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Recognising Queer Leaders serving their communities. 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. This might be 'creating space' for others in their workplace, community or on a wider scale nationally or globally. Our 2025 Award Categories: Community & Grassroots Activism Media & Creative Influence Policy & Advocacy Impact Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Sustainability & Innovation Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30) Our 2025 Awardees: This year, we're celebrating 101 LGBTQ+ individuals and 5 LGBTQ+ organisations whose bold contributions are shaping a more inclusive and equitable world. Representing 21 countries across 5 continents , our 2025 awardees reflect the truly global spirit of queer leadership today — from community organisers and artists to innovators, educators, and change-makers. Their work is powerful proof that queer excellence knows no borders. Below, you'll discover all of our esteemed awardees - each recognised for their exceptional impact, courageous vision, and dedication to uplifting others. Together, they represent a rich tapestry of stories, talents, and achievements that move us closer to a world where LGBTQ+ people are not only seen, but celebrated. We’re honoured to share their journeys with you. Grassroots Community Activism: Adam Holcroft-Tebbutt , Alberto Antón Benítez , Alfredo Carpineti , Andromeda ,   awo dufie föfie , Barcelona Rainbow Singers , Carlos Rubio , Char Bailey , Chloe Cousins , Chris Sheridan , Colette Farrugia Bennett , Damiana Ventura , Dino Suhonic , Ed Bell , Elin McCready , Helmut De Nardi , Jaron Soh , Jude Guaitamacchi , Karla Revilla , Khourtney Otieno , Kim Middleton , Les Girls Barcelona , Leyla Helvaci , Marta Musić , Matthew Fuller , Neil Hudson-Basing , Paula Harrowing , Polly Shute , Richard Mitchell , Sandra Ljubinkovic , Shawn Aaron , Spencer Cooper , The Common Press  and Toni-Ann Murphy . Media & Creative Influence: Abi Fellows , Adam Jacques , Beeillustrates , 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 . Policy & Advocacy Impact: Claudia Fauzia , Dee Whitnell , Eva Echo , Harish Iyer , Heather Paterson , Hugh O’Keeffe , Jade Fraser , Pius Kennedy , Rico Jacob Chace , Saskhia Menendez , and Tatiana Buelvas Baldiris . Corporate & Workplace Inclusion: Adrien Semail , Allies & Rainbows , Barbara Platier , Cecile Deprez , Char Erskine , Chloë Davies , Daniel Cancela , Gonzalo Parra , Ivan Dimov , Jack López , Jacqui Rhule-Dagher , JD Valladares-Williams , Joanna Thompson, Ph.D. , Lilia Koss , Lisa Cowling , Magda Stega , Piotr Ciepiel , Raga D’Silva , Ren Cavan , Safir Boukhalfa , Sam Fresa , Sasha Ekhilevskiy , SC Nealy , Sebastián Dalla Ba' , Tash Koster-Thomas , and Tolu Osinubi . Sustainability & Innovation: Colin Belcourt ,  Flavia Sales ,  Jens , Kimberley Malone Crossley , Boe La , Manuel Schlothauer , and Tadhg Mac Mahon . Emerging Queer Leader: Coda Nicolaeff , Fatal Flash  & Lias Mauersberger . Our 2025 Awards Committee: This year’s awards wouldn’t have been possible without the help of this team of amazing, passionate individuals. A huge thank you to Teresa Lee , Christopher McDonnell , Sanjukta Moorthy , Nancy Di Dia , Cindy Nehme , Taylor Lianne Chandler , Ashtar Alahmad , Betsy Reed , Kevin Hawkins , and Jolinda Johnson for sharing their time and energy to help us review this year’s nominees. Award winners and community members are invited to an evening of celebration and entertainment at our LGBTQ+ Awards & Pride Gala  held in Barcelona. 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 Grassroots and Community Activism Award celebrates the achievements of individuals or groups who significantly impact LGBTQ+ rights and community wellbeing through grassroots organizing and community initiatives. Grassroots Community Activism | Our 2025 Awardees: Adam Holcroft-Tebbutt , Alberto Antón Benítez , Alfredo Carpineti , Andromeda , awo dufie föfie , Barcelona Rainbow Singers , Carlos Rubio , Char Bailey , Chloe Cousins , Chris Sheridan , Colette Farrugia Bennett , Damiana Ventura , Dino Suhonic , Ed Bell , Elin McCready , Helmut De Nardi , Jaron Soh , Jude Guaitamacchi , Karla Revilla , Khourtney Otieno , Kim Middleton , Les Girls Barcelona , Leyla Helvaci , Marta Musić , Matthew Fuller , Neil Hudson-Basing , Paula Harrowing , Polly Shute , Richard Mitchell , Sandra Ljubinkovic , Shawn Aaron , Spencer Cooper , The Common Press and Toni-Ann Murphy . Other Award Categories: Community & Grassroots Activism Media & Creative Influence Policy & Advocacy Impact Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Sustainability & Innovation Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30) Adam Holcroft-Tebbutt. (he/him) Community & Grassroots Activism Adam is the founder of Rainbow & Co, a queer-led business that fuses visibility, advocacy, and community care. As an autistic trans man, Adam leads from lived experience, using his platform to challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and create safer, more inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ people. His work spans grassroots support, inclusive product design, and public education, with projects like Cultural Pioneers and collaborations with Wave of Nostalgia offering support for under-represented identities. Adam doesn’t just create space; he shares it, empowering others through mentorship, resources, and visibility. He embodies queer leadership by listening deeply, responding authentically, and holding space for joy, resilience, and change. Through Rainbow & Co, Adam proves that business can be a radical tool for representation, empowerment, and systemic impact. Alberto Antón Benítez. (any pronouns) Community & Grassroots Activism Alberto is an advertising professional and volunteer dedicating his time over the last few years to a wide range of LGBTQ+ initiatives and efforts in Barcelona. Alberto is driven by the idea that the happiness and growth of the community is rooted in the establishment of a solid and healthy social fabric. Dr Alfredo Carpineti. (he/him) Community & Grassroots Activism Dr Alfredo is a queer Italian astrophysicist, science journalist, and social activist. He is the Senior Staff Writer & Space Correspondent for IFLScience where he has worked for 8 years, writing over 5,000 articles that millions have read. He's writing his debut book called Invisible Rainbows, coming out in March 2026. He is the chair and founder of Pride in STEM, an award-nominated British charity dedicated to supporting and showcasing LGBTQIA+ people in science, technology, engineering, and maths. Pride in STEM and other sibling organisations launched and continue to promote LGBTQ+STEM Day, the international day for LGBTQIA+ people in STEM, happening globally on November 18. For this work, Alfredo was recognised as one of the 101 global LGBTQ trailblazers by Attitude Magazine. Andromeda. (she/her) Community & Grassroots Activism Andromeda is an international drag artist and performer based in Tokyo, Japan. She was born in Mexico, raised in Canada and has been in Japan since 2015. Her art draws from performance art, Nihon Buyo, Hip-Hop, and Disco, merging the line between audience and performer. She is also one of the founders of IWAKAN magazine, Japan’s largest gender dedicated print magazine and its following iteration as a collective names Moto IWAKAN. She is a podcast host as well, hosting the shows Motto IWAKAN! and Tokyo Trans Story. awo dufie föfie. (she/they) Community & Grassroots Activism awo is an intersex and transgender woman indigenous to the Akan community in Ghana, West Africa. Her work explores the intersection of queerness and decolonization through the everyday. She explores the past, present and future of queerness and non-heteronormative people who live and love in Ghana and West Africa. Amidst a culture of equating queerness to abuse, pathology, and even a western import, what does the everyday life and experiences of actual queer people look like? awo's work explores and reimagines a decolonized queer future where gender and sexual minorities do not exist. She has worked as a decolonial resource mobiliser, political and queer activist, writer, and researcher in Ghana and around the world. Her writings and reflections have been published by AfricanFeminism, ReportOut, W’ahu, We Create Space, among others. Similarly, she has also consulted and worked with organisations on issues of decolonisation, resource mobilisation, and campaign designs. She is currently preparing to begin her PhD studies in sociocultural studies. Barcelona Rainbow Singers | Jerry Salinas, Xavier Carol, Laura Morano & Mario Palomino NGO Community & Grassroots Activism Barcelona Rainbow Singers are a choral group of singers of different ages, origins and sex-affective choices that form an independent and inclusive association. They are open to those who love music and want to sing in an atmosphere of joy, respect and companionship. Through music they seek to make diversity visible and help build a society where no one is belittled or discriminated against for being what they are. Carlos Rubio (he/him) Community & Grassroots Activism Carlos is a psychotherapist and sexologist based in Barcelona, dedicated to supporting gay men in exploring their identities, desires, and emotional worlds. With a deeply human and body-centered approach, he creates spaces of safety, connection, and presence, where intimacy can be experienced without shame or judgment. His work focuses on sober sexuality, chemsex recovery, and the rebuilding of intimacy after trauma, stigma, or disconnection. Carlos offers both individual therapy and group experiences that invite participants to reconnect with their bodies and emotions, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within the queer community. Through his platform Espacio Faro, he shares reflections, resources, and workshops that center queer pleasure, tenderness, and vulnerability. He believes healing happens not in isolation, but in relationship — with ourselves, our desires, and one another. Char Bailey. (she/her) Community & Grassroots Activism Char is a qualified NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner) and Personal Performance Coach. Mental health and Autism advocacy play a huge role in what she does, facilitating workshops focusing on self-awareness, stress-management, confidence and resilience. She loves showing people how powerful they are. Char is also Education and Inclusion officer for the biggest global movement for queer people of colour UK Black Pride  and Director of people and culture for Birmingham Pride . Her apple award winning podcast is called Qmmunity . Chloe Cousins. (she/her) Community & Grassroots Activism Chloe is a youth worker and community organiser based in Manchester. Chloe is the