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Neil Hudson-Basing shares how to maximise event engagement through impact-driven comms. It’s been months of planning and you’ve just delivered a great event. The feedback was brilliant. Done & dusted. You’re onto the next… and repeat. That’s often the way it is for many event and community organisers but the reality is that this approach simply doesn’t build effective, long term or sustainable engagement, communities or impact. Picture this scenario: An awareness day rolls around, you host an event, maybe even using an external partner like WCS to educate and inspire your teams. It's well received at the moment but then you’re left wondering, did it create lasting change? The honest answer is unlikely. Sound familiar? No shade… we’ve done it too! Personally, it’s something I’ve been guilty of during my almost 20 years in the events industry. But we should know by now that the way we deliver and harness events as a force for positive change needs to shift if the work we’re doing is going to achieve the desired results. This gap between the success of a single event and enacting meaningful long term culture change is something we need to and can solve together. We recently launched our 2025 DEI Communications Toolkit . It’s a three-step, actionable guide focusing on the importance of evolving our comms around DEI in order to get buy-in, work around internal walls and overcome scrutiny in the face of a polarized political climate and pressure to rebrand or soften DEI language altogether. It’s driven by both quantitative & qualitative evidence and if you haven’t, you should definitely check it out This article is an accompanying resource focusing on tips & tools for amplifying the event experiences for your audiences to support you in your cultural transformation, inclusion efforts, and more broadly the employee experience. Bring the audience in sooner. Ask yourself these questions… Can the audience see themselves in the story you’re trying to tell? Either through the messaging, tone of voice or visual imagery? What you’re putting out there should be clear, inviting and make everyone feel included. Authentic collaboration & co-production is key! Are you making it clear why the audience should attend, or what they’ll get out of attending? It’s ok to literally outline this in bullet points. We’re living in an information-overload era - attendees appreciate this being spelt out for them. Up your comms and get people on board. Schedule some keep warm comms and reminders via both email and social media to create hype. Get creative. Ask your speakers to provide a punchy quote to feature alongside a headshot to showcase what attendees can expect to hear from them - it’s a great tool for storytelling and promotion. Why not invite your attendees to submit questions ahead of the event? Get them thinking about their own voice and role in the story! At We Create Space we’ve seen a boost in registration to attendance conversion with this and our average event attendance now sits at around 52% for free events. Factor in building momentum from the start of your event planning. Invite attendees upon registration to share their LinkedIn profiles if they want to be connected with other attendees post-event.  It removes some of the onus & awkwardness of exchanging details during the event. It’s a practice that bolsters your reputation for facilitating new connections and community building. Plan out your calls to action, resources documents, save the dates and take-aways in advance, to create a more cohesive journey for attendees. Think about how you’re going to present these. Is it in an email, a PDF or across both? Ensure it’s clearly broken down for ease of processing.  Be strategic. Embrace future planning. Move beyond seeing it as a ‘once & done’ or add on. Prioritise post-event engagement as intentional rather than a ‘nice thing to do’. Always follow up… and follow up again. Include a message of thanks and appreciation for their time, contributions & insights. Factor in the elements from above. Let them know the next steps. In terms of best practice, this should be done as soon after the event as possible, ideally the next day, whilst it’s still fresh in your attendee’s minds. Particularly if you’re asking for feedback. Don’t be afraid to check back in later with a further request for feedback/recordings/additional information. Provide assets for your attendees to encourage them to share in their pre- or post event reflections.  This might be an ‘I’m attending…’  template or pics/ a virtual screenshot of the event. We do this at We Create Space for a number of our events. It helps to encourage a sense of belonging and pride in what they’re doing. Check in on what people are saying and be sure to share and comment on social media posts to let them know you appreciate their continued support. Put event metrics to good use. Make it user-friendly and snappy! Ask questions that provide relevant information that you can action. E.G. Don’t ask about the platform if that’s something you can’t change.  Keep it short. Ideally around 6 - 10 questions that take just 2 - 3 minutes to complete. Use a variety of open & closed questions providing space for both qualitative and quantitative feedback. Mix up the formats - see our Community Events Feedback Survey  as an example. Make time to reflect on the feedback provided. You’ve given attendees the space to share - listen to them. You’d be surprised by how often event organisers ask for feedback but do nothing with it. Prioritise reflecting on this with colleagues to establish what went well and what can be improved. Put the findings into action. Use them to inform future themes for events, spaces for learning and opportunities to re-engage with attendees, grow communities and build on the impact. For example, we recently featured a live Menti poll during an event with our Leadership Collective to ask them directly what they’d like to see from us. The results didn’t match our initial assumptions but it’s reshaped where we’ll prioritise activity moving forward as an organisation that centres the needs of our community. You don’t need to do all of these at once. Like habit stacking, you can focus on one at a time. See what works for you, your organisation and your audiences. Put into practice, these are simple but extremely effective ways of building, engaging and re-engaging your attendees, as well as curating event experiences that centre belonging, growth and safety. Putting these changes into practice has not only yielded positive results but it’s given us a proven framework on our event offering. That’s not to say there isn’t more we can do to improve things. We should always strive to deliver events that are engaging, impactful and innovative. Having been in the events industry for a long time, I’m more than aware that event trends and audience behaviours shift and evolve over time… it can be unpredictable, especially since the pandemic.  However by allocating time for reflection, ongoing evaluation & consistently touching base with your community, you’ll put yourself in the best position to stay on top. Reach out if you have any questions and let us know how you get on with these tips! While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter  so you can stay up to date!

