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Transgender A transgender person is someone whose gender identity or gender expression does not correspond with their sex or gender assigned at birth. Many transgender people experience dysphoria, which they sometimes seek to alleviate through transitioning, often adopting a different name and set of pronouns in the process. See: Transition. < Back to Glossary

Polynesian Polynesian culture and heritage is typically associated with the region made up of Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Niue, Wallis and Futuna, and French Polynesia. (See: Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders) < Back to Glossary

(she/her) Brandi Brandi Andrews is a Black-Latinx female identifying lesbian who co-parents with her gay male best friend and loving wife. She brings over 23 years of experience, awards, and recognition in the beauty industry. Brandi also sits as Executive Director of the non-profit UNITE which is focused on providing mental health resources to underrepresented communities. She has provided top-tier services and education in the LA area where specializing in pigmentation disorders and skin conditions for people of color will have her 3rd state license in medicine in 2024, and has created her own skincare line YouthDealer, A science backed and melanin focused natural products that focus on safe products for people with melanated skin. Brandi Andrews 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

(they/them) Jasmine Jaz is a mixed-Pakistani, non-binary, bisexual mental health expert, public speaker, and journalist. They're particularly focused on how intersecting areas of inequality can impact people's access to mental well-being and how queerness collides with South Asian culture. Currently, Jaz is a lecturer in Gender & Sexuality as well as Diversity in Creative Industries at Bimm University in Birmingham, and they hold the position of Editor-In-Chief for a local creative media outlet called Birmingham Review. Jaz creates and facilitates tailored mental health talks and workshops, which are informed by their practical and personal experience of mental health and mental illness, as well as their MSc which covered the philosophy of mental health and cognitive neuroscience. They are passionate about advocating for anti-racism and intersectionality and have extensive knowledge of LGBTQ+ history and discrimination. Jaz also advocates for sexual health and self-empowerment and believes in promoting mental well-being in all aspects of life. Jasmine Khan 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

Influence The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something. We can all use our expertise, our platforms and our spheres of influences to raise awareness and pave the way for positive change in our communities, organisations, our families, and wider society, too - to make the world we live in a better place. < Back to Glossary

(they/he) Santo Santo, who is of Calabrian heritage, grew up in suburban Australia, facing the challenges of immigrant and queer identities. These experiences have strongly shaped their current research and work. As a PhD student in Positive Psychology, Santo studies how the emotion of ‘awe’ can change our understanding of wellbeing. They organise workshops, retreats, and talks focused on queer ecology, connecting with nature, and the intersectionality of mental health and wellbeing. Santo believes in a communal approach to rediscovering happiness and living well through storytelling, body awareness, connection, and emotional expression. Santo Tripodi 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

Ageism Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism by an individual, community, or institution against a person or group based on their age. < Back to Glossary

(he/she/they) Andrea Andrea is an Italian singer-songwriter and pop musician based in London. Andrea has found solace and strength through their song-writing; mixing their music with an androgynous sense of style. They firmly believe that the clothes you wear should be an extension of your soul. Andrea Di Giovanni 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

(they/he) Santi Santi is a trailblazing DIY fashion activist, LGBTQ+ grassroots organiser, and artist with a focus on promoting style accessibility. As the Founder and Director of G(end)er Swap , the UK's first clothing outreach organisation for Trans and GNC individuals, Santi is dedicated to creating an inclusive space for everyone. They design and deliver style workshops and digital resources for the LGBTQ+ community while also offering inclusivity consultancy to social enterprise owners. Santi's work has been featured in various publications, including BRICKS Magazine , Open Democracy , and Hunger Magazine . In recognition of their efforts, G(end)er Swap was shortlisted for the National Diversity Awards in 2021. Aside from their activism, Santi is also passionate about well-being and self-empowerment. They believe that building a supportive community is crucial for people to thrive, and they have worked tirelessly to create a space where everyone feels welcome and affirmed. Additionally, Santi is committed to sustainable and gender-affirming fashion, making them an excellent speaker on the topic of style accessibility. Santi Sorrenti 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

Black Black is a racialized classification of people, usually a political and skin colour-based category for specific populations with a mid to dark brown complexion. Not all people considered "black" have dark skin; in certain countries, often in socially based systems of racial classification in the Western world, the term "Black" is used to describe persons who are perceived as dark-skinned compared to other populations. It is most commonly used for people of sub-Saharan African ancestry and the indigenous peoples of Oceania, though it has been applied in many contexts to other groups, and is no indicator of any close ancestral relationship whatsoever. It has been a generally accepted move to capitalise the B in black - "The change conveys “an essential and shared sense of history, identity and community among people who identify as Black, including those in the African diaspora and within Africa,” said John Daniszewski, AP’s vice-president of standards. “The lowercase black is a color, not a person.” < Back to Glossary