Strategic Lead for Rainbow Noir, a volunteer led social, peer support and community action group for LGBTQI people of colour. The group celebrates it's 12th year this year! Chloe is also a Co-founder and former Director at Colours Youth Network; a national organisation that supported QTIPOC youth and youth workers that ran from 2016-2024, bringing together young people and youth workers from across the UK to access affirming, creative and supportive spaces. Chloe has worked for over a decade in people work - working with young people in schools, colleges, youth groups and with communities across a range of settings including at Manchester Museum where she is now based in the role of Social Justice Manager, a role that ensures that practice, programmed and policy are all underpinned by justice, solidarity and care. Chloe is passionate about creating spaces for people to find connections, inner love and joy. Chris Sheridan. (they/them) Community & Grassroots Activism Chris is a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, clinical sexologist, and DEI consultant. Originally from Dublin and now based in Glasgow, Chris is the Founder and Managing Director of The Queer Therapist, a UK-wide online therapy service specialising in gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity (GSRD) and neurodivergent-affirming care. They also serve as Lead Psychotherapist at Voda, the LGBTQIA+ mental wellbeing app, where they help make affirming mental health support more accessible across digital platforms. With a practice grounded in relational, decolonised, anti-pathologising approaches, Chris is passionate about challenging the historical stigma that queer and neurodivergent people have faced within psychology, talking therapies and sex therapy. Their work is driven by a commitment to creating therapeutic spaces, whether in the consulting room or through digital innovation, that honour complexity, dismantle binary thinking, and centre lived experience. Colette Farrugia Bennett. (she/they) Community & Grassroots Activism Colette is an activist for LGBTIQ rights and values diversity and social integration. She is the co-chair of the Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement and is also part of the LGBTI Consultative Council which is an advisory committee to the government. She is the co-founder of MGRM’s Rainbow Support Service, which she is currently coordinating and providing support to the LGBTIQ persons in the process of self-identification, dealing with internalised homo-, bi-, trans- and inter-phobia, accessing services, and supporting gender and sexual diversity clients and their families in the process of coming out. Colette has a Masters Degree in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice, as well as a Masters Degree and Bachelor Degree in Social Work from the University of Malta. She has specialised in the therapeutic empowerment and affirmation of diverse gender and sexual identities within the context of individual, couple and family therapy. Damiana Ventura. (she/her) Community & Grassroots Activism Damiana is a Bachelor’s degree student of Mass Communications with over 7 years' experience in the Technology, Tourism and Cultural sectors. In November 2018, she created Rio Queer, a tourism agency in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to better welcome the LGBTQ+ community. With Rio Queer, she has achieved the Sustainable Enterprise seal offered by Shell plc, and the endorsement of the UK-Brazil Tech Hub. For 6 years she has been managing The L Culture, a virtual community with plus 8k members that brings together women and non-binary people from all over the world, where they can share their stories, experiences and a safe space. An advocate for the democratization of the Arts and Culture, she has also been a dance teacher in a social project at a public school in her hometown. Damiana believes that education and compassion are the keys to liberating all generations. Dino Suhonic. (he/him) Community & Grassroots Activism Dino is a queer Muslim activist, scholar, and bridge-builder, working at the intersection of faith, identity, and justice. He is the founder and director of Maruf, a queer Muslim platform focused on community building, leadership, and healing through intersectional, feminist, and decolonial approaches. Originally from Bosnia, and he currently lives in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Ed Bell. (he/him) Community & Grassroots Activism Ed is a musician, writer and queer relationship coach. He works with gay and bi men to help them build more meaningful relationships, find community, and live more fulfilling lives. His speciality is helping queer men overcome the blocks and barriers that stop them connecting more deeply with others. Ed is the founder of Better Gay Dating and under the pen name Max Thomas, the author of the popular self-help guide Boys Who Like Boys. Before becoming a coach, Ed was a full-time musician where he worked on projects at Arizona Theater Company, the Soho Theatre, and with the BBC Singers. He also edited music for ITV’s gay sitcom Vicious and once got to accompany Ian McKellen at the piano while he sang ‘I Am What I Am’ at a pride party in New York. Elin McCready. (she/her) Community & Grassroots Activism Elin McCready is Research Professor at ICREA and UAB. Her academic interests are in linguistics, philosophy, environmental humanities, and experimental literature; her current research is on social meaning, including hate speech, political dogwhistles, and gendered language, and on other topics involving language such as conceptual literature, spellcasting, and embodiment. She is an organizer of the club event WAIFU and the book collective NEON (both Tokyo-based), and a member of the art collective MOM. She does activism around LGBT rights and family issues and is now in a lawsuit against the Japanese government about trans rights and same-sex marriage. Helmut De Nardi. (they/he) Community & Grassroots Activism Helmut is a proud Italian queer and trans human leading impactful action research and advocacy. They are a disabled immigrant living in the United Kingdom, but this is just the current stage of their activities. Over the last 15 years, as a grassroots academic, educator and mentor, they have reshaped the educational landscape across Europe, Australia and South Asia by prioritizing people-led narratives over institutional dominance. As an activist and community champion, they have designed and implemented ambitious but effective migrant and refugee empowerment projects seen through a spatial justice lens. They have dedicated their life to co-producing workable initiatives for a fairer society and more profound cultural inclusion for queer migrants and global majority trans people, and they will continue to do so as long as they live and breathe. Jaron Soh. (he/him) Community & Grassroots Activism Jaron is co-founder and CEO of Voda, the award-winning mental health app designed by leading LGBTQIA+ psychologists. Voda offers blends clinical expertise with lived experience insights, offering discreet, evidence-based support for LGBTQIA+ challenges such as coming out, gender dysphoria, hate speech and stigma. Since its launch, Voda has supported over 36,000 users globally, was named “App of the Day” in 35+ countries, and was recognised as a “Rising Star” at the UK National Startup Awards in 2024. Jude Guaitamacchi. (they/them) Community & Grassroots Activism Jude is a trans and non-binary speaker, award-winning campaigner, and founder of the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance. They have made history through their projects and initiatives, including chairing the first all-trans expert panel in UK Parliament and leading the #TransYouthAreLoved campaign, the largest celebrity-endorsed trans solidarity movement—featuring stars such as Emma Bunton, David Tennant, Elliot Page, and Dannii Minogue. With over 12 years’ experience, Jude has delivered talks and workshops on mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and gender diversity to leading brands, businesses, schools, and universities across 74 countries. They are dedicated to driving social change through activism, education, and visibility and are passionate about inspiring the next generation to find strength in vulnerability, empower themselves, and celebrate who they truly are. Karla Revilla. (she/her) Community & Grassroots Activism Karla is a queer Mexican entrepreneur, Chief Innovation Officer and co-creator of UNLOCK Summit, a pioneering platform uplifting women and LGBTQ+ voices across Latin America. Rooted in conscious leadership and digital innovation, her work bridges Web3, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Through UNLOCK, Karla creates transformative spaces that center female empowerment, equity, and connection—amplifying those traditionally excluded from tech and business ecosystems while shaping a more inclusive future for all. Khourtney Otieno. (she/her) Community & Grassroots Activism Khourtney began doing advocacy work in July 2016 as a Community Peer Educator. As a trans person living with HIV for the last 13 years, her work has concentrated on improving healthcare standards and services for transgender persons living in Western Kenya, shining light on the inequalities, stigma, discrimination and violence facing trans people and making them vulnerable to HIV. Khourtney creates supportive environment for Peer to Peer support groups, establishing community practices amongst trans persons living with HIV. Kim Middleton. (she/her) Community & Grassroots Activism Kim is the Co-Organiser and Social Director of International Lesbians Barcelona, a community group and NGO that facilitates social and cultural events for LBTQ+ individuals. Passionate about inclusion and connection, Kim creates a diverse array of welcoming spaces that unite her community across cultures, languages, and identities. Since 2023, her leadership has sparked a surge in participation and engagement, creating a supportive home-away-from-home for queer people in Barcelona. Drawing from her roots in queer student activism, Kim’s mission remains clear: to build joyful, accessible spaces where LBTQ+ folk can connect, thrive, and celebrate their uniqueness. Les Girls Barcelona | Sofía Martínez López & Romana Russello. NGO Community & Grassroots Activism LesGirls is an organisation dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space for LBTQ+ (Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and more) women in Barcelona. Their goal is to promote community, diversity, and inclusion through a variety of cultural, festive, and sporting activities. Leyla Helvaci. (she/they) Community & Grassroots Activism Leyla is based in South Wales and works as Participation Lead at Consortium, an infrastructure organisation that