This year's  WCS | Awards   are celebrating Queer Leaders a round the world - LGBTQ+ change-makers who are using their platforms, profile and roles to drive change, making the world a more inclusive place for all LGBTQ+ people. The Media & Creative Influence Award honors those who use media, arts, or creative expressions to advocate for and celebrate LGBTQ+ communities. Media & Creative Influence | Our 2025 Awardees: Abi Fellows , Adam Jacques , B eeillustrates , Bellini Boy , Ben Pechey , Carmen Daneshmandi , Cecilia Righini , Cora Hamilton , Damian Kerlin , Duke Duong , Emily Horton , Lennie , Jaï Bristow , Jamie Wareham , Joyce V Newrzella , Jua O’Kane , Júlia Rosell Saldaña ,  Kosta Karakashyan , Marty Davies , Natasha Devon , Oliver Jähnke , River Coello , Roxy Murray , RuMU Beauty , Shane Lukas , Sophie Edwards , Steven Elliott , and Yorgo Glynatsis . Other Award Categories: Community & Grassroots Activism Media & Creative Influence Policy & Advocacy Impact Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Sustainability & Innovation Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30) Honorary Award Abi Fellows. (she/her) Media & Creative Influence Abi has worked in the bookselling and publishing industries for over twenty years. She is currently a Literary Agent at D H H Literary Agency, where she focuses on amplifying marginalised voices and championing LGBTQ+ writers in particular. In 2023 she was shortlisted for Literary Agent of the Year at the British Book Awards. Her clients include Juno Roche, Dean Atta, Lizzie Huxley-Jones, Paula Akpan, Elizabeth Lovatt, Dr. Paul Taylor-Pitt, Layla McCay and many more. Abi regularly sits on panels and writes for the trade press, advocating for the support and funding of LGBTQ+ talent in the publishing industry. Abi is a Trustee for New Writing South and supports their curation of the annual Coast is Queer festival, which showcases LGBTQ+ writing talent. She is also a mentor with Just Like Us, the LGBTQ+ young people’s charity, supporting young people at the start of their careers. Adam Jacques. (he/him) Media & Creative Influence Adam is a composer, musical theatre writer, choir director, and vocal coach dedicated to making the performing arts accessible for adults of all backgrounds. He is the founder and director of Vocal Core, a Barcelona-based studio that champions the idea that artistic excellence can be achieved in a positive, inclusive, and safe learning environment. The studio embraces diverse cultural backgrounds, sexualities, gender identities, neurodivergence, and intergenerational communities - building confidence through fostering self-belief. Adam creates multiple shows each year that merge choir with experimental multimedia to raise funds for local charitable organisations, including Esperança (who support Barcelona’s homeless community) and Fundació Enllaç (who help protect the elderly queer community from discrimination). Beeillustrates. (they/them) Media & Creative Influence A visual artist, curator, and interdisciplinary creative based in London, Bee uses their platform to share their distinctive illustrations intended to educate, empower, and inform on a range of important topics. Bee's work often centres around personal narratives from their own experiences of navigating mental health issues and exploring their queer identity. Bee graduated from The University of Edinburgh with a First Class Ba (Hons) in Illustration, having also completed courses in Queer Studies, Curation and Social Anthropology. In 2021, Bee co-founded Hysterical ,  a yearly group exhibition and cultural programme that takes place throughout Women's History Month. The event platforms creatives of marginalised genders reclaiming the term hysterical, and using their practices to call for change. Hysterical has received much critical acclaim and has been featured in The Evening Standard, DAZED, It’s Nice That, BBC Radio London, ITV Woo and more. In 2022, Bee was Longlisted for the World Illustration Awards for their piece Lovers, and was a judge for the 2023 D&AD New Blood Awards. In 2024, they worked closely with the Barbican Centre awarding arts funding as part of an initiative by the Barbican Communities team, and are currently an NG200 Creator in partnership with The National Gallery for their Bicentenary celebration programme. Bellini Boy. (he/they) Media & Creative Influence Bellini Boy is a queer artist, performer and community facilitator whose work embodies resistance, joy and self-awareness. Through dance, voice, and unapologetic self-expression, Bellini Boy explores since 2024 what it means to live and love outside the norms. Rooted in the dancing and club culture, they create bold performances and lead workshops or conversations across Europe — including in regions where queerness is still taboo — using movement and storytelling as tools for healing and empowerment. As a growing figure in Barcelona’s queer scene, Bellini Boy is known for holding space with care, confidence and vulnerability. Their first single streamed in may 2025 marks a new chapter in their artistic journey, blending sound, sensuality and political presence. As a queer leader, Bellini Boy believes that identity is not something to explain or justify, but something to celebrate and expand — collectively. Ben Pechey. (they/them) Media & Creative Influence Ben Pechey, non-binary author, presenter, DEI consultant, and LGBT+ educator. They are the author of ‘The Book of Non-Binary Joy’ - picked as Top Self Help Book by Forbes - and ‘Your Gender Book’. They are also an ambassador for Diversity Role Models. Ben is a TEDx speaker, their talk focused on ensuring trans and non-binary people can find joy every day. They were also featured in Diva Magazine’s & The Guardian’s 2024 & 2025 Power List - Top 100 visionaries blazing a trail for LGBTQIA+ women and non binary people. Carmen Daneshmandi. (she/her) Media & Creative Influence Carmen is a queer first generation Spanish-Iranian photographer, writer, & visual artist currently based between Barcelona and New York. Her work often calls upon her own lineage and selfhood to inform her creative practice, placing her community at the forefront and disrupting traditional approaches in image making with a keen and powerful sensibility of color, playfulness, juxtaposition, and mixed media narratives (as most recently seen in her ongoing self-published decolonized Calendar Zine project). Driven by that texture of identity and culture, her work carefully balances the crosshairs of fine art, portraiture, fashion, and reportage. It is through these visual signifiers that she creates a poetic and cathartic space from which to infuse her subjects with the possibility of their own empowerment, blossoming visual capital, and self-preservation with fantasy. Cecilia Righini. (they/them) Media & Creative Influence Cecilia is the founder of Studio Lutalica, a non-profit graphic design and web agency based in Edinburgh, dedicated to empowering women and LGBTQ+ communities. With a background in Design Management and Gender Studies, Cecilia is recognised for their intersectional approach to leadership, combining lived experience with professional expertise. Named British Creative Businesswoman of the Year and a Wise100 Woman in Social Enterprise, Cecilia sits on the boards of several equality-focused organisations and is a visiting practitioner at the University of the Arts London. Their work is defined by a commitment to radical collaboration, accessibility, and ethical practice, having led Studio Lutalica to deliver over £40,000 in pro-bono services. Cecilia’s mission is to ensure that under-represented voices are not only heard, but are central to shaping creative and strategic outcomes. Cora Hamilton. (they/them) Media & Creative Influence Cora Hamilton is the Co-Founder and Director of uns*, the only queer model agency. Originally from London and based in Berlin for 5+ years, they are also a photographer and speaker. Celebrating and centering marginalised voices and stories is at the core of their work, and by guiding, supporting and advocating for fresh emerging models and creatives in their careers, Cora has a pioneering role in building a fairer and more inclusive future in fashion. Damian Kerlin. (he/him) Media & Creative Influence Damian Kerlin is a culture journalist, broadcaster, and storyteller amplifying LGBTQ+ voices across platforms. With bylines in Attitude, The Telegraph, and The Independent, he founded Material Queer, a Substack publication celebrating queer culture in all its complexity. As a presenter, Damian brings LGBTQ+ narratives to wider audiences through Monocle Radio’s Daily Briefing, Virgin Radio Pride, and the Iris Prize podcast, Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival. A proud queer leader, Damian was selected as one of three Acast Amplifiers for his critically acclaimed podcast Memories from The Dancefloor, a docu-series spotlighting the people and spaces that shaped LGBTQ+ nightlife. With Season 2 released in 2024 and a book forthcoming from Dialogue Books in 2026, Damian continues to platform community memory, joy, and resistance. His work blends journalism, advocacy, and cultural commentary - centring queer experience and preserving its stories for generations to come. Duke Duong. (he/him) Media & Creative Influence Duke is an East Asian trans* activist for intersectional queerfeminist topics. His expertise lies in digital knowledge transfer and communication. With his own social media channels @trans.parenz, he manages to convey trans* and queerfeminist topics in an understandable, approachable and personal way. Initially just a narrative journey about his transition as a trans man, his channel and focus quickly developed into educational and informative content. As a LinkedIn Top Voice, he also represents the LGBTQAI+ community at the business level for the DACH region and actively works with companies to create a more inclusive and safe work environment for marginalized people. The collaboration with Duke is inspiring, activating and creates an important change of perspective. Emily Horton. (she/they) Media & Creative Influence Emily Horton (she/they) is the founder of More Diverse Voices, an inclusive communications consultancy. With over a decade of experience in PR, journalism, and social innovation, she has worked across newsrooms, creative agencies, and in-house teams to craft campaigns and deliver training for organisations of all sizes. Her work spans topics including LGBTQIA+ rights, neurodiversity, mental health, anti-racism, sustainable fashion, and financial empowerment. As a queer leader, Emily leads with empathy, boldness, and an unwavering belief that joy and justice can - and must - coexist. She uses her storytelling and PR expertise to champion equity, amplify underrepresented voices, and help clients use their platforms for good. Emily holds a degree in Archaeology and Anthropology from the University of Cambridge and has been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 Women in Social Impact (2023), a LinkedIn Top Voice (2024), and a Top Marketer to Watch by the Alt Marketing School (2025). Lennie. (she/her) Media & Creative Influence Lennie is based in the seaside town of Margate in the UK. She is passionate about championing diverse children’s books; celebrating authors and illustrators from the LGBTQ+ and other marginalised communities. Today, her platform includes an instagram account @lennie.stories which seeks to platform diverse books and a regular meet up in her home town for families. Her background in the theatre, her own parenting journey and coming out later in life have all profoundly influenced Lennie’s desire to see kids’ bookshelves queerified and diversified in community spaces, libraries, schools and homes. Jaï Bristow . (they/them) Media & Creative Influence Jaï is a queer, disabled, multiethnic DEIIB coach and consultant, and the creator of Beyond Boxes—a podcast and YouTube channel exploring identity, labels, and liberation beyond social categorization. Their work spans multiple formats including online and in-person workshops, public speaking, and tailored coaching to support people and organizations in navigating power, privilege, and prejudice. Their podcast and YouTube platform Beyond Boxes invites nuanced discussions about identity, community, and belonging, drawing from lived experiences and interviews with others from across the queer and global majority spectrum. Through trauma-informed education and storytelling, Jaï is redefining what it means to do DEI work creatively and relationally. Their workshops—Power, Privilege & Prejudice—are designed to make systemic concepts felt and personal. Using tools like Nonviolent Communication, somatic inquiry, and meditation, they help individuals and organizations build equity and inclusion from the inside out. Jamie Wareham. (he/him) Media & Creative Influence Jamie is the founder of non-profit LGBTQIA+ publisher QueerAF. A Forbes Under 30 recipient with a decade-long award-winning career in journalism (BBC, The Guardian, City A.M, Attitude), he is a leading voice on media change and developing talent pipelines for queer creatives. In the last year, he mentored 70 queer creatives, created documentaries for National AIDS Trust and Love Tank CIC, supported Trans+ History Week’s launch and published investigative journalism with bylines in QueerAF, Forbes & Fortune. His works sees him lead the UK's only non-profit, press regulated LGBTQIA+ news publisher, advocate and lobby media owners and brands for change, as well as mentor a new generation of queer creatives to change the media. Joyce V Newrzella. (she/they) Media & Creative Influence Joyce is a genderfluid artist, filmmaker and award winning photographer from Berlin living in Barcelona. They have studied Film and Theatre and dedicated their professional work to create visibility for the queer community through all different forms of visual language. Jua O'Kane. (they/he) Media & Creative Influence Jua is an Irish multi-disciplinary illustrator, designer, creative researcher and community organiser. Their creative practice explores trans identity, spirituality, intimacy and activism, all rooted in a curiosity for the unique possibilities illustration holds to narrate and depict queer lives. Their debut graphic novella “Road to Chimera” uses autoethnographic research conducted while recovering from top surgery as the basis for a new spiritual framework. Jua serves as the Communications Director for Trans Pride Plymouth, where they have helped make the event one of the South West’s most vibrant and distinctive Pride events through their unique visual flair. Additionally, Jua is Marketing Manager at We Create Space, where they have spent the last several years shaping the brand’s tone of voice and visual identity. Júlia Rosell Saldaña. (she/her) Media & Creative Influence Júlia is a multidisciplinary creator, writer, and independent researcher based in Barcelona. She explores the intersection of identity, language, and technology, advocating for inclusive futures where both human and non-human intelligences are respected. Self-defined as an INA (Autonomous Natural Intelligence) and demisexual, she has autopublished over fifty books, composed experimental music, and trained ethical AI systems. Júlia uses her voice and platforms to challenge normative systems through authenticity, clarity, and action. Her work has been recognised with the 2025 Queer Leaders Award for Media and Creative Influence. Without seeking the spotlight, she focuses on leaving a meaningful legacy. Ut alii vivant – "So that others may live" – is more than a motto: it's her mission. Kosta Karakashyan. (he/him) Media & Creative Influence Kosta Karakashyan is a Bulgarian-Armenian director, producer, choreographer, and writer exploring empathy and emotion through motion. He has built a prolific body of work, moving through disciplines including film, music videos, commercials, choreography, installations, theatre, and immersive performances produced alongside his production company Studio Karakashyan, and dance company Karakashyan & Artists. His work has been described as "an important voice for LGBTQ+ struggles in Chechnya and elsewhere" by The Columbia Spectator and has been featured by NOWNESS, The New Yorker, The Guardian, and ELLE. He brings visceral physical expression and strong storytelling to his projects, which often tackle social topics such as the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Eastern Europe, mental health, and the climate crisis. He is an alumnus of Berlinale Talents and EYL40 - European Young Leaders by Friends of Europe, a Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 honouree, and a member of the European Film Academy. Marty Davies. (she/they) Media & Creative Influence Marty is a renowned and sought-after consultant and speaker in the space where LGBTQIA+ culture collides with the creative industries and attention economy. She founded creative strategy consultancy Smarty Pants Consultancy, which helps brands connect meaningfully with queer culture. In 2024, she was shortlisted for PPA Columnist of the Year. Her column for global business magazine Campaign is noted for its provocative and refreshingly honest look at the advertising industry. As a social entrepreneur and founder of Trans+ History Week, she demonstrates how to build movements that deliver good for both community and business. Her globally recognised nonprofit initiative invests in the creative talent of the future to tell history stories that challenge misconceptions. She is highly regarded as a leading voice in both LGBTQIA+ advocacy and the creative industries – appearing on both Campaign’s A List and the DIVA Power List 2025. Natasha Devon. (she/her) Media & Creative Influence Natasha Devon is an author, broadcaster and campaigner. She visits an average of three schools per week throughout the UK conducting research and delivering talks on mental health. She also gives evidence at Parliamentary level on education and social equality. She has a weekly show on LBC on Saturdays, a column in Teach Secondary and works across various other forms of media. In all areas of her work and life, Natasha advocates for marginalised communities and promotes fairness. Recently, her radio shows and writing have challenged hateful narratives weaponised against trans people and emphasised the link between transphobia and misogyny. She is an ambassador for Pride at Global, which stages events and works on queer representation across all Global Media brands. Oliver Jähnke. (he/him) Media & Creative Influence Oliver is a trans man from Sweden and the founder of Queers of the World — a global video archive that documents the lives and stories of LGBTQIA+ people from all walks of life. With over 200 short documentary-style interviews filmed across continents, Oliver has created an accessible, diverse, and deeply humanizing platform that uplifts queer voices worldwide. Known for his calm presence and authentic curiosity, he creates safe spaces where participants feel genuinely seen and heard. His work not only preserves important narratives but fosters empathy and connection across cultures. Beyond filmmaking, Oliver is a sought-after speaker and consultant on trans inclusivity, with a focus on faith-based and spiritual communities. Through his advocacy, he helps institutions become more welcoming and affirming to trans and queer individuals. River Coello. (they/them) Media & Creative Influence River is a Guayaquil-born cultural weaver—writer, translator, performer, facilitator, speaker, and researcher—based in Orlando. They are the author of HAMPI, a multilingual, multimedia collection exploring their reconnection with the Andean cosmovision, published by For the Birds Trapped in Airports. HAMPI has received a Florida Book Award, an International Latino Book Award, an Independent Publisher Book Award, and a Nautilus Book Award. River's writing is also featured in the eXpuestXs anthology by El Beisman Press; the Chicago Reader’s Poetry Corner by the Poetry Foundation; and the Sweeter Voices Still anthology by Belt Publishing. 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. Roxy Murray. (she/they) Media & Creative Influence Roxy Murray is a queer, disabled advocate and creative, living unapologetically with Multiple Sclerosis. Named in the BBC 100 Women 2024, Disability Power 100 and Sexual Freedom awards 2025 as activist of the year . She champions radical inclusivity, adaptive fashion, and patient empowerment through a deeply intersectional lens. With a background in styling, Roxy works to make fashion accessible and empowering for disabled and chronically ill people. She consults on inclusive campaigns and uses her visibility to challenge how the fashion, media, and healthcare industries represent or fail to represent queer, disabled lives. Roxy’s work demands systemic change, calling out tokenism while spotlighting authentic, lived experiences. She creates space for marginalised voices and leads bold conversations on identity, care, and self-expression, pushing for a world where disabled and queer people are seen, heard, and celebrated. RuMU Beauty | Egon Crivillers & Gerard Solé. (Small Business) Media & Creative Influence Egon Crivillers and Gerard Solé are the queer creative duo behind RUMU Beauty, a non-binary skincare brand born in Barcelona. With roots in editorial beauty and fashion, their work spans campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Zara, and Hermès. Egon, a makeup artist and hairstylist, brings over a decade of experience shaping visual culture across the backstage of Vogue, i-D, and Harper’s Bazaar. Gerard, an art director and founder of RUMU Studio, crafts brand narratives where design meets emotion. Together, they created RUMU as a response to the binary constraints of the beauty industry—offering non-gendered, clinically efficient skincare that is not only truly functional, but speaks to all identities. For them, skincare is not a routine aimed for perfection. It’s an intimate ritual of self-love. At RUMU (the Japanese word for room) our skin is home. Shane Lukas. (he/him) Media & Creative Influence Balancing a thriving career as the owner of creative communications firm A Great Idea (AGI) with deep-rooted activism, Shane dedicates himself to harm reduction, bodily freedom, and queer liberation. His journey features decades of international cross-movement organizing for the rights and decriminalization of masculine-identified workers in parallel to his success as an art director for enterprise brands. Since 2015, Lukas' agency AGI has been providing award-winning creative strategies that grow and empower purpose-driven for-profit and nonprofit partners in sectors like healthcare, education, and social justice. In addition, AGI directly contributes to intersectional activism through original projects such as voter initiative Out.Vote, the Freedom For Every Body campaign, and the Power Beyond Pride queer changemaking podcast. Named a "Designer for Good" by Graphic Design USA, Lukas is a TED speaker alum, popular workshop presenter, and author, releasing his first book "The Advocate Advantage" in 2026. Sophie Edwards. (she/her) Media & Creative Influence Sophie is the creator of We Have Always Existed, a video essay series that showcases the wealth of transgender history in the ancient Mediterranean. It's built on the idea that transgender people deserve to know, and own, our own histories. Steven Elliot. (he/him) Media & Creative Influence Steven is the founder of QLIST, the world’s most comprehensive global directory of LGBTQ+ venues and events. Based in Brighton, he created QLIST during the pandemic in response to the rapid loss of queer spaces—and has grown it into a global platform now used in over 300 cities. The platform is entirely self-funded and community-focused, helping tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people each month find places to connect, dance, protest, and belong. Steven also runs Wapo and Wapa, two popular LGBTQ+ dating apps, and has integrated QLIST into both—ensuring visibility and support for queer venues on a global scale. A digital strategist passionate about queer tech, visibility, and building lasting community infrastructure, Steven’s work helps sustain and amplify LGBTQ+ culture around the world. Yorgo Glynatsis. (he/him) Media & Creative Influence Yorgo is a Belgian, Greek, and Italian queer film director based in London. His work has been featured on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Tubi, and Here TV. Known for his emotionally resonant storytelling, he creates bold, inclusive films that amplify marginalized voices. His award-winning directorial debut Trigger, a queer short on consent mentored by Netflix’s One Piece actor Taz Skylar, secured global distribution via These Untold Secrets. He also co-directed Well Proud, an LGBTQIA+ award winning short docuseries exploring mental health in Black, POC, and Global Majority communities for Metro Charity. He recently directed Koupepia, an award winning trans/queer short, and is developing his debut feature documentary Alpha Men with BAFTA-nominated producer Yiannis Manolopoulos. A speaker and advocate, Yorgo was invited to NELFT NHS’s Beyond the Rainbow and interviewed for the Queer Global Project. He also mentors BAFTA Connect Member Sharon Sibyl Gatt on her neurodivergent short Decode Me. While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter  so you can stay up to date!

