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Success Success is a relative term but widely understood as achieving personal goals, whatever they may be. As Queer individuals, our ideas of success can often be different to the rest of society, however this does not make them less valid. Success could relate to achievement in your professional life, but equally, your idea of success could be more rooted in your personal relationship, mental and physical wellbeing, or a mix of all of the above. See: Achievement, Authenticity, Confidence, Growth, Story-telling , Self-actualisation, Personal Development, Purpose, Resilience. < Back to Glossary

(they/them) Shiva Shiva is a non-binary filmmaker and performance artist, who is dedicated to telling intersectional, gender-expansive stories with a focus on social justice and universal hope. Their work has garnered critical acclaim, including being a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent , and receiving the inaugural Netflix Documentary Talent Fund , as well as TogetherTV 's 'Diverse Film Fund' . Their films, such as 'Peach Paradise' , 'Queer Parivaar' , and 'Always, Asifa' center on the narratives of LGBTQIA+ British Asians in ways that challenge stereotypical, mainstream representation. Aside from their successful filmmaking career, Shiva also freelances as a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant within the wider creative industries. They have worked with prestigious organizations like BAFTA , BFI , and VIACOM/CBS , to name a few. Shiva is passionate about using their platform to uplift and amplify underrepresented voices in media and storytelling. In addition to their film and consulting work, Shiva is an advocate for several social justice topics. They can speak about anti-racism, LGBTQ+ discrimination, identity, self-empowerment, culture change, community building, and more. Shiva Raichandani Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... Beyond Calendar Moments: How Organisations Turn Belonging Into a Movement. Community Building 101 | Wellbeing with Panteres Grogues. Our Community Impact: 2025 Year in Review. 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

Empathetic Witness Empathetic witnesses are people who value transformational relationships. It's not necessarily somebody who can change the other person's situation, but somebody that can mirror, validate, and accept that person's feelings and emotions. Through presence and understanding, they ensure the other person feels seen and heard. Having empathetic witnesses in our life can help us process our experiences and encourage us to continue moving forward through our low and high moments. < Back to Glossary

(they/them) Jaï Jaï is a trauma-informed coach, group facilitator, and public speaker specialising in systemic power dynamics, identity and belonging. Their work brings a systemic lens to personal growth and healing. They lead in-person and online workshops on Power, Privilege, and Prejudice; host online summits focused on trauma healing and related themes; and are the creator of Beyond Boxes with Jaï Bristow, a podcast and YouTube channel exploring labels, identity, and the ways we go beyond socially ascribed boxes. Jaï’s work draws from their lived experiences as a queer, multiethnic, neurodivergent, disabled person, alongside mindfulness, inquiry, Nonviolent Communication, and trauma-healing practices. They aim to raise awareness of systems of oppression – both in society and within ourselves – to empower people in finding freedom from them in order to take values-aligned positive action in the world. Jaï Bristow Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... Beyond Calendar Moments: How Organisations Turn Belonging Into a Movement. Community Building 101 | Wellbeing with Panteres Grogues. Our Community Impact: 2025 Year in Review. 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

Asylum Seeker A person who leaves their country of birth or residence, enters another country and seeks protection by the state in this other country. An asylum seeker is an immigrant who has been forcibly displaced and might have fled their home country because of war or other factors harming them or their family. < Back to Glossary

Psychological Safety Psychological safety is the ability to share one’s thoughts and feelings without risk of damaging one’s reputation or standing. At work it refers to employees believing that they can take risks without being shamed by other team members. When people on a team possess psychological safety, they feel able to ask for help, admit mistakes, raise concerns, suggest ideas, and challenge ways of working and the ideas of others on the team, including the ideas of those in authority. Via this honesty and openness, risks are reduced, new ideas are generated, the team is able to execute on those ideas and everyone feels included. Building psychological safety not only improves organisational outcomes, but it’s the right thing to do. See: Affirmative Action, Brave Spaces and Courageous Communication. < Back to Glossary

Body Image Body image is a person's thoughts, feelings and perception of the aesthetics or sexual attractiveness of their own body. In the Queer Community, people can especially have trouble with their body image, due to mainstream beauty standards being determined by heteronormative society. There are also very prevalent archetypes that exist within the Queer Community, which can determine what is attractive, meaning we are constantly comparing ourselves to others. See: Archetypes, Body Dysmorphia & Body Shaming. < Back to Glossary

Fostering Fostering is similar to adoption, in that it involves providing a home to children that cannot live with their birth parents, but adoption ends the legal relationship between a child and their birth family and fostering does not. Foster carers treat children in their care as members of their family, and fostering relationships can be short or long term. Some people may pursue adoption or fostering due to being unable to have children, but it is also common for people who can have their own children to foster out of a desire to make a difference in the lives of children living in care. See: Adoption, Family and Finances. < Back to Glossary

Patriarchy A system of society or government in which men hold the power. Patriarchy is practiced systemically in the ways and methods through which power is distributed in society (jobs and positions of power given to men in government, policy, criminal justice, etc.) while also influencing how we interact with one another interpersonally (gender expectations, sexual dynamics, space-taking, etc.). Patriarchal structures facilitate male privilege. < Back to Glossary