supports LGBT+ groups across the UK. With a background in community engagement and project planning, Leyla supports grassroots and LGBT+ organisations to access funding, collaborate, and grow sustainably. She focuses on making sure funding decisions are shaped by the communities that the funded supports, and that wrap around assistance is offered before, during and after applications. Leyla is proud to work alongside brilliant facilitators and participants on Community Compass, a leadership pilot that looks at what leadership could be for intersectional LGBT+ people. The programme centres celebration, connection, and shared learning- shaped by everyone involved. Leyla doesn’t see leadership as something to do alone, but as something built together with the community around them. Marta Musić. (they/them) Community & Grassroots Activism Dr. Marta is a queer, decolonial, transfeminist activist-researcher from the former Yugoslavia, living in Barcelona since 2018. They're a transnational movement organizer, a feminist economist and a weaver of systemic alternatives. They work at AWID, a global feminist movement support organization, as the Lead of the Building Feminist Economies team dedicated to challenging corporate power and amplifying feminist economic alternatives. They are the co-founder and member of the Global Tapestry of Alternatives, a global process that seeks to identify, document and connect systemic alternatives around the world. They also sit on the advisory committee of Noor (a global feminist network dedicated to fighting fascisms and fundamentalisms). At a local/national level, they are engaged in anti-racist, transfeminist, queer, migrant organizing in various capacities. Finally, they also carry out research and regularly teach on decolonial feminisms and systemic alternatives. Matthew C T Fuller. (he/him) Community & Grassroots Activism Matthew is a Change & Accountability Coach, queer community advocate, and award-winning grassroots activist based in London. He supports individuals navigating addiction, recovery, and personal transformation—especially within LGBTQIA+ communities—through coaching, keyworking, and storytelling. Matthew volunteers with Switchboard, Antidote, and Controlling Chemsex, where his compassion and lived experience shape everything from frontline care to community strategy. An ICF-accredited coach, facilitator, and speaker, he’s delivered sessions for major media companies, universities, and international coaching summits, always centering humanity, growth, and justice. His work bridges emotional wellbeing with equity, helping people lead themselves and others with integrity and care. Matthew has lived in several countries and speaks four languages, a passion that deepens his global perspective. He also uses fitness to reconnect with his body and stay grounded. He believes leadership is about consistency, courage, and care—and that making noise about progress isn’t boasting, it’s necessary. Neil Hudson-Basing. (he/him) Community & Grassroots Activism Neil is an experienced & dynamic Events & Community Director, project manager and freelance emcee, moderator & public speaker. His style and approach boasts a diverse way of thinking, an inclusive mentality and warmth in abundance. With a touch of chaos & disruption when it's needed. Neil is super passionate about inclusion & belonging - embedding these into everything he does. Particularly when it comes to creating meaningful & valuable experiences and moments for people to feel celebrated & seen. He’s the Co-Founder of The House of Happiness, London’s Ultimate Sober Clubbing Extravaganza, and the host & producer of his own podcast ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ which deep dives into the origin stories of inclusion heroes. Blending his professional industry experience, his talent for storytelling & creating engaging content with his passion for amplifying the voices & stories of others, Neil shows up. He’s community focused, human centred & committed to making a difference, including being a massive advocate for volunteering which he feels has enriched his life. He can always be found running, at the gym or on a dance-floor. Paula Harrowing. (she/her) Community & Grassroots Activism Paula spent over 15 years working within the HIV sector, co-founding the support agency Body & Soul in 1994 for those who were unable to access appropriate healthcare, with a mission to raise awareness of those affected by HIV/AIDS. Partnering with big names like The Body Shop, MTV, Children In Need, and Comic Relief, she helped catapult HIV discussions into the mainstream. Paula's initiation into the HIV/AIDS crisis unfolded amidst the vibrant LGBTQ+ club scene of the early '90s. There, she watched many friends disappear from the Soho LGTBQ+ scene, creating an uneasy silence in Clubland. Her club nights drew diverse queer women, with inclusive flyers and advertising. They featured events like Sister Friction at Hanover Square, Cruella at WKD Bar, The Fruit Machine at Heaven, Queer Nation, Girl Bar and others at various venues such as YMCA and Covent Garden. As a club promoter, she built strong bonds within the queer community and worked amongst the unsung heroics of lesbians supporting their gay male friends. This crucial tale, she believes, is often side-lined in stories like TVs It's A Sin, highlighting a streak of misogyny in the LGBTQ+ world. Polly Shute. (she/her) Community & Grassroots Activism Polly Shute has been working and volunteering in the LGBTQ+ community for the last decade. After leaving the board in Pride in London, frustrated at the lack of focus queer and non-binary women get, she started to develop events for them. She now runs the largest festival in the UK for this audience, Out & Wild. She is now growing spin offs from Out & Wild's focus on wellbeing, including Pride Swims and a new venture in London, Pride in Wellness. Polly is also co-founder of OUTspoken, a CIC that platforms and supports the visibility of women and non-binary people. Outside her queer work, she is a charity leader and interims and consults for not profits. Richard Mitchell (Lady Red Velvet). (he/him) Community & Grassroots Activism Lady Red Velvet, the alter ego of British-born educator Richard Mitchell, is a celebrated drag artist and community activist based in Barcelona. By day, Richard teaches art and drama; by night, he transforms into Lady Red Velvet, dazzling audiences with a vibrant mix of comedy, musical theatre, and audience interaction. Known for her "Off, off Broadway" flair, Lady Red Velvet is a fixture at beloved venues like La Federica and Candy Darling, and a cherished figure in Barcelona’s queer community. Beyond the spotlight, Lady Red Velvet is deeply committed to social justice. She has raised over €25,000 for more than 35 charities, championing causes from LGBTQ+ rights to healthcare and homelessness— always with the generous support of La Federica. Her podcast, Let Them Eat Cake, dives into the world of drag and queer culture with wit and wisdom. Lady Red Velvet embodies drag as both dazzling art and powerful activism. Sandra Ljubinkovic. (she/they) Community & Grassroots Activism Sandra is a somatic therapist, movement witch, feminist troublemaker, and lifelong learner of how we heal and resist. She works at the juicy intersection of healing systems change, embodied liberation, and political organizing. Think breath work meets decolonization, trauma healing meets dance floor, ancestral wisdom meets queer futurism. She works where systems crack and healing begins — in the messy, magical space between personal transformation and collective uprising. Her practice? A mix of somatics, trauma healing, breath-work, food as resistance, ancestral remembering, and a whole lot of unlearning. Shawn Aaron. (he/him) Community & Grassroots Activism Shawn is a Black queer trans man, nonprofit leader, and host of Dem Bois Podcast. He is the Founder + Executive Director of Dem Bois Inc., an organization dedicated to affirming and supporting trans men of color through access to gender-affirming care, health equity, and visibility. Drawing from his lived experience with homelessness, Shawn’s mission is rooted in community care and systemic change. Whether through storytelling or advocacy, his work amplifies the voices of those too often unheard. His signature belief: Visibility = Possibility™. Spencer Cooper. (they/them) Community & Grassroots Activism Spencer is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ voices and community building. As the founder of Love Queers, they have created a vital online space for connection and support. Spencer further extends their dedication through the Queer Talk podcast, offering insightful conversations on LGBTQ+ experiences, and the Outsiders Talk Podcast. Committed to amplifying marginalised voices globally, Spencer actively works to ensure diverse queer narratives are heard and celebrated. Their multifaceted work demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering understanding, acceptance, and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. The Common Press. Small Business Community & Grassroots Activism The Common Press is London’s queer, intersectional bookshop, café, and events space. It is a third space and sanctuary for storytelling, queer literature, and culture. This radical indie bookshop stocks over 7,000 carefully curated books, including an expansive fiction collection and featured titles on trans-inclusive feminism, anti-colonialism, anti-fascism, eco-politics, and self-care. Toni-Ann Murphy. (she/her) Community & Grassroots Activism Toni is a passionate community organiser, outdoor educator, and the founder of Touch Grass, a nature-focused initiative centring the wellbeing of queer people of colour. As a queer Black woman, Toni brings a deeply personal commitment to creating inclusive, healing spaces outside of nightlife culture. Her leadership blends lived experience with a clear, values-driven approach to environmental justice, mental health, and community empowerment. Professionally, she has supported countless individuals through retreats, workshops, and grassroots programming that reconnect marginalised communities with nature. Her work not only challenges who gets to belong in green spaces but also reimagines what queer leadership looks like: grounded, joyful, and radically inclusive. 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 Nico, a communications specialist from Colombia who now calls Barcelona home. Nico’s journey is one of courage, transformation, and a deep commitment to visibility, both in their personal life and within the corporate world. Through love, self-reflection, and a passion for connection, Nico reminds us that authenticity is not just personal—it’s powerful. 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!