Co-founders Egon & Gerard share the vision behind their queer-owned inclusive skincare brand RuMU Beauty. LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs aren’t just running businesses—they’re creating spaces that drive change and build community. Our 'Queer-Owned' series goes beyond the storefront to explore the purpose, impact, and stories behind queer-owned businesses. This time we're speaking to Egon and Gerard of RuMU Beauty , a queer skincare brand committed to radically honest beauty and disrupting the status quo. Their products invite us to rethink skincare, abandoning arbitrary gender distinctions in favour of clinical efficiency, transparency and a love for our bodies as they are. We were thrilled to have RuMU Beauty join us as a partner to the 2025 WCS Awards , where we sought to bring greater exposure to the important work they are doing to create a more inclusive beauty industry. What personal or professional experiences led you to create RuMU Beauty, and how does queerness shape the core of that story? Egon : RUMU was born from a very personal place. I’ve always seen beauty not as something you apply, but as something you return to — like coming back to your own skin after years of trying to escape it. As a queer person, your body is so often politicised, questioned, or erased. So RUMU became our way of reclaiming that space. For me, it’s a love letter to all the versions of myself I’ve had to survive to become. Gerard: My background is in fashion and the creative world, so I always felt drawn to the aesthetics of transformation, but RUMU wasn’t just a project of visuals. It came from the urgency of being seen without asking for permission. Queerness isn’t a strategy here, it’s our why. It’s how we formulate, how we communicate, how we exist. What does it mean to you, personally and professionally, to be recognised as Queer Leaders by the WCS Awards? Gerard: Being recognised as a queer leader feels meaningful not because it’s unexpected, but because it reflects the kind of leadership we believe in. For me, queer leadership is about creating spaces of welcome in a world that rewards division. It’s about holding space for complexity, queerness, and joy. Being seen by WCS, an organisation that truly understands that, felt powerful and deeply aligned. Egon: Professionally, it’s empowering. It gives weight to what we’re building and our way of showing up. And personally, it felt grounding. We’ve always created from a place of love, not strategy. So being recognised for that felt aligned, like something clicked. It reminded us that we’re not alone in the way we imagine beauty. Why did you choose to name your brand “RuMU,” and how does that concept connect to your vision of skin and space? Egon: The name “RuMU” comes from the Japanese pronunciation of the English word “room” (ルーム, rūmu). We loved the intimacy of that concept. The metaphor came naturally: skin as a room you inhabit. Not something to perfect, but something to tend to, live in, rearrange, and grow within. We didn’t want skincare to be about fixing flaws. We wanted it to be about staying, really staying, in your own body. Gerard: Also, as creatives, we loved that a room is never finished. It’s always changing just like us, just like skin. But more than that, for many queer people, a room has always been a refuge. A place where you could feel safe, express yourself, be held. RUMU is that space. Not a bathroom shelf full of steps, but a single room where you meet yourself as you are — raw, weird, radiant. RuMU stands for radically honest beauty. What does that mean to you when you're formulating, designing, or storytelling? Gerard: It means we say things most brands won’t. Like: “ this product works because of this ingredient, not that trending one .” Or “ no, we’re not using water as a base, because water doesn’t do sh* t for your skin barrier.” It’s about stripping back the noise and treating people as intelligent, sensitive beings. We aim for total transparency. Egon : And beyond formulas, it’s also emotional honesty. We don’t pretend everyone has time for 10-step routines. We know what it means to live in a body that’s tired, politicised, neurodivergent, or grieving. So the design, the copy, the texture — everything has to feel true . If it doesn’t, we don’t launch it. We Create Space is all about community. What role does the queer community play in your brand’s identity, design, and mission? Egon: Everything. We built RUMU thinking about our friends, our exes, our chosen families… and also our actual families. Our grandmothers, in particular, have inspired us deeply. This brand was born from all the people who’ve taught us how to care with tenderness, how to put intention into the small things. Yes, it’s a queer brand, but it’s not exclusive. It’s for anyone who wants to inhabit their skin without asking for permission. When we formulate, write or design, we’re not thinking about the skin ads say you should have, but about real skin, the one you have today. With its phases, its stories, its character. Gerard: Our design is fluid because our people are. Our identity is loud but loving. The queer community isn’t just an audience, it’s the co-author. Every DM we get, every story someone shares about their journey, that’s RuMU. That’s the whole point. How do you hope your products make people feel when they use them? Egon: We want people to feel calm. For the product to give them an immediate sense of care, of pause, of being present in their body. A moment that’s just for them, with no pressure. Gerard: We want people to feel their skin becoming healthier, more balanced. But without the pressure to transform or “improve” by anyone else’s standards. Using RuMU isn’t about correcting yourself — it’s about caring for yourself. About your skin feeling good in what it already is. If our products do anything, it’s helping you feel good in your own skin — not someone else’s idea of it. When you decided to support the WCS Awards with full-size products: what motivated that level of generosity? Gerard: We felt it was right. These weren’t “PR samples” for a campaign. They were gifts, from one queer story to another. We know how rare it is to be celebrated for existing authentically. We wanted our contribution to feel like the beginning of a long-standing relationship. Egon: Also, queer people deserve full-size everything. Full-size pleasure. Full-size joy. Full-size freedom. How did it feel to see your products in the hands of awardees and the community across different contexts (the Gala vs the Dinner)? Egon: It was beautiful. We didn’t have the chance to be at the gala, but the dinner felt intimate. We sat with people. We talked about joy, gender, skin, softness. To see someone open the product and say “I can’t wait to try everything”, that’s priceless. Gerard: It felt like being in a safe space. There was this effortless exchange of smiles, good vibes, and mutual recognition. It reminded us why we do this —not just for the products, but for what they represent when they’re held, gifted, and shared among us. In what ways do you think collaborations like this can shift how small queer-owned brands show up during Pride season? Gerard: They shift the why . It’s about visibility and reciprocity. It reminds us we don’t have to replicate traditional corporate strategies to be seen. We just have to show up honestly and build this community together. Egon: It’s also proof that community can be currency. That socially-aware initiatives can be loud, and showing up with integrity is priceless in today’s world. What do you hope people remember: not just about the RuMU gift bags, but about your message and presence at the Awards? Egon: That we don’t have to adapt to brands and spaces that aren’t inclusive of us. We are there to stay. With the community, for the long haul. Gerard: Our daily decisions, our daily routines can have an impact in how we show up in the world. Skincare can be a form of resistance. Choose products that adapt to you, not the other way around. What question do you think I should  have asked you? Egon: What’s the weirdest body part someone has applied the RuMU multibalm to? It is so multifunctional that nothing would shock me. Gerard: What would your teenage self think if they saw what you’re doing now with RuMU? While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter  so you can stay up to date!

