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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!

Scott and Piotr discuss how Queer Leadership is shaped by authenticity, soul and community. In this soulful episode, Scott Sallée and Piotr Ciepiel explore how leadership rooted in authenticity, breath, community, and presence is reshaping the future. From navigating burnout and body image to practicing mindfulness and vulnerability, they share tools, stories, and insights that speak directly to queer leaders carving their own path. Together, Scott and Piotr discuss how queer leadership isn’t about knowing the way, it’s about sharing the load, creating space for feeling, and becoming safe within ourselves so others can do the same. ✨ Expect vulnerability. Somatic practices. Permission to rest. This episode is an invitation back to your own breath, body, and belonging. 📌 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!

This year's  WCS LGBTQ+ Awards   are celebrating 100+ 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 Honorary Award recognises the lifetime achievements of a truly trailblazing LGBTQ+ individual who exemplifies the meaning of Queer Leadership. Honorary Award | Our 2025 Awardee: Lady Phyll . Other Award Categories: Community & Grassroots Activism Media & Creative Influence Policy & Advocacy Impact Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Sustainability & Innovation Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30) Honorary Award Lady Phyll. (she/her) Honorary Award Phyll Opoku-Gyimah is the nucleus of the award-winning celebration and protest that is UK Black Pride. Widely known as Lady Phyll – partly due to her decision to reject an MBE in the New Year’s Honours' list to protest Britain’s role in formulating anti-LGBTQI+ penal codes across its empire – she was also the executive director of Kaleidoscope Trust, an organisation working to uphold the human rights of LGBTQI+ people around the world; a community builder and organiser; an Albert Kennedy Trust patron, and a public speaker focusing on race, gender, sexuality and class. With an honorary doctorate recognising her exceptional contributions, Lady Phyll's over two decades of dedication to human rights advocacy have left an indelible mark. She's regularly called upon to advise nascent LGBTQI+ organisations around the world to help leaders create cogent organising strategies, establish robust partnership networks and work effectively in service of the LGBTQI+ community and inspire all who strive for equality and justice. 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 100+ 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 Emerging Queer Leader Award spotlights young leaders who are under 30yrs old impacting their communities, assessing leadership qualities, community impact, volunteering and giving back, and generally their potential for future influence. Emerging Queer Leader | Our 2025 Awardees: Coda Nicolaeff , Fatal Flash & Lias Mauersberger . Other Award Categories: Community & Grassroots Activism Media & Creative Influence Policy & Advocacy Impact Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Sustainability & Innovation Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30) Honorary Award Coda Nicolaeff. (she/her) Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30) Coda Nicolaeff is a dynamic culture strategist and creative leader. She creates inclusive spaces across corporate and creative environments, delivering transformational initiatives for FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies. Coda is also the co-founder of TRANS VOICES, the UK’s first professional music collective for marginalised genders. Under her leadership, the collective has launched a Guardian-backed documentary, led an award-winning digital campaign with Olly Alexander, premiered an immersive sound installation at the Barbican Centre, and curated a SXSW London music showcase. Coda’s practice blends strategy and storytelling, lived experience and systems thinking — reimagining leadership and visibility through a distinctly queer lens. Fatal Flash. (she/he) Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30) Fatal Flash is a queer artist, activist, and human rights defender. As a refugee and founder of LGBT life e.V., she creates safe spaces for LGBTQI+ refugees in Germany, combining community care with fierce visibility. Her work bridges art and advocacy: through drag, music, and performance, she reclaims power and challenge systems of oppression. Since fleeing persecution in 2019, she has transformed trauma into political action. Fatal Flash campaign for intersectional justice, fight for inclusive asylum policies, and speak out against discrimination and state violence. Her leadership is rooted in lived experience and radical empathy — leading not from above, but from within the community. She believes being a queer leader means defending the rights of the most marginalised, refusing silence, and creating a future where queerness is not only protected, but celebrated. Lias Mauersberger. (they/them) Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30) Lias is a white, non-binary, queer, and neurodivergent healing facilitator. They root their therapeutic practice in anti-colonial, anti-capitalist, and radical mental health perspectives, encouraging people to depathologize their struggles while affirming the systemic and structural aspects of them. Their focus areas include trauma, relationships & attachment, consensual non-monogamy, queerness, and neurodivergence. Their heart is drawn to nature and all kinds of creatures, and they love understanding, exploring, and practising ways in which people can heal through therapy, resistance, and community. 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!