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 The Darvish—a Syrian-born dancer, activist, and community builder. Through art, movement, and advocacy, they’ve turned personal healing into a powerful act of cultural reclamation and queer resistance. 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!

A day of rest, release and reconnection on our Queer Retreat in Barcelona. In March, we held a transformative half-day Queer Retreat in Barcelona. This was a space for participants to reflect, find inner peace, share experiences and tap into the supportive power of community. Led by WCS Programme Director Ora Özer , the journey began with REST, where participants entered a state of deep relaxation, moving their nervous systems into balance, creating space for both physical and mental renewal. Then came RELEASE, featuring a moment of reflection and a gentle meditation technique to help dissolve the emotional blockages holding our participants back or keeping them feeling stuck. The retreat then culminated in RECONNECT, where participants turned towards what truly matters in their life, sharing dreams and aspirations within the group. Thank you to Lighthouse Barcelona for hosting us in their beautiful studio. 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!

A 4-day experience nurturing joy, strength, and health at our Queer Retreat centre in Barcelona. In April we were thrilled to hold our inaugural retreat at Casa de Colors - Reclaiming Joy. This was a 4-day sanctuary to restore inner balance and reconnect with a sense of joy that nurtures, protects and propels us forward - because we believe joy is a necessity, not a luxury. Our participants were invited 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, they cultivate resilience and safeguarded their mental health while fostering strength to face life's difficulties with renewed clarity and peace. On day one, attendees arrived and settled in before having their orientation session, followed by an opportunity to network with each other and enjoy an aperitif before dinner. After dinner lead facilitator Ora Özer led an opening ceremony, where attendees set their intentions, reflected on the themes of the retreat and began building an altar to the joy they hoped to build on the retreat. Incredible experience with an intentional queer community. I've made friendships for life here. I had the most restorative and joyful four days over the long weekend with this wonderful crew. I'll miss the sunrise yoga, friendships made, and the time to deeply reflect in nature in a queer, sober, intentional space. I've referred many friends and look forward to returning soon. - Jaron Soh, Founder of Voda: The LGBTQIA+ Mental Wellbeing App Day two started with sunrise yoga and meditation led by retreat coordinator Jano San , followed by energising breathwork with Scott Sallée and breakfast. The rest of the day was filled with a workshop, group activity and plenty of time to relax by the pool. In the evening attendees held a performance and storytelling night in the Cave Room, coming together to create joy with each other. This retreat nourished the mind, body, and soul. Every element of the retreat was so intentionally and thoughtfully curated — from breathwork and meditation to group discussions, sunrise yoga on the terrace, poolside moments, and sharing delicious, wholesome food fresh from the BBQ. It offered a rare and beautiful opportunity to heal in community, build meaningful connections, and truly unplug in order to reconnect — with ourselves, each other, and the world around us. - Jade Fraser, Executive Consultant After more sunrise yoga and a workshop on the morning of day three, retreat guests enjoyed a playful hike through the Catalan countryside, enjoying moments of silence and mindfulness as well as each other's company. Back at Casa de Colors attendees made offerings to the joy altar and enjoyed relaxing breathwork before bed. Day four opened with more yoga and meditation, followed by a closing session where guests reflected on the journey they had been on together and what they would be taking away from the retreat. Reclaiming Joy is just one of the retreats we're hosting this summer. From reclaiming our joy to practising radical self-love and embracing holistic transformation, each of our retreats is designed to remind you that you deserve to know yourself intimately - find your retreat here. 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!

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 Robyn Robin, a Berlin-based model, performer, pole dancer and genderqueer activist. Robyn challenges gender norms and celebrates fluidity, presence, and queer joy. 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!

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!

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 Sustainability & Innovation Award celebrates individuals, organisations, or initiatives that demonstrate exceptional leadership in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship through innovative practices, with a focus on incorporating LGBTQ+ perspectives. This category highlights the role of queer voices in shaping sustainable practices and policies that not only protect the planet but also ensure inclusivity in environmental movements. Sustainability & Innovation | Our 2025 Awardees: Colin Belcourt ,  Flavia Sales ,  Jens , Kimberley Malone Crossley , Boe La , Manuel Schlothauer , and Tadhg Mac Mahon . Other Award Categories: Community & Grassroots Activism Media & Creative Influence Policy & Advocacy Impact Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Sustainability & Innovation Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30) Colin Belcourt. (he/him) Queer Leadership in Sustainability Colin is a queer leader working at the intersection of sustainability, equity, and technology. With over 10 years of experience in Human Resources, Community, and Operations across both large enterprises and fast-paced startups, he brings a people-centered lens to systems change. As a certified Sustainability and DEI Practitioner, Colin focuses on embedding inclusive and climate-conscious practices into business strategy. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Human Resources & Community Officer of ProudZone, a virtual platform designed to connect LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide, share resources, and create safe, empowering networks. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals; especially Reduced Inequalities, Climate Action, and Strong Institutions, Colin is committed to building tools and spaces that make equity tangible. His work is grounded in the belief that community, when prioritised alongside innovation, can lead to lasting global impact. Flavia Sales. (she/her) Queer Leadership in Sustainability Flávia is a Brazilian marketing professional who harnesses the power of education and strategical content and communication to drive innovation and sustainability transformation in traditional sectors. Based in Spain for the past decade while working for global companies, currently she is the marketing manager of Finboot, a startup which helps global companies manage greener supply chains with technology that tracks carbon emissions, creates digital product passports, manages sustainability credits, and supports compliance. She actively manages a FLINTA group and supports various LGBTQ+ initiatives, organizing events that create networking opportunities for underrepresented voices in sustainability. She hosts podcast conversations with industry experts and creates educational content that emphasises a core philosophy: true sustainability cannot exist without social justice and inclusion. Jens. (he/she) Queer Leadership in Sustainability Jens is the founder of Baal, a transpositive fashion label, which focuses on feminine clothes for transfeminine people. Baal was established in 2013 in Berlin as Jens’ Bachelor of Arts in Fashion graduation collection and continued being showcased at Berlin Fashion Week and Hamburg Pride Week. In 2016 Jens moved to London and in the following years presented his work at Sparkle Manchester, Brighton Trans Pride and was invited to speak about Baals mission at Soho House London and the Institute of Contemporary Arts London. In 2022 Jens partially resettled to Palermo, Sicily and has since founded “Cheers for Queers Palermo”, an English speaking LGBT group. Since 2013 Jens has held “ measuring events” in Germany, the UK and Sicily to collect measurements of trans women for the development of a new clothing size. Boe La. (they/she) Queer Leadership in Sustainability Boe is a London-based multi-disciplinary artist whose work explores the intersection of queerness, transness, and identity, with a particular focus on advocating for queer people of colour. Their artistic practice is known for its bold, maximalist style, creating immersive worlds that challenge conventional boundaries and celebrate fluidity, resilience, and self-expression. In addition to their studio practice, Boe is also an experienced curator and community organiser. They are the founder of London Queer Mart, a grassroots platform that champions a diverse community of queer artists and queer-owned small businesses. The mart offers an affordable and inclusive space for creatives to showcase their work, connect with visitors, share experiences, and sell their products. Boe also participated in the curation of the Museum of Transology’s 10 Year Anniversary Exhibition: Transcestry, a curated project centring trans artists and histories, further demonstrating their commitment to creating spaces that uplift and empower marginalised voices. Manuel Schlothauer. (he/him) Queer Leadership in Sustainability Manuel Schlothauer is the Founder and CEO of HeyManuel.com, where he helps individuals, leaders, and organisations thrive authentically in a rapidly changing world. As a therapist, coach, and consultant, he empowers people to break through barriers, step into leadership, and create workplaces where everyone—no matter their identity—can flourish. With 15+ years' experience including 8 years at Google, Manuel led key allyship initiatives and partnered with senior leaders to advance inclusion. Today, he blends his background in HR, DEI, and leadership development with therapeutic and coaching expertise. A LinkedIn Top Voice and nominee for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ Person of the Year, Manuel’s work has been featured in Fast Company, FOX Soul, and Entrepreneur Magazine. He collaborates with organisations like TikTok, Microsoft, and MongoDB, delivering leadership programmes, impactful talks, and retreats on mental health, authenticity, and inclusion. He also mentors LGBTQ+ youth through ShoutOut Ireland, runs a free mental health community, and supports a global client base in living life on their own terms. Tadhg Mac Mahon. (he/him) Queer Leadership in Sustainability Tadhg is the Founder & CEO of Shane Collective (getshane.io), a mission-driven Tech for Good startup building Shane - a global Platform & App empowering LGBTQ+ people and organisations through community-powered safety and mobility tools. An Irish-German transgender man raised in Cameroon and France, Tadhg brings a global perspective to his work. A former international footballer, his background spans international law, nonprofit leadership, and tech for good. He co-founded a humanitarian NGO, co-created the AMOS Women’s French Cup, served on the board of TENI (Transgender Equality Network Ireland), and spent five years at Twilio, where he excelled as a social impact sales specialist and co-led the Global LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group. 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!