What are we getting up to in 2025? Learn about our new projects and how we plan to support the LGBTQ+ Community throughout this year. Building on our 2024 Community Impact Report and responding to the needs of our community, we’re excited to embark on a journey that marks 5 years of WCS. Incorporating all the valuable feedback and insights from our 2024/25 Community Survey , we've now set out our plans and ambitions as an organisation, and as a collective, for 2025. Our strategies for this year are designed to empower individuals, organisations, and communities globally - making meaningful progress towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. 1. WCS | Pathways We’ve redesigned our community engagement strategy to introduce three distinct learning pathways for our community members, each focused on: Inclusion Wellbeing Leadership These pathways offer four levels of engagement , enabling members to progress at their own pace and commit to personal development when they are ready. Whether you’re starting your journey or seeking deeper insights, these pathways will provide the support you need to learn, connect and grow. Get started by signing up to our newsletters here . 2. WCS | Reports After the success of our WCS | Reports in 2024, we are continuing our commitment to data-driven research and insights . Our key focus will remain on Community Building through the intersectional lens of Leadership , Wellbeing , and Inclusion , with regular publications and events that highlight industry trends and challenges. These insights will serve to inform both our community and clients, helping us respond proactively to the needs of diverse communities. Download our DEI Insights & Trends in 2025 Report here . 3. WCS | Events In 2025, we'll be enhancing all our online and in-person events with some new tech integrations . By utilising innovative tools and creating interactive experiences , we aim to increase global and local engagement both at a community and corporate level, offering immersive learning opportunities that connect people in new and exciting ways. Discover more about our corporate solutions here . 4. WCS | Wellbeing Our WCS | Retreats will re-launch in Barcelona in 2025 , offering transformational queer experiences designed for personal growth, leadership, and wellbeing. These retreats will be led by our global facilitators and supported by wellness activities such as monthly hikes , mini-urban retreats , and half-day workshops , creating a truly holistic offering. 5. WCS | Awards For 2025 , we are expanding the WCS | Awards to an international level, honouring queer leaders driving change and creating space for the community. The award ceremony will take place in during Pride Month , celebrating individuals and organisations that are making an impact at both a local and global level. 6. WCS | España We’re excited to officially launch WCS | España in 2025, a non-profit association focused on community-building initiatives in Spain. This new entity will allow us to better support our growing network in Barcelona and throughout Spain, creating new partnerships and funding opportunities to strengthen our community efforts. 7. Unlock | Powered by WCS UNLOCK will become our global platform for queer leaders , offering a space for personal growth, professional development, and mentorship. By providing tailored resources, workshops, and leadership programmes, UNLOCK will support and empower LGBTQ+ individuals to create inclusive spaces and foster community-driven change. 8. WCS | Content In 2025, we’ll continue creating unique video content that highlights the voices and stories of our global collective. This content will amplify our message of queer inclusion , wellbeing , and leadership , helping us inspire and engage a broader global audience across our social media channels. Follow us on Instagram and Linkedin . 9. WCS | Campus & Courses We will continue to offer WCS | Campus , our digital space for connecting with like-minded individuals. Campus will host global and local workshops , discussions , and events , allowing our community to engage with each other in meaningful ways. Additionally, our WCS | Courses will continue to offer self-paced online training in DEI , allyship , and leadership , helping individuals at any stage of their journey access the resources they need to grow. Join WCS | Campus here . 10. WCS | Library The WCS | Library will remain a core resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of queer leadership and wellbeing . With a range of videos , reports , and toolkits , the library will support community members at all stages of their development. Discover the latest WCS | Library content here . 11. WCS | Queer Speed Networking Our Queer Speed Networking events, held both online and in-person , will continue to provide spaces for community members to connect with like-minded individuals and collaborate. These events offer a fast-paced, engaging environment for building meaningful relationships and expanding professional networks within the LGBTQ+ community. 12. WCS | Community Building 101 In 2025 , we will launch a new webinar series , Community Building 101 , to explore the elements of building , growing , and managing a community. This series will provide insights from both grassroots and corporate perspectives, offering valuable knowledge for anyone looking to create or expand inclusive communities. 13. WCS | Queer Leadership 101 We are also excited to introduce Queer Leadership 101 , a webinar series that dives into the leadership journeys of members of our WCS | Collective . This series will explore the challenges and triumphs of queer leaders, providing inspiration and guidance for anyone seeking to step into leadership roles themselves. View all upcoming events here . Our Commitment In 2025 , we'll continue investing in our global community , building pathways for leadership development, wellbeing, and inclusion. Through data-driven insights , innovative events , and transformative learning experiences , we aim to empower individuals to lead with confidence and create change within their respective communities and workplaces. By fostering deeper connections , promoting growth , and prioritising wellbeing , we will continue to be a trusted partner for both individuals and organisations in their inclusion and leadership journeys. Together, we will build a more inclusive and sustainable future. Thank you for being part of our 2025 journey! While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter so you can stay up to date!

