). < Back to Glossary

(he/him) Diego Diego is a Diversity & Inclusion consultant and Founder of Be Diverse, a firm that provides LGBT+ awareness and strategy trainings to companies. In the past, Diego has also been collaborating with COGAM, one of Spain's oldest LGBT+ NGOs, delivering over 100 workshops to top multinational companies such as IBM, Vodafone and AXA. Diego is fluent in three languages and has lived in Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany and Spain. He's passionate about bringing positive change within organisations and his purpose is to work towards improving LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace and society as a whole. Diego Lazaro Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... DEI Trends in 2025: Practitioner Wellbeing and Career Sustainability. UNLOCK | Queer Leadership 101 with Pius Kennedy Harnessing Queer Joy as an Act of Resistance. Create Space for Change. We work with 100+ Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke DEI solutions. Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce insights and craft content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Discover our bespoke corporate solutions... Work with us

Ethnicity and Race Ethnicity is a term used to describe a way of categorising people based on a range of different characteristics, ranging from the geographical region they are from, their faith/religion, as well as the language they speak, heritage and customs. Race is a term used to describe a way of categorising people based on various physical characteristics such as skin colour and ascribing social meaning and significance to that group. People’s perception of Race in society is heavily influenced by internalised biases - by how we are taught from a young age to perceive people of races different to our own, by society and the people around us. Equally, it is important to acknowledge the negative effects that racial prejudice and discrimination/racism has. We as allies should all work hard to educate ourselves to be aware of why and how other’s life experiences may be different to our own, and how this can impact the way that people move through the world. (See: Biracial/Multiracial and Racism) < Back to Glossary

(he/him) Vaneet Vaneet is an Indian bisexual man born and raised in South London, who has made it his mission to raise awareness and visibility for the bisexual community. As a software engineer, writer, and public speaker, Vaneet founded the viral campaign #BisexualMenExist in 2020, and has since appeared on numerous panels and delivered talks to various companies. Vaneet's work has been published in Men's Health , Stonewall, GMFA, Metro UK, OutLife and Unicorn Magazine , and he is a contributor to The Bi-ble: New Testimonials, The Ampersand Project, and The Sex Agenda . Bisexual Men Exist is his first book, an empowering guide for bisexual men, providing personal stories, advice and support. Vaneet is also an advocate for intersectionality, anti-racism, and mental health awareness, and is passionate about creating safe and inclusive spaces for marginalized communities. Vaneet Mehta Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... DEI Trends in 2025: Practitioner Wellbeing and Career Sustainability. UNLOCK | Queer Leadership 101 with Pius Kennedy Harnessing Queer Joy as an Act of Resistance. Create Space for Change. We work with 100+ Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke DEI solutions. Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce insights and craft content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Discover our bespoke corporate solutions... Work with us