Avi and Michael discuss the authentic joy to be found in Queer Leadership. In this powerful and heart-led episode of UNLOCK: The Queer Leadership Podcast, Michael Stephens sits down with Avi Ajwani, creative visionary, coach, and founder of Freedom Creators, for a deeply honest conversation about what it means to be a queer leader in today’s world. Together, they explore: How queerness invites us to break molds and reclaim joy The importance of community as home and healing Authenticity, softness, and leading without hierarchy Turning contrast and pain into purpose Why giving back is a radical act of self-connection Avi reminds us that being a leader isn’t about perfection, it's about presence, play, and creating safe spaces for others to be fully themselves. If you’ve ever questioned your place, your pace, or your purpose, this one’s for you. 📌 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!

Insights on the future of local and global strategies in DEI from our latest WCS Insights Report. Co-authored by Coda Nicolaeff This article is part of a series diving deeper into the We Create Space Insights Report | DEI Insights & Trends in 2025 . Here, we examine how global DEI strategies can balance universal goals with the unique socio-political and cultural contexts of different regions. As organisations grow more global, the demand for locally adapted DEI strategies becomes increasingly urgent. Universal DEI objectives must be carefully aligned with regional cultural, legal, and social factors to ensure effectiveness and respect for local contexts. Practitioners agree that achieving this balance will be even more critical in 2025, as regional differences intensify the need for thoughtful, inclusive approaches. Without such adaptations, global strategies risk being perceived as irrelevant or imposed. Creating Safe Spaces: The Embassy Model Practitioners highlighted the embassy model as a key approach for global organisations to uphold DEI values in challenging socio-political environments. This model ensures that local offices become sanctuaries where employees feel protected, even in regions with restrictive laws or cultural norms. “We share our DEI information with everyone around the world, regardless of local legislation… In countries where being openly LGBTQ+ is illegal, we lean heavily into our values to push this conversation forward. I think that helps show people there’s a place for them here.” - Practitioner in law Examples include alternative engagement channels for LGBTQ+ employees, secure travel plans, and anonymous participation in global networks. By positioning local offices as safe spaces, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to inclusion, respect, and safety—reinforcing their core values globally. Addressing Export Fallacies: Co-Creating Regional Strategies Practitioners consistently emphasised the pitfalls of imposing global DEI initiatives without adapting them to local realities. Strategies developed in the UK or US often fail to resonate in other regions, leading to disengagement or resistance. “Strategies usually start in the UK or the US, and then get rolled out globally… What I’m seeing more now is a push for things to be regionally or locally created because rules, regulations, and social norms are so different.” - Practitioner in law To counter these challenges, DEI professionals advocate for co-creating strategies with regional teams. This involves incorporating local voices, acknowledging regional nuances, and dismantling unconscious biases within practitioner circles. Tailored strategies that reflect local contexts are more likely to gain buy-in and drive meaningful change. Fostering Ongoing Dialogue: Building Trust and Relevance Maintaining continuous communication with local teams is essential for implementing effective DEI strategies. Practitioners stressed the importance of building trust through patient relationship-building, particularly in regions where cultural or religious sensitivities pose challenges. Success often comes gradually, through mutual respect and collaboration. “Our office in the Middle East wanted us to do a workshop on DEI, but only focus on women… My learning was that I had to step back and think, ‘Okay, I’ll go by your rules for now, get in the door, and then find my allies.’” - Practitioner in academia Collaborating with local NGOs and regional partners further strengthens this approach, ensuring DEI initiatives are both culturally sensitive and impactful. Investing in these relationships fosters robust partnerships that align global objectives with local needs, enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of DEI strategies. The Path Forward To navigate the complexities of global DEI, organisations should adopt a multi-faceted approach that ensures both strategic alignment and cultural sensitivity: Adapt Strategies to Local Contexts:   Develop DEI initiatives that uphold global standards while allowing local teams to tailor approaches to cultural and legal nuances. Provide central support, offer localised training, and prioritise safe spaces in sensitive regions. Involve Local Voices:   Co-create DEI strategies with input from regional teams and partners to ensure cultural relevance and prevent disengagement. Pilot Initiatives:  Test DEI programmes regionally on a small scale to refine and adapt strategies before broader implementation. Maintain Continuous Dialogue:   Engage regularly with local teams to address challenges, align initiatives with regional realities, and uphold global DEI values. By aligning global objectives with local realities, organisations can create inclusive environments that transcend cultural and legal barriers, setting the stage for sustainable DEI success. This article is part of the We Create Space Insights Report | DEI Insights & Trends in 2025  series. To learn more, check out the full report here . Stay tuned for further instalments that explore practitioner insights on leadership, global challenges, and wellbeing in DEI work. 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!

Author Andrew Flewitt shares the creative process behind his debut book, with a review from Neil Hudson-Basing. Have you ever considered writing a book to share your voice, expertise & passion with the world? If the answer is yes, the UNLOCK Book Club is for YOU! Our network of experienced queer authors - leaders in their fields & spaces - are here to share their journeys, bring tough topics into every-day conversations and provide you with tips & guidance to help make your publishing dream a reality. During our most recent instalment of the UNLOCK Book Club, host Neil Hudson-Basing was joined by podcaster, writer and author Andrew Flewitt to discuss his new book ' Do you Believe in Life After Loss? Queer Stories of Loss, Hope and Resilience'. This collection of queer experiences of loss, hope and resilience explores different aspects of loss, the challenges of these situations, but also how queerness might help people to navigate change and loss and the opportunities and hope that can arise when healing begins. Catch up with the full recording of this session to hear Andrew and Neil discuss: - experiences of loss in all its forms from bereavement and relationship breakups to loss of community, safety and identity - how queerness might help people to navigate change and loss - and that all important question: do you believe in life after loss? We asked Andrew to share his take-aways with us after the session: Last week I was fortunate to have an online book launch with Unlock Book Club, powered by We Create Space. I’m so happy that I got to have such an intimate and thought-provoking conversation about loss, and my new book - Do you Believe in Life After Loss? Queer Stories of Loss, Hope and Resilience. Loss and grief can be incredibly difficult to deal with – there is never a right time, but this event showed me once again that there is an appetite for conversation to happen, and I feel that it’s as important as ever. What I’ve found at times when I’ve been dealing with loss and my own grief, is that people can be supportive to a point, but after a while are ready to move on and stop talking about it. Sometimes they don’t know what to say, and sometimes they want to talk about something fun or lighter because what they are faced with feels a little bleak. Going through loss? My advice for anyone going through something now, or are in the process of healing from a past event, is to find your people – the ones that are happy to listen, put an arm around you when you need it, and are open for the conversation to continue, for as long as it needs to. Grief is not linear, and there is no fixed way for processing it - it comes up when you least expect it and what I’ve found is that it’s always there. We may heal and find strategies to move forward when the time is right, but those feelings can be triggered at any time, and it’s in those moments when your support network is really important. I’ve also found that sometimes when grief is triggered it isn’t a negative thing. Music for me evokes memories, takes me right back to the people I have loved and lost, and in that moment, I can feel connection and comfort – this is something that has changed over time, and through healing. Workplace support In my professional capacity as an HR Business Partner, I often think of how the workplace needs to be a hub of support for an individual going through loss, because so much of our time is spent at the workplace – physically or virtually. Lots of companies provide access to Employee Support Services or provide Private Medical Insurance which enables an employee to get support, and the costs are covered, but I am sure there are many organisations that because of their size or financial pressures are not able to offer these services. This means that their employees dealing with grief and loss stand less chance of getting the right level of support they need, to enable them to carry on working, but more importantly, process their feelings which no doubt will assist in supporting their mental health and wellbeing. This once again highlights the importance of finding a good support network, whether it be friendship or support groups, seeking professional support if you’re able, or attending talks and events via companies like WCS and the one we had last week; sometimes we just need to hear that we are not alone, that other people are going through something, or have gone through something, and this can be all the comfort we need. Loss is inevitable so let’s keep talking about it I truly believe we need to keep having open and brave conversations about loss – we have been or will be impacted by loss throughout our lives. Keeping the conversation going doesn’t mean we will be less impacted, or it will be less painful when it happens, but we might be better prepared, able to ask for help with we recognise the signs and be there for others when they need us too. Neil’s thoughts on ‘ Do you Believe in Life After Loss? Queer Stories of Loss, Hope and Resilience.’ Having read Andrew’s brilliant debut book just in time for this conversation (one of many I’ve had the privilege of having with him), it really got me thinking about my own experiences of loss - some that I’ve never properly dealt with. I’ve just shrugged it off. And that I’ve never really given anyone the chance to listen & understand, especially when it comes to ways they have changed & shaped me. Each of the stories featured in the book highlight very unique & varying examples of loss yet what stood out to me is that there were elements of each individual’s chapter that deeply resonated with me. Be that an emotion, perspective or reaction. Loss is universal and whilst the circumstances around it differ from person to person, our processing, understanding & moving on often hold many commonalities.  It’s packed with strength, bravery & vulnerability. From each interviewee & Andrew himself whose own experience, insights & vulnerability around loss & all that follows holds the book together with such compassion. It also got me thinking about how my queerness has made me much more resilient over the years and influenced the way I handle loss. The need to push through challenging times. The fight to help create a better world. The determination to find a spark of joy for myself or others when things get dark. The loss & grief I’ve experienced have informed how I show up in the world. As the pages point out, not necessarily in good or bad ways. Just in… ways. Andrew’s thought provoking & exceptional work - from the book to the follow-up series of his podcast Queer I Am featuring those interviewed throughout - tells the reader, or listener, that that’s ok.  It’s not all doom & gloom. It’s life-affirming with a warm reassurance that’s needed when it comes to navigating life after loss. With a bold cover to boot! I’d definitely recommend reading and taking time to answer, for yourself, that all important question: ‘Do You Believe in Life After Loss?’ 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!