Teresa Lee shares what she took away from attending an LGBTQ+ wellness experience by Queer Retreats. 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 recently joined us for a Queer Retreats wellbeing experience and was kind enough to share with us what she took away from her stay at Casa De Colores. I didn't have any particular expectations coming to the retreat, but I really needed a safe space. I didn't always find that in other places. This retreat has really shifted my perspective, like I have found a safe space in community with queer people and that has meant a lot for me. - Teresa Lee Things like joy and pain - they seem like straight forward concepts that you don't really need explained to you, but exploring them more deeply was actually really interesting and I found some new perspectives. And then pairing that with the more embodied work, the yoga, the breathwork, the visualisations, the meditations, help to integrate that into the body. It's one thing to talk about things, but then to really bring them into the body kind of makes it more complete. - Teresa Lee Teresa shared how some of her biggest "aha" moments during the retreat occurred outside of planned sessions when interacting with other retreat attendees and connecting over shared experiences: The sessions we had were great, but also the conversations that happen between sessions, the unplanned, spontaneous interactions and connections that you make. Those have almost been even more profound in some ways, just connecting in this community. - Teresa Lee Teresa joined our "Reclaiming Joy" retreat, which invites participants to reconnect with their essential nature, reclaiming their joy, well-being, and personal power as a means to navigate challenging circumstances. Through inner awareness, reflection, and practical tools, we guide participants on how to cultivate resilience and safeguard their mental health as Queer people, while fostering strength to face life's difficulties with renewed clarity and peace. If you’re a queer professional or leader feeling the weight of burnout, isolation, or the need to reconnect to your purpose—our wellness experiences are built with you in mind. Find your retreat. 📌 Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram: @ queer.retreats Explore more: www.queertretreats.com Sign up to our newsletter While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter  so you can stay up to date!