(she/her) Maya Maya is an integrative therapist, facilitator and writer with over 20 years’ experience supporting LGBTQIA+ people, young people and neurodivergent communities. As a neurodivergent (AuDHD) trans woman, her work is rooted in lived experience, gentleness and a real commitment to creating spaces where people can feel seen and understood. She is especially drawn to identity, shame, inner-child and parts work, and to supporting people as they grow into the person their younger self needed. Alongside her therapeutic practice, Maya writes books and offers training that centres healing, belonging and compassionate, grounded self-leadership. Maya's approach is shaped by 14.5 years as Co-CEO and co-founder of Proud2Be, where she worked to build safer, more affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ communities. Maya Price Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... Beyond Calendar Moments: How Organisations Turn Belonging Into a Movement. Community Building 101 | Wellbeing with Panteres Grogues. Our Community Impact: 2025 Year in Review. 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) Teresa Teresa is a queer woman of colour from London, based in Spain. She is a career coach (focusing on coaching women and LGBTQIA+ folk), a writer, a content manager in the tech space, and a dancer. Community-building and personal empowerment are the central, interwoven principles of Teresa's work. She takes a holistic approach, drawing on both her corporate and creative skillsets, to unlock the greatness in every individual and support the community. Teresa Lee Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... Beyond Calendar Moments: How Organisations Turn Belonging Into a Movement. Community Building 101 | Wellbeing with Panteres Grogues. Our Community Impact: 2025 Year in Review. 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) Jon-Paul Jon-Paul is a queer Lebanese man living with depression who understands the complexities of holding multiple identities. With a focus on authenticity and personal growth, Jon-Paul approaches life with a positive attitude. Since coming out in 2004, Jon-Paul has been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. He has volunteered with HIV/AIDS NGOs, organized community events for LGBTQ+ youths, created DEI programming, advised on inclusive products and services, supported LGBTQ+ political candidates, and worked on recruiting diverse talent. Additionally, Jon-Paul is a strong advocate for mental health and well-being, neurodiversity, self-empowerment, and culture change. He is passionate about community building and activism, and has spoken about these topics at various events. Jon-Paul Vicari Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... Beyond Calendar Moments: How Organisations Turn Belonging Into a Movement. Community Building 101 | Wellbeing with Panteres Grogues. Our Community Impact: 2025 Year in Review. 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/she) Kirill Kirill is a Queer Prana Yoga instructor and psychologist specializing in existential analysis and body-oriented approaches. His sessions focus on overcoming shame, promoting queer awareness, and managing anxiety, creating a safe space for self-exploration and healing through mindful movement and breathwork. Kirill Slobodianiuk Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... Beyond Calendar Moments: How Organisations Turn Belonging Into a Movement. Community Building 101 | Wellbeing with Panteres Grogues. Our Community Impact: 2025 Year in Review. 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) Hadi Hadi is a dynamic Lebanese-French filmmaker, photographer, and performer. He holds two master's degrees from Paris universities: the first in "Fiction Cinema" and the second in "Documentary and Anthropological Cinema." In 2015, Hadi co-founded "h7o7," a production company that aims to create and promote films and photos with a "hybrid" approach, blending genres such as fashion, experimental, documentary, and fiction. Hadi's latest venture, "Hybrid Wave," features over 30 hybrid artists from across the globe. As an artivist, Hadi uses his work in films, photos, and performances to expose social injustices such as homophobia, racism, sexism, transphobia, and more. His dedication to fighting against injustice is palpable in everything he creates. With an unwavering passion for his craft and a powerful message to share, Hadi is a force to be reckoned with in the world of art and activism. Hadi Moussally Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... Beyond Calendar Moments: How Organisations Turn Belonging Into a Movement. Community Building 101 | Wellbeing with Panteres Grogues. Our Community Impact: 2025 Year in Review. 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

Gender Assigned at Birth Often associated with the sex (male or female) assigned to a child at birth by a medical doctor, most often based on the child's external anatomy. Also referred to as biological sex, or sex. This can differ from ones self-determined Gender Identity. < 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... Beyond Calendar Moments: How Organisations Turn Belonging Into a Movement. Community Building 101 | Wellbeing with Panteres Grogues. Our Community Impact: 2025 Year in Review. 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

Hate Speech A form of harassment - abusive or threatening speech or writing that expresses prejudice against a particular group, especially on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity, etc... See: Ally, Discrimination, Calling Out and Solidarity. < Back to Glossary

Emotional Regulation “Emotion regulation” is a term generally used to describe a person's ability to effectively manage and respond to an emotional experience. People unconsciously use various emotional regulation strategies to cope with difficult situations many times throughout each day (some are as simple as taking a deep breath, or using positive self-talk). See: Affirmation, Breathwork and Mindfulness. < Back to Glossary

Shadow-self < Back to Glossary

(he/him) Rakshet Rakshet, a third-culture individual born in Bangkok, identifies as ethnically Indian and was raised with a Western education. Currently based in the UK, Rakshet is employed by a leading consumer goods company, where they oversee product development and project management. In addition to their professional duties, Rakshet also serves as the leader of the company's LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, where they leverage their unique background and perspective to promote inclusivity and diversity within the organization. Rakshet's multicultural identity and experience in navigating different cultural norms has given him a unique approach to solving LGBTQ+ issues and creating a more inclusive work environment. Rakshet Sachdev Looking for a Guest Speake r ? Get in touch Our Recent Articles... Beyond Calendar Moments: How Organisations Turn Belonging Into a Movement. Community Building 101 | Wellbeing with Panteres Grogues. Our Community Impact: 2025 Year in Review. 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