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) 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!

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 Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Award recognizes individuals or organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion within corporate or workplace settings. Corporate & Workplace Inclusion | Our 2025 Awardees: Adrien Semail , Allies & Rainbows , Barbara Platier , Cecile Deprez , Char Erskine , Chloë Davies , Daniel Cancela , Gonzalo Parra , Ivan Dimov , Jack López , Jacqui Rhule-Dagher , JD Valladares-Williams , Joanna Thompson, Ph.D. , Lilia Koss , Lisa Cowling , Magda Stega , Piotr Ciepiel , Raga D’Silva , Ren Cavan , Safir Boukhalfa , Sam Fresa , Sasha Ekhilevskiy , SC Nealy , Sebastián Dalla Ba' , Tash Koster-Thomas , and Tolu Osinubi . Other Award Categories: Community & Grassroots Activism Media & Creative Influence Policy & Advocacy Impact Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Sustainability & Innovation Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30) Adrien Semail. (he/him) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Adrien is a Senior Recruiter at Autodesk and Global Lead of the Autodesk Pride Network (APN). He leads the ERG’s global strategy and builds strong partnerships across other employee communities—amplifying the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ folks who are also Indigenous, Latinx, Black, or neurodiverse. Adrien is passionate about creating spaces that celebrate queer joy and drive meaningful change. He works closely with company leadership on efforts to improve inclusion and ensure more voices are heard across the business. Based in Barcelona, Adrien is deeply rooted in the local queer scene and regularly brings local LGBTQ+ performers, educators, and artists into company events. It's one of his favorite ways to make events more meaningful and grounded in community, while connecting global teams to diverse voices and perspectives. Allies and Rainbows | Carmen Tauch & Mariano Ventura NGO Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Allies and Rainbows is a top mental health platform for LGBTIQ+ people in Europe. They provide a safe and professional space where LGTBIQ+ people and their allies can access specialized mental health resources and services. Their approach focuses on solutions and promotes personal development and wellness through emotional education and empowerment. Their interdisciplinary team is made up of coaches, psychologists and counsellors, promoting mental health and wellness in a holistic way and integrating different perspectives. Barbara Platier. (she/her) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Barbara is an experienced sales and project management professional with over seven years in the field. For the past five years, she has built her career at JTI, taking on various commercial roles that have strengthened her strategic and leadership skills. Beyond her core role, Barbara is deeply committed to inclusion and representation—she is the Co-Chair of the JTI PRIDE ERG for the BeNeLux region and serves as a Women of Pride Ambassador for Western Europe. Her passion for community also extends outside of the corporate world: she is the founder and organizer of LSBN. GRLS., a vibrant series of events designed to create safe and empowering spaces for queer women. Barbara thrives on connection, creativity, and purpose. In her spare time, she loves experimenting in the kitchen, exploring new destinations, and recharging by the sea. Cécile Deprez. (they/them) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Cécile is a scientific researcher in a cisgender men-dominated field by day, decolonial feminist activist by night. Early in their studies, Cécile realized that their social identity and the perception others had of them would impact their career. Experiencing and witnessing various forms of discrimination turned them into an activist in the workplace, in addition to volunteering in their private time. Today, they co-lead networks for women and gender minorities, internationals, LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse folks at work, all while educating and sensitizing fellow STEM professionals on these topics through workshops and conferences, both in academia and industry. Char Erskine. (they/she) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Char is a Black, queer, non-binary and neurodivergent person of Antiguan and Jamaican heritage. They live with late-diagnosed ADHD and long-term mental health battles and shares their lived experience at the intersection of all these things to drive conversation, curiosity, and authentic connection between people. Professionally, Char works in DEI in the legal sector, channelling their special interest in all things equity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice into the corporate environment. They carry the DEI torch with a long-term mission to bring social awareness, education, and humanity into corporate spaces – often bridging the gap between the human need to belong and the bottom line of business strategy. Char believes in the power of safe storytelling to centre real people in conversations about equity, inclusion and belonging. Chloë Davies. (she/her) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Chloë is an award winning founder, creative, dynamic social impact consultant, chef, and entrepreneur who has dedicated much of her 20+ year career campaigning for inclusion and equality in all spaces, whether in-house at agency level, corporate organisations or through wider community engagement. She was a ADCOLOR 2024 Rockstar of the Year Nominee, Advertising Week Europe 2024 The Future is Female Winner and named on the 2024 Campaign Magazine UK A-list. In April 2023 she founded ‘It Takes A Village Collective’ - a global hub for Black women in advertising, media, marketing and comms whose mission is to ensure that 1 in 5 people in adland will be a Black woman by 2028. Daniel Cancela. (he/him) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Daniel Cancela is a DEI program manager at Amazon and a global advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. Daniel grew up in Madrid, Spain, and earned a degree in Psychology from the Autonomous University of Madrid in 2015, followed by an MSc in Work & Organizational Psychology from Maastricht University in 2016. He began his career at Amazon in Luxembourg as an intern and is now based in Berlin, working as a DEI recruiting program manager, leading EMEA-wide efforts to support underrepresented communities, including women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ populations. Since 2017, Daniel has played an active role in glamazon, Amazon’s LGBTQ+ employee network, serving as Luxembourg country chair, EMEA regional lead, and, since October 2024, global co-president. In early 2025, he completed a PhD at Maastricht University, exploring the workplace experiences of transgender and gender-diverse employees and strategies for organizational inclusion. Daniel draws a continuous thread between research and practice, using academic insights to shape strategy and real world experience to inform meaningful research. Gonzalo Parra. (he/him) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Gonzalo is an Argentinian scientist and an expert in computational biology. He studied Bioinformatics and got a Ph.D. from Buenos Aires University, after which he has worked as a researcher at prestigious international institutions like the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and the German Cancer Research Center. Currently, Gonzalo leads the “Evolutionary Systems Biophysics” laboratory at Barcelona Supercomputing Center where he tries to unravel the mysteries of molecular biology to advance the understanding of health and disease. He participates in multiple international forums to make science a more equal, diverse and inclusive environment. Ivan Dimov. (he/him) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Ivan is the Founder and Executive Director of Single Step Foundation and its social enterprise, The Steps, in Bulgaria. His professional career is in the field of finance: as an investment banker and investor in New York and Sydney, Australia in the media, telecommunications and technology sectors. In addition to being an LGBTI activist and social entrepreneur, Ivan is a co-founder of the Bulgaria Innovation Hub in San Francisco, which provides a bridge for Bulgarian start-ups and founders to Silicon Valley. Jack López. (he/him) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Jack is an inclusion and lived experience expert, social justice scholar, author and public speaker, with expertise in personhood, identity and conflict resolution. He has spearheaded organizational change-making projects and provided inclusion and change-making training for over a decade across public and private sectors. Jack speaks, advises and educates on a range of topics, including LGBTQ+ history and discrimination, HIV, intersectionality, workplace allyship, culture change, community building, parenting, sexual health, recruitment, language and terminology and neurodiversity awareness. Aside from working as a consultant Jack is DEI Manager at an English professional football club, a trustee and academic expert for two charities. He is also a proud father to four children, walker of hills, swimmer of lakes, where there is music he will dance. Jacqui Rhule-Dagher. (she/her) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Jacqui is a litigation lawyer at a large international law firm. She advises clients on a range of legal issues including contractual disputes, fraud and misrepresentation. She is also one of just 14 lawyers from England and Wales to sit on The Law Society’s LGBTQ+ Solicitors Network Steering Committee. The committee ensures that LGBTQ+ lawyers can thrive within their organisations. In an effort to champion inclusivity, Jacqui founded Legally Lesbians, which launched in Lesbian Visibility Week, April 2023. Legally Lesbians involves lesbians and queer individuals in the legal industry or in-house lawyers writing about their careers and reflecting on the importance of visibility. These inspiring pieces of personal writing are collected to form an article which is published annually by DIVA magazine. In February 2024, Jacqui