Download our new free toolkit to evolve your DEI communications strategy and address common pitfalls. Mounting pressure on DEI is manifesting in new communication challenges, from internal approval blockages to restrictions on global comms. Our new 5-page communications toolkit provides actionable strategies, professionals perspectives and data points to help you overcome common DEI communication challenges. Are you looking to build a more engaged and sustainable workplace? We Create Space is here to help! To enquire about our consulting services, annual membership and event packages, email us at hello@wecreatespace. While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter so you can stay up to date!

Jaron Soh shares what he took away from attending an LGBTQ+ wellness experience by Queer Retreats. Jaron is a Singaporean entrepreneur, creative, and designer with a deep passion for improving LGBTQIA+ mental health and wellbeing. He is the co-founder of Voda, a groundbreaking mental wellness app designed specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community, with input from leading LGBTQIA+ psychotherapists. Jaron is dedicated to creating positive culture change, building inclusive communities, and empowering individuals to take charge of their own mental health and wellbeing. Considering how much Jaron does to support the mental wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community, we were especially thrilled to have him join us for a Queer Retreats event and hear what he took away from the experience! I came to the retreat because I've been craving community a lot recently, especially with the demands of work and the state of LGBTQIA+ rights around the world. I just really wanted a space to recharge and reflect. - Jaron Soh When we enter new spaces and we meet new people, a lot of us are quite apprehensive. We're afraid there could be unkindness, that people could be cliquish. But of course, my experience here has been entirely the opposite. Everyone here has been so kind. I've learned so many new things from the workshops, but also from each other... I've met many new friends for life. - Jaron Soh Jaron shared how he believes that when we focus energy on caring for ourselves, the benefits are carried beyond us as individuals and into our communities. We're less likely to project our traumas, troubles and stresses onto others, instead strengthening our capacity for compassion. There aren't a lot of safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people. Even in spaces where there are a lot of us, we can tend to be quite reactive, because of whatever things we're carrying. The retreat has been a beautiful space to come back to learning new skills to self-regulate... Communal care is so important. We can find so much joy in helping each other through suffering, or being there for someone when they just need their voice to be heard or their story to be told. - Jaron Soh Jaron joined our "Reclaiming Joy" retreat, which invites participants to reconnect with their essential nature, reclaiming their joy, well-being, and personal power as a means to navigate challenging circumstances. Through inner awareness, reflection, and practical tools, we guide participants on how to cultivate resilience and safeguard their mental health as Queer people, while fostering strength to face life's difficulties with renewed clarity and peace. If you’re a queer professional or leader feeling the weight of burnout, isolation, or the need to reconnect to your purpose—our wellness experiences are built with you in mind. Find your retreat. 📌 Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram: @ queer.retreats Explore more: www.queertretreats.com Sign up to our newsletter While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter  so you can stay up to date!

Jon-Paul Vicari and Lady Phyll explore the importance of innovative leadership when community building. At We Create Space, we see the transformative power of community every single day. When it comes to championing inclusion & creating space in which everyone can thrive, we believe community-building isn’t just a solution. It’s the foundation. We were thrilled to invite UK Black Pride to join us for the third edition of Community Building 101. Hosted by WCS Managing Director Jon-Paul Vicari in conversation with Phyll Opoku-Gyimah aka Lady Phyll and Timon Timon from UK Black Pride, this instalment focused on the key pillar of ‘Leadership’ as a fundamental factor in creating impactful & sustainable communities that provide both a sense of belonging & purpose.  Our previous sessions have focused on Inclusion and Wellbeing, with perspectives from the team behind Trans+ History Week and Voda: The LGBTQIA+ Mental Wellbeing App . The objective of Community Building 101 is to provide actionable strategies & tools to promote effective change, collective learning, workplace culture & shared values. It also serves as a talking point for how grassroots principles can be applied in corporate settings and vice versa. We asked our speakers to share their main takeaways from the event: Jon-Paul Vicari Leadership starts with listening, a great leader creates psychological safety for people to provide feedback without fear of reaction.  Be adaptable, each person/community will have different needs and a one size fit all approach can be harmful. You don’t have to carry it all alone, sometimes we shield people from our own emotions or issues. However, stop and consider if you’re protecting people from unnecessary stress or if you’re afraid of being viewed as a burden.  Timon Timon Let us tell our own stories—in our own voice and within our own capacity. We may not look like the “standard” leaders or be the most eloquent speakers. We may have accents, different rhythms, or different styles. But no one can tell our truth. Lead with care. Care and compassion are radical tools for building trust, especially in our communities. Collaboration is a strategy. When we move together, especially with lived experiences, we build something far stronger and more sustainable. Lady Phyll Leadership rooted in community is messy, radical, bold, brave and necessary. Build with care, not control. Sustainability is not just about funding, it’s about values, wellbeing, and collective ownership. Inclusion without justice is performance and window dressing. Create power-sharing structures, not photo ops. If you would like to discuss booking one of these speakers for your own session, please get in touch with us via email at hello@wecreatespace.co While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter  so you can stay up to date!

Disability advocate Roxy Murray shares what Queer Leadership means to them. New for 2025, UNLOCK, powered by We Create Space, is thrilled to introduce 'Queer Leadership 101: Lesson learnt from my journey as an LGBTQ+ change maker’ - Our new online, bite-sized series focusing on change makers and role models creating positive change locally and globally. During each 30 minute session, you'll hear all about our guest speakers' stories as they share more about who they are, what they do & how they show up in the world as a Queer Leader. There will also be an opportunity for questions & discussion. Our guest speaker for July 2025 is Roxy Murray (she/they). Roxy is an internationally recognised advocate for disability rights, adaptive fashion, patient empowerment, and radical inclusivity, living boldly as a pansexual individual with Multiple Sclerosis. A proud member of the BBC 100 Women 2024 and the Disability Power 100 list, Roxy’s impactful work has earned her a place among the world’s leading voices for change. Leveraging her background as a stylist, Roxy empowers disabled and chronically ill individuals to embrace accessible, adaptive fashion with style and confidence. She consults on art direction and styling, while occasionally stepping in front of the camera as a model. Roxy’s voice has resonated across media platforms, with features in Vogue UK, Refinery29, and other major outlets, where she contributes to critical discussions on diversity and inclusion. A sought-after speaker, Roxy shines on topics like neurodiversity, body positivity, sexual health, workplace allyship, and self-empowerment. Her work champions intersectionality, wellbeing, adaptive fashion, and a future where radical inclusivity is the norm! If you are someone who envisions yourself as a Queer Leader now or in the future, this is for you! The sessions aim to empower you with insights, inspiration & practical take-aways centred around our core pillars of community building: Inclusion, Wellbeing & Leadership. We hope you can join us as we come together to shine a spotlight on our Queer Leaders & learn, connect & grow as a community. If you would like to discuss booking one of these speakers for your own session, please get in touch with us via email at hello@wecreatespace.co While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter  so you can stay up to date!

Christopher McDonnell shares his experience attending an LGBTQ+ wellness experience by Queer Retreats. Christopher, a former nurse, made a life-changing decision at the age of 32 to leave his successful career in London and move to Barcelona in 2015. He had no concrete plans except for a deep-seated desire to live an authentic life. He is now the Director of Privacy & Compliance at an international company, where he also spearheads the global Pride Employee Resource Group. As a first-time attendee at a Queer Retreats experience, Chris was kind enough to share his perspective on the retreat. In his words, this was more than just a wellness weekend—it was a space where healing, joy, and community collided. It's my first retreat - but it definitely won't be my last. - Christopher McDonnell "Having spaces like this for Queer folks is so important because you come to this event with a shared understanding of our pain, our suffering, our shame - we don't need to explain that. Being here with people from the community that understand your background, even if they don't know the details of it, puts us all on a level playing field where I don't need to worry about how much of myself should I give or should I hold back. - Christopher McDonnell Chris joined our "Reclaiming Joy" retreat, which invites participants to reconnect with their essential nature, reclaiming their joy, well-being, and personal power as a means to navigate challenging circumstances. Through inner awareness, reflection, and practical tools, we guide participants on how to cultivate resilience and safeguard their mental health as Queer people, while fostering strength to face life's difficulties with renewed clarity and peace. After the retreat, Chris shared with us what he took away from the experience, from the power of not having to explain yourself, to finding belonging without pretence and of finally beginning a journey to reclaim joy and self-trust. I'd never been on a retreat before, and the journey we've been on together as a community has been truly amazing. The community conversations and meditation practices have really driven home the message around where joy comes from and how you can seek it in a world where we're told we're not entitled to or shouldn't have joy. At the end of this incredible retreat, I truly believe it. - Christopher McDonnell If you’re a queer professional or leader feeling the weight of burnout, isolation, or the need to reconnect to your purpose—our wellness experiences are built with you in mind. Find your retreat. 📌 Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram: @ queer.retreats Explore more: www.queertretreats.com Sign up to our newsletter While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter  so you can stay up to date!