(she/her) Josephine Josephine is a BACP Accredited Counsellor. Her career has centred around helping parents cope with change and supporting people in difficult circumstances such as baby loss, involuntary childlessness and domestic abuse. Since two of Josephine's children came out as transgender in 2015, Josephine has been learning first hand what it is like to face an unexpected change in family circumstances. Her podcast, Gloriously Unready, about her experience was shortlisted for the 2023 Independent Podcast Awards and reviewed by The Guardian. Josephine Hughes 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) Lazarus Lazarus is a pioneer and renaissance man from New York City who won the hit game show Chopped twice. He is a chef, psychotherapist, social worker, and author of the Amazon Editor's Pick cookbook Son of a Southern Chef: Cook with Soul. He was the first Black and queer chef to attend and cook for the Met Gala in 2021. His writings and culinary wisdom are featured in prestigious publications, including Vogue, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Forbes. As a gifted keynote and motivational speaker, Lazarus has facilitated national and international dialogues at universities, community organizations, and the White House. Lazarus’ natural ability to make people feel valued, seen, and heard led him to become a social worker and psychotherapist. Today, Lazarus supports individuals and families weekly with the tools to improve their mental health and relationships. Lazarus received his master’s in social work (MSW) from Columbia University. Lazarus Lynch 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

(they/them) River River is a changemaker and storyteller whose research, speaking, writing, and performance reimagine the margins as sites of possibility, honoring both tradition and innovation. They have spoken on themes of identity and inclusion at prestigious universities such as Chicago, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, as well as the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. Their latest poetry collection, HAMPI, explores their reconnection to the Andean cosmovision. River is a passionate advocate against racism and LGBTQIA2S+ discrimination. With a strong commitment to community care, River inspires and uplifts those around them, and continues to make a meaningful impact in the world. River is proudly Ecuadorian-American, qhariwarmi, and disabled. They are based in Orlando, Florida. River Coello 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) Christopher Christopher is the Chairman and Founder of Brand Advance Group and CEO (North America). As a top 100 company in Startups.co.uk for three years in a row, Christopher connects brands with diverse audiences globally, through Insights, Media and Creative. His company was awarded the title of "Campaign 2021 - Media Business of the Year" and " The DRUM - Diversity & Inclusion Company of the Year 2021." In addition to his work in media and advertising, Christopher is also a director at UK Conscious Advertising Network (CAN) and the US country lead for (CAN). As a mixed-race, out gay father, he is a strong advocate for diversity and representation within media and advertising. Christopher also serves on the advisory boards for ITV, WFA, TikTok, London MetPolice, a nd the V&A Museums. As a thought leader in his industry, Christopher can speak about various topics, including leadership, intersectionality, culture change, community building, activism, and parenting. Christopher Kenna 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

(they/them) MK MK, a marketing executive and public speaker, is dedicated to bringing authenticity and empathy into organizations around the world. With over a decade of experience in building and leading organizations, they empower others to realize their full potential. MK is also a strong advocate for intersectionality and neurodiversity, and is passionate about raising awareness about addiction. When they're not working, MK can be found enjoying beachside adventures with their wife and two dogs. MK Getler-Porizkova 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

Positionality Refers to the location of a person in the organisational structure of an institution. It considers what authority a person has, to whom they report and who reports to them, what power others have in relationship to the person and what power the person has in relationship to others. < Back to Glossary

(they/them) Iesha Iesha is a dynamic speaker, creative thinker, and passionate advocate for body positivity and LGBTQ+ rights. Iesha challenges societal norms through conversation and sharing their story, advocating for more representation of black queer non-binary bodies. Iesha is deeply committed to community and connection, believing that reimagining the world requires a collaborative effort. In addition to their advocacy work, Iesha speaks on topics such as anti-racism, LGBTQ+ discrimination, trauma, and identity. Iesha Palmer 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

Bigender Denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity encompasses two genders. < Back to Glossary

(they/them) Bex Bex is a trans non binary photographer based in London. For almost two decades, their work has documented queer lives in all their power and complexity. Bex began their career as a self-taught photographer documenting the clubs and parties of the LGBTQIA+ scenes in the UK and New York, before moving from the club into the street, documenting Pride and protest worldwide. In recent years, Bex has gravitated towards overlooked queer stories, refocusing on those minoritised within the LGBTQIA+ community. With a special focus on the trans community, Bex is one of the foremost documenters of the trans experience in the UK. Bex’s work worked for clients such as VICE, British Vogue, The New York, Minority Rights Group International, the UN, Dr Martens, Google and Getty. Most recently their work has been acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum and multiple works will now reside in their extensive photography collections in addition to being exhibited permanently in the Young V&A. Bex Wade 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

Archetype A statement, pattern of behaviour, or model which others then replicate or emulate going forward. The archetype has become recognisable or quintessential as a standard of the type in society over generations of human culture - specifically for the LGBTQIA community, this manifests itself in types of people or crowds in the community - who have similar body types, interests or display similar behaviours. < Back to Glossary