was named in the 2024 Attitude 101 list of LGBTQ+ trailblazers; and in April 2025 she was named in the DIVA Power List. JD Valladares-Williams. (he/they) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Juan Diego (JD) is a People Development Expert with 15+ years of experience creating science-driven learning programs and dialogues infused with pop culture and storytelling. He specializes in emotional intelligence trainings and speaking engagements, sharing his experience navigating the workplace as a Queer, Neurodivergent Latino. JD has partnered with Fortune 500 companies, Tony Award-winning shows, The It Gets Better Project, Harvard University, the New York City Department of Education, Spain’s Ministry of Education, and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). He is currently working on the new season of the Association for Talent Development’s podcast, leading the programming for ALPFA NY’s Latine LGBTQ+ Leadership Summit this October at Bloomberg, and has recently launched an emotional intelligence framework to disrupt internalized homophobia. He holds a Master's degree in Psychology, a Bachelor's degree in Biology, and is a published scholar in HIV prevention at Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center. Dr. Joanna Thompson. (she/her) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Dr. Joanna Thompson is a Black, Latina, and Queer female who currently serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for One Workplace, an interior solutions company based in Santa Clara, California. Dr. Thompson works to raise awareness of social justice issues through educa5on and scholarship while promoting intersectional community organizing across multiple social identities with the help of grassroots and systems-based connections. Dr. Thompson’s personal and professional journey as a queer leader began during graduate school in Chicago, Illinois. While in the Windy City, she not only came out, but had the opportunity to work for the largest LGBTQ+ community in the Midwest, Center on Halsted, and served on the Chicago Hate Crimes Coalition. Dr. Thompson’s queer leadership continued through her support of LGBTQ+ students in higher education, most notably during her time as Director of the Office for Multicultural Learning and Rainbow Resource Center at Santa Clara University, where she worked for 4 ½ years. Lilia Koss. (she/they) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Lilia has worked in public relations for Facialteam, a clinic specializing in facial gender affirming surgery, since 2008. She has led initiatives supporting trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming communities across 20+ countries, including the first trans awareness and LGBTIQ+ onboarding program for staff. Lilia grew a patient support group to over 3.5K members and has co-created spaces like the Trans Health Initiative (Sydney) and the Gender Affirming Health Forum (Amsterdam, London, Melbourne). She launched a YouTube series featuring 60+ queer voices and writes “Lilia’s Pearls for Pros,” a newsletter for inclusive healthcare. Lilia has assisted published trans+ research (Gender-Q Survey), and continuing education by co-organizing the first WPATH event in Spain (2025) and working to bring EPATH. Personally, she’s a parent to a questioning teen and founder of a feminist association that welcomes all genders and identities. Lisa Cowling. (she/her) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Lisa, a queer woman working in STEM, leads the LGBTQ+ network at a leading consumer goods company, Reckitt, while supporting research and development for pain management. Lisa has cultivated a diverse lead team for the network, through which they have influenced real change not just for the company's LGBTQ+ employees, but reverberating further across all other DE&I networks and all employees within the business and beyond. Her work has driven change through initiatives for LGBTQ+ inclusion and against racism, ableism and sexism and, through this, updating corporate policies and practicing openness inside the organisation and with partner businesses. Magda Stega. (she/her) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Magda is a Forbes Women Top 25 Influencer and TEDx speaker recognized for her pioneering work in building inclusive workplaces for LGBTQIAP+ communities. With professional experience spanning London, Berlin, and now Spain, she operates at the intersection of human resources and trans advocacy. Magda partners with organizations to transform policies and foster environments where trans and gender-diverse employees can thrive. Her international perspective and commitment to equity have positioned her as a trusted advisor for companies seeking to implement meaningful, sustainable change. Magda’s leadership continues to inspire progress toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplaces across Europe. Piotr Ciepiel. (he/him) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Piotr is the founder of MiFit Mindful Fitness and takes his transformative Body/Mind/Energy programs worldwide. A dynamic public speaker, he guides men to embrace emotions, vulnerability, and authenticity. As a health and wellbeing advocate, Piotr shares his cancer and chemotherapy journey, compelling us to prioritize physical and mental health now. Raga D'Silva. (she/her) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Raga is the CEO/Co-Founder of OUTspoken Speakers - the UK's first speaker agency amplifying and providing a platform for the voices of queer women and those non-binary. Award-winning Entrepreneur, Author - Untold Lies, Writer, TEDx Speaker, Podcaster, Host and a passionate LGBT+ activist for the South Asian community in the UK, she has been the leading force in the fight for marriage equality in India. Featured amongst Top 100 Trailblazing LGBT+ women, Raga has appeared on major media platforms such as BBC. Sky News, ITV, Channel 4, NDTV, India Today, BBC Hindi and several other regional languages) advocating for LGBTQ+ rights globally. She recently launched Season 3 Podcast - focused on Older Queer Voices, produced by The Views Room. Ren Cavan. (they/them) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Ren is one of the few non-binary, senior creative leaders in the media and marketing industry today. As UK Group Creative Director at brand experience agency Momentum Worldwide, they connect brands with audiences in more authentic and inclusive ways. They are also the founder of Bold Strokes; an innovation studio set-up to boldly represent diverse audiences globally. Within their day-to-day role, they have focused on driving more equitable conversations within the industry; delivering panels with LGBTQIA+ voices such as content creator the Queer Chameleon and acting as a key ambassador in Momentum’s Make It Matter DEIBA committee. In their creative work, they have also partnered with brands like Google to tell global stories of Pride, and consulted with Durex to create more LGBTQIA+ inclusive and consent-aware content online. They work specifically at the intersection of creativity, culture and community. Safir Boukhalfa. (they/them) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Safir is a non-binary, queer, autistic DEI consultant, entrepreneur, and coach based in Berlin. Of Indigenous Algerian descent, they draw from lived experience as a Muslim and racialised person from a working-class background to inform their practice. They are the founder of Safir Boukhalfa Consulting, working globally to support organisations and institutions in developing sustainable, intersectional strategies around neurodiversity, antiracism, and queer inclusion. Safir also coaches marginalised individuals, particularly neurodivergent, queer and racialised people, supporting them in building meaningful, values-driven businesses. Their approach is deeply political and grounded in care, access, and long-term impact. Alongside their consultancy, they are studying psychology & neuroscience, with the goal of opening a community-focused therapeutic practice eventually. Safir also serves as the community chair of the SPARK DEI community, founded by the Enar Foundation. Sam Fresa. (she/her) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Sam is a Level 7 CIPD qualified People Partner and Chair of Entain's LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), 'Be You'. She is passionate about fostering inclusivity and driving meaningful change in the workplace. She champions initiatives that create a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. By advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Sam strives to make a lasting impact that enhances both employee experience and organisational success. Sasha Ekhilevskiy. (he/him) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Sasha serves as a Localization Operations Manager at VistaPrint and has been an active member of the company's Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG) for five years. As part of the Pride ERG leadership team, Sasha works alongside colleagues to celebrate and support Vista's global LGBTQIA+ employees while creating a safe, inclusive space that fosters both solidarity and celebration within the community. In their role as ERG chair, Sasha focuses on driving meaningful impact year-round, not just during Pride month, by championing initiatives that align with Vista's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Sasha has spearheaded Vista's partnerships with organizations like Pride Barcelona, LGBT+ Tech, KyivPride, Walpurgis Queer Horror Film Fest, and WeCreateSpace. He’s also helped organize webinars, speaking events, panel discussions, and training sessions that strengthen and educate Vista's broader community. SC Nealy. (they/them) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion SC is a queer, gender fluid psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and group practice owner in Arlington, VA, with over 15 years in the mental health field. SC operates a team of all gay and trans-identifying therapists with the focus of bringing clinicians with lived experiences to the queer community and their families. They also work locally and nationally to advocate for queer rights, accessible mental health care, and bringing more awareness to the needs of the queer community. Their upcoming book published by Bloomsbury Academics, Healing Sacred Wounds, focuses on giving folx a guide map for processing and exploring their experiences in religious or spiritual trauma. As a therapist, they specialize in religious trauma, female and genderfluid-identifying couples counseling, mixed orientation marriages, complex-PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, interpersonal process group therapy, and non-faith based premarital counseling. In their personal life, they are a parent to two children, happily partnered, and write romance novels for fun. Sebastián Dalla Ba'. (he/him) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Sebastián is a Catalog Specialist at Amazon and a passionate advocate for intersectional inclusion, particularly focusing on LGBTQ+ rights and accessibility. As president of Glamazon Barcelona chapter and board member of Latinos at Amazon, he champions diversity in the workplace. Living with low vision, Sebastián has become a powerful voice for disability visibility, creating content that challenges perceptions and promotes accessible design. His 12+ years of experience in consumer goods, combined with his role in founding M.P. Wear, a gender-inclusive swimwear brand, demonstrates his commitment to both professional excellence and queer entrepreneurship. Through his writing and advocacy work, he bridges the gaps between disability rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and corporate leadership. Tash Koster-Thomas. (she/her) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Tash is a leading Inclusion and Diversity Consultant, presenter, speaker, and LGBTQ+ Activist who is driving the conversation forward. As a Black queer woman, Tash leverages her lived experience and identity to champion diversity and inclusion in both society and the workplace. She provides invaluable insight into dismantling barriers associated with diversity, ensuring that opportunities are accessible with equity, not just in the workplace, but also in our communities, both locally and globally. Tash is an expert on a variety of topics, including Anti-Racism, Language & Terminology, Leadership, Workplace Allyship, Intersectionality, LGBTQ+ History, LGBTQ+ Discrimination, Identity, and Culture Change. She is passionate about sharing her expertise on these topics and empowering others to create meaningful change. Tolu Osinubi. (she/her) Queer Leadership in Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Tolu is a Director at Deloitte UK with a strong passion for promoting diversity and inclusion. As a Black LGBTQ+ role model and intersectionality advocate, she has presented keynote speeches and guest lectures at numerous events both internally and externally to the workplace. Tolu's areas of expertise include discussing the Black experience in the UK, intersectional identities, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. She has been recognized for her advocacy work, including being named on the OUTstanding Future Leaders list in 2020 and 2021 for her efforts in championing inclusion. In addition, Tolu was recently recognized as the highly commended Inspirational Role Model of the Year 2022 DIVA Awards. Tolu's expertise includes topics such as anti-racism, workplace allyship, leadership, intersectionality, LGBTQ+ history, LGBTQ+ discrimination, identity, faith, self-empowerment, culture change, trauma, and healthcare inequities. 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. This award for Policy & Advocacy Impact  is for individuals or entities that have driven significant legislative or policy changes that benefit the LGBTQ+ community. Policy & Advocacy Impact | Our 2025 Awardees: Claudia Fauzia , Dee Whitnell , Eva Echo , Harish Iyer , Heather Paterson , Hugh O’Keeffe , Jade Fraser , Pius Kennedy , Rico Jacob Chace , Saskhia Menendez , and Tatiana Buelvas Baldiris . 2025 Award Categories: Community & Grassroots Activism Media & Creative Influence Policy & Advocacy Impact Corporate & Workplace Inclusion Sustainability & Innovation Emerging Queer Leader (Under 30) Claudia Fauzia. (she/her) Policy & Advocacy Impact Claudia is a gender expert, social entrepreneur, and the founder of Zagara – Learn to Lead Together. Through Zagara, she works to create a global platform for feminist and intersectional political education aimed at empowering women and LGBTQ+ individuals in marginalized communities. By fostering leadership, advocacy, and social justice, Claudia leads efforts to bridge activism, education, and technology. She is committed to building spaces that support collective action and storytelling for gender equality and inclusion. As a queer leader, Claudia’s work embodies resilience and the transformative power of community and self-empowerment, ensuring that voices from the South and the periphery are heard and amplified in the global dialogue. Dee Whitnell. (they/them) Policy & Advocacy Impact Dee is a multi-award winning sex educator and content creator, the author of LGBTQIA+ inclusive sex ed book bestseller Beyond Bananas and Condoms, the founder of UK solidarity campaign Trans Kids Deserve To Grow Up, and a full-time freelancer working with the likes of QueerAF, Brook Sexual Health, and NHS England. Eva Echo. (she/they) Policy & Advocacy Impact Eva is a highly respected activist, writer, and public speaker with a passionate focus on transgender rights and mental health. Eva is well-known for their courageous legal action against NHS England in the High Court, challenging the unlawful waiting times for trans patients. Eva was the worthy recipient of the DIVA Award for “Unsung Hero of the Year 2022”, and was honoured with Trans In The City's “Trans Community Champion” award for 2022. She was recently named as one of the Top 12 “Outstanding Contributors to LGBT+ Life” at The British Diversity Awards. In addition to their activism, Eva is an accomplished leader, serving as the Director of Innovation at Birmingham Pride and Events Manager at Trans In The City. They also play a vital role on the Crown Prosecution Service’s hate crime panel, and is an ambassador for two charities: Queer Britain and Diversity Role Models. Eva is passionate about workplace allyship, intersectionality, and mental health, and has a wealth of knowledge on language and terminology, identity, trans rights and healthcare. Their inspiring voice has helped to create change and build more inclusive communities. Harish Iyer. (he/she) Policy & Advocacy Impact Harish's name carries weight in India's legal and legislative spheres, a testament to his relentless pursuit of equal rights. As an activist, he has propelled landmark cases before the Supreme Court, challenging injustices related to Section 377, marriage equality, and blood donation policies. His advocacy has reverberated beyond the courtroom, influencing parliamentary discussions and shaping national dialogue on human rights. His commitment to inclusion extends to financial accessibility, ensuring that marginalized communities are not left behind. As a member of Axis Bank, his efforts in banking reform contributed to consultations by the Ministry of Social Justice, setting a precedent for equitable financial policies. Harish stands at the intersection of law, policy, and social change, relentlessly pushing boundaries to secure dignity and rights for all. Heather Paterson. (she/her) Policy & Advocacy Impact Heather is a passionate LGBTQ+ activist and community leader with over 20 years of experience championing equality and social justice. Elected LGB Officer at Hallam University in 1999, she went on to co-found Sheffield’s first Pride and lead SAYiT, supporting LGBTQ+ youth and those affected by HIV. Now Head of Partnerships and Development at Consortium, Heather works to fund and connect grassroots LGBT+ groups across the UK and serves as Chair of Proud Changemakers. Her activism includes writing the LGBTQ+ column for Exposed Magazine, public speaking, and co-authoring a guide on supporting neurodiverse LGBTQ+ students. As drag artist Anna Kissed, she also fundraises for LGBTQ+ causes, including through her current music project supporting GLAD Law. A bold, visible voice online and in community spaces, Heather is a relentless advocate for inclusion and remains deeply committed to driving real change for LGBTQ+ people. Hugh O'Keeffe. (he/him) Policy & Advocacy Impact Hugh O’Keeffe (he/him) helps organisations dismantle barriers and cultivate genuinely inclusive cultures where everyone, particularly Queer and Disabled individuals, can thrive. As a Diversity and Inclusion Lead at enei, he uniquely blends his profound understanding of intersectionality—informed by lived experience—with practical expertise in policy, governance, and driving systemic change within LGBT+ non-profits and corporate settings. Hugh’s approach moves beyond theory, focusing on actionable strategies that embed belonging and psychological safety into an organisation's DNA. He empowers leaders and teams to navigate complexity and transform their workplaces through impactful initiatives. Chairing Studio Lutalica, a Queer and feminist design agency, and his previous leadership at the Muscle Help Foundation underscore his commitment to fostering environments that unlock human potential and champion diverse voices. Jade Fraser. (they/them) Policy & Advocacy Impact Jade is an accomplished executive leader, trusted advisor, and operational strategist, with a wealth of specialist experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). They have an impressive track record of designing and delivering group DEI strategies for leading global organizations, including Natura & Co, Aesop, The Body Shop, and Avon, across 73 countries. Jade is a passionate binary-disrupting changemaker who uses personal courage to ensure each act is a form of resistance. Leveraging their privilege, they aim to create meaningful change and fight against systems of oppression. They are a powerful advocate for anti-racism, workplace allyship, intersectionality, mental health, and wellbeing. Pius Kennedy. (he/she/they) Policy & Advocacy Impact Pius is a bold and passionate queer leader from Uganda, currently serving as Programs Manager at Africa Queer Network (AQNET). With over five years of experience in LGBTQ+ advocacy, research, and community organizing, Pius has led transformative initiatives focused on health equity, crisis response, and leadership development for LGBTQ+ individuals across