Khatoun Abdmasih shares her experience attending an LGBTQ+ wellness experience by Queer Retreats. Khatoun is a queer woman with Syrian roots, who was born in Germany but now calls the city of Barcelona home. She is a certified coach, training expert, moderator and facilitator with a strong focus on DEI. As a first-time attendee at a Queer Retreats experience, Khatoun was kind enough to share her perspective on the retreat — a rich experience where connection, community, good food and exercise come together to help participants recharge and reconnect with joy. There's a mask that I would usually wear, until I see that I am safe enough to pull it off, that I don't feel like I need here. We connect on the same level right from the first day. - Khatoun Abdmasih As a group, each day we are bonding, getting more vulnerable and I feel like the connections that I am taking away and the richness of the group have completely exceed my expectations. - Khatoun Abdmasih Khatoun joined our "Reclaiming Joy" retreat, which invites participants to reconnect with their essential nature, reclaiming their joy, well-being, and personal power as a means to navigate challenging circumstances. Through inner awareness, reflection, and practical tools, we guide participants on how to cultivate resilience and safeguard their mental health as Queer people, while fostering strength to face life's difficulties with renewed clarity and peace. Khatoun shared how the retreat programme has shaped her approach to daily life: I've realised I have much more control over nurturing and bringing out joy than I thought I had. The reframing of what joy means, and what things are 'stealing' my joy, is really something that is very practical for me. I feel like this retreat came at the perfect time and it's going to be very useful to apply what I learned in the way I perceive my life currently, my habits and the way I want to move forward.  - Khatoun Abdmasih It's a space where you don't have worries, where you can recharge your batteries. You can let off your worries and just come as you are. - Khatoun Abdmasih If you’re a queer professional or leader feeling the weight of burnout, isolation, or the need to reconnect to your purpose—our wellness experiences are built with you in mind. Find your retreat. 📌 Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram: @ queer.retreats Explore more: www.queertretreats.com Sign up to our newsletter While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter  so you can stay up to date!

Kevin Hawkins shares what he took away from attending an LGBTQ+ wellness experience by Queer Retreats. Kevin is a UX Research & Product Design leader with 17 years of experience in working on complex social problems, delighting customers, and growing startups. Kevin spends his personal time as a public speaker and mentor for under-represented groups in the tech sector, and is a former Pride organizer. As a gay, Liberian-American that’s lived across the USA, Europe, and Asia, he specializes in building communities and using food to bring people together. As a first-time attendee at a Queer Retreats event, Kevin shared with us his perspective on what he took away from the experience — from perspective shifting techniques to learning to tap into our sources of joy. When we talk about difficult, challenging moments, we talk about 'changing perspective', but maybe we don't have lots of techniques to actually do that. I really liked the metaphors, the usage of both science, western medicine and eastern medicine, so that I have a point of reference for both the left and right side of my brain. - Kevin Hawkins Kevin joined our "Reclaiming Joy" retreat, which invites participants to reconnect with their essential nature, reclaiming their joy, well-being, and personal power as a means to navigate challenging circumstances. Through inner awareness, reflection, and practical tools, we guide participants on how to cultivate resilience and safeguard their mental health as Queer people, while fostering strength to face life's difficulties with renewed clarity and peace. Kevin shared how the retreat programme has shaped his approach to leadership: Leadership doesn't come from calm stability, it comes from the ability to navigate the waves. Dedicating space and time to talk about what comes after the waves, before the waves, and how you can still find joy and lead with kindness is extremely powerful. - Kevin Hawkins If you’re a queer professional or leader feeling the weight of burnout, isolation, or the need to reconnect to your purpose—our wellness experiences are built with you in mind. Find your retreat. 📌 Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram: @ queer.retreats Explore more: www.queertretreats.com Sign up to our newsletter While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter  so you can stay up to date!

Jolinda and Jourdan explore how to tap into our internal wisdom when practicing Queer Leadership. In this powerful and soul-stirring episode of UNLOCK: The Queer Leadership Podcast, Jolinda and Jourdan explore the profound wisdom of leading from within. Together, they unpack: What it means to lead with vulnerability and trust The spiritual and emotional journey of queer identity How embodiment supports real connection and collective healing Balancing authenticity and attachment in leadership A touching reflection on reclaiming childhood self and ancestral power If you've ever questioned what queer leadership really looks like—beyond titles and systems—this conversation is for you. New episodes of UNLOCK drop bi-weekly. Don’t forget to subscribe and share with your community. 📌 Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram: @unlockworld.co Explore more: www.unlockworld.co While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter  so you can stay up to date!

Another edition in our series of stories about Queer migration and the unexpected journeys we follow in search of ourselves, and community. Queer Journeys is a series where we sit down with queer individuals from around the world to explore identity, resilience, and the path to self-acceptance. Each story reveals the personal triumphs and challenges that shape the pursuit of living authentically. In this episode we meet Barry Brandon, also known as The Queer Indigo, an artist and cultural curator who brings queerness to the forefront of everything they do. From creating platforms for queer expression to centering intersectionality in their work, Barry reminds us that queerness is not just identity - it’s liberation. While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletters  so you can stay up to date!

Take a peek into our fabulous Pride Gala at The Social Hub in Barcelona, where we celebrated the our 2025 WCS LGBTQ+ awardees. This year's WCS | LGBTQ+ Awards celebrated over 100 Queer Leaders from around the world - LGBTQ+ change-makers who are using their platforms, profile and roles to drive change, making the world a more inclusive place for all LGBTQ+ people. Our Hosts Barry Brandon (any pronouns) Kari Serrano (she/her) Our Performers Live Music | Barcelona Rainbow Singers | Sergio Del Boccio (he/him) with Fer Valdivia (he/him) DJ | Jay Jay Revlon (he/she/they) Performance | Jourdan McDaniel and Sucre Laveaux We'd like to extend a special thanks to The Social Hub for their support and allowing us to use their space in Barcelona for this event, as well as to our sponsors VistaPrint, RuMU Beauty and Glamazon Spain. Learn more about the 2025 WCS LGBTQ+ Award Winners. Photos by Emi Del Piccolo While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter so you can stay up to date!

Discover how Queer Leaders can harness Web3 and emerging technologies to amplify their impact. Step into the future of queer leadership in this powerful masterclass from UNLOCK together with innovations researcher Alexander Aleksashev-Arno. Explore how Web3, decentralization, and emerging tech can amplify authenticity, creativity, and impact for LGBTQ+ professionals, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. 🌐 Discover real-world applications of blockchain ✨ Take a guided tour of our metaverse quest 🎓 Access a free Web3 course tailored for beginners 🛠 Learn how to align innovation with inclusion If you would like to discuss booking one of these speakers for your own session, please get in touch with us via email at hello@wecreatespace.co While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter  so you can stay up to date!

Ready to invest in community building leaders? Here are some of our favourite training programmes to get you started. At We Create Space, we see the transformative power of community every single day. Because real change—cultural, personal, organizational—doesn’t happen in isolation. For organisations striving to build a more inclusive, engaged, and thriving workplace, we believe community-building isn’t just a solution. It’s the foundation. The art and science of community-building is key to shaping culture, driving inclusion, increasing engagement and sustaining wellbeing.  In our recent guide Community Building 101: Our Top 30 Considerations , we identified Leadership as one of three key pillars supporting community building. Think of the considerations as skills to be learned, honed, and practiced and these are our top 10 most common programmes to upskill employees. All of our events, training programmes and   corporate solutions  are fully bespoke, delivered by   our global team  of experts, and tailored to the needs of   our clients . Don't be afraid to get in touch if you're looking for something not on this list! Make sure to also check out our 'Community Building 101’ events, which explore key factors for successful community development. Each session will provide actionable strategies & tools to promote effective change, collective learning, workplace culture & shared values. We will also discuss how grassroots principles can be applied in corporate settings, through three key pillars: Inclusion, Wellbeing, & Leadership. Register for our upcoming WCS Community Building 101: 'Leadership' event with UK Black Pride on 17th July. 1. My Authentic Self  Authentic leaders build trust by being transparent about their values and lived experiences. How can we be vulnerable with ourselves and others if we don’t have psychological safety embedded in our communities? We must look introspectively at how our values shape our behaviours and decide if that is the person we are and want to be. Leadership guided by authentic values and practices create space for inclusion and wellbeing to thrive. 2. Leading with Vision and Purpose   Only when we dare to show up more authentically can we truly begin to craft our vision to purposeful living. A shared vision unites a community and provides motivation for members to engage. Effective leaders cultivate this vision by actively engaging with the community, listening to diverse perspectives, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to participate. 3. Influencing with Storytelling Stories are the way we see ourselves and can carry powerful messages that affect how we show up in the world. Leaders  should use storytelling in meetings, presentations, and mentorship to humanize their approach and inspire teams. Storytelling is also about challenging ‘the norm’ by influencing with integrity and our authentic voice. When we harness our personal, professional, and community narratives positively our ability to lead becomes more considered and effective.  4. Understanding Power & Privilege The best leaders acknowledge systemic inequities and work to dismantle them within their community. This can be modeled by using our power and privilege to uplift others and practice allyship. It can also look like relinquishing power in situations to better balance the dynamics of the workplace. When we become more conscious of our intersectional identities and proximity to power, we lead with empathy. 5. Becoming A Mentor Mentorship is a critical role in leadership development by providing guidance, support, and knowledge transfer from experienced individuals to emerging leaders. In this relationship, both the mentor and mentee should be benefiting in different capacities. It fosters community building by creating networks of trust and collaboration, enabling individuals to share experiences and resources. For marginalized groups, mentorship helps bridge gaps in access to opportunities, promotes inclusivity, and empowers individuals to overcome limiting self beliefs and systemic barriers. 6. Leadership Legacy Planning Leaving a legacy requires vision and purpose alongside a community who wants to leave this world better than they found it. Leadership succession, as part of our legacy planning, should prioritize continuity, community values, ongoing education, and mentorship opportunities. Developing inclusive succession plans that incorporate holistic health practices for the individual, business, and community, build a strong pipeline of leaders.  7. Empathetic Leadership   Empathetic leaders are needed to recognize and respond to the needs of their team members and communities. When developing empathetic leadership skills, an approach that incorporates interactive exercises, group discussions, and real-world scenarios helps build emotional intelligence. Empathy can then be given and received to cultivate an inclusive environment that fosters trust and collaboration. 8. Brave Space & Active Listening Active and intentional communication allows us to remove the mental picture, and connect again with the person in front of us. So much so, that when people are fully present with each other, listening intentionally and with focus, the frequency of their brain waves starts matching each other. That’s where a feeling of having deeply connected with someone, beyond words, comes from. We can then have more open and courageous conversations where people can share ideas, feedback, or concerns without fear of retaliation. 9. Building Resilience  Resilience looks different to every person, leader, and community. Identifying our personal strengths and coping mechanisms, helps us build strategies to cultivate a positive mindset in the face of adversity. When we have a personalized resilience toolkit that empowers us to face life's challenges with confidence and perseverance, it enhances overall well-being, supports navigating change, and improves performance. 10. Becoming a Visible Role Model People want to see themselves represented in their communities and workplace. It begs the question: how can we celebrate diverse leaders through internal communication and public-facing platforms to reinforce representation? Developing a process to recognise leaders, their intersectional identities, and their inspirational stories allows us to bring a human centred approach to creating visible role models. To compete for the best global talent, any organisation will need to embrace inclusive leadership and create pathways for leaders to become role models internally and externally. Register for our upcoming WCS Community Building 101: 'Leadership' event with UK Black Pride on X While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter so you can stay up to date!

The global fight to end LGBTQ+ discrimination is far from over. Learn how We Create Space is  improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the globe. V ideo by Stefan Chavarriaga / Swami Pro & For All Humans As the rights of LGBTQ+ people across the world increasingly come under attack, the need for vocal Queer leadership to end LGBTQ+ discrimination has never been greater. We must urgently examine and respond to the ways that societal and media narratives are challenging our notions of intra-community care and allyship.   In recognition of our 5th birthday , we wanted to share a message, reflecting on our achievements and reinforcing the relevancy of our mission: creating a world that is accessible, inclusive and safe for LGBTQ+ people  and other under-represented or marginalised identities to heal, develop and grow.   "Community has been such a key element on my own healing journey - and I believe it to be fundamental to healing on a personal level and societal level." Michael Stephens , Founder and CEO of We Create Space We continue to connect thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies with tools, knowledge  and a support network to encourage their personal growth. We're proud that in the last five years... - Our global community and learning platform has acquired over 35,000+ members. - Through our consultive work  we service 180+ corporate clients and have trained over 100,000 employees on topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. - Our speaker collective  is constantly growing, with over 300 members representing intersectional identities and experiences across the globe. - Since 2020  we've invested £1m+ back into the LGBTQ+ community  through paid work opportunities alone. Join us as we build a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable Queer Future . While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletters  so you can stay up to date!

Check out these photos of our glamourous pink carpet guests at the 2025 WCS LGBTQ+ Awards at The Social Hub in Barcelona. This year's  WCS | LGBTQ+ Awards   celebrated Queer Leaders around the world - LGBTQ+ change-makers who are using their platforms, profile and roles to drive change, making the world a more inclusive place for all LGBTQ+ people. We were thrilled to be joined by so many of our amazing awardees at this year's ceremony and Pride Gala in Barcelona! From our award winners and their loved ones to local friends of We Create Space , everyone was dressed to impress and ready to celebrate Queer excellence! We'd like to extend a special thanks to The Social Hub for their allowing us to use their space in Barcelona for this event, and to Vistaprint for partnering with us on printed merchandise and printing our beautiful pink carpet backdrop! Photos by David S. Cardona While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter so you can stay up to date!

We brought our 2025 awardees together for an intimate evening to connect, network and inspire each other at Soho House in Barcelona. This year's  WCS | LGBTQ+ Awards   celebrated Queer Leaders around the world - LGBTQ+ change-makers who are using their platforms, profile and roles to drive change, making the world a more inclusive place for all LGBTQ+ people. On the eve of our Pride Gala and awards ceremony, we invited our 2025 awardees for an intimate evening gathering to socialise and celebrate their achievements together. With awardees working across DEI, community activism, policy change, the arts and many more industries, this was a powerful moment to bring together LGBTQ+ Leaders from across the globe and support them in their individual and collective missions to better the world for LGBTQ+ people. We'd like to extend a special thanks to Soho House for collaborating with us and providing the space for this event. We'd also like to thank VistaPrint and RuMU Beauty for sponsoring our gift bags and to Glamazon Spain for their support. Learn more about the 2025 WCS LGBTQ+ Awardees. Photos by Emiliano Del Piccolo While you're here... Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here . We also organise FREE community events throughout the year! We offer a variety of ways to get involved - both online and in person. This is a great way to network and learn more about others' experiences, through in-depth discussion on an array of topics. You can find out what events we have coming up here . New ones are added all the time, so make sure you sign up to our newsletter so you can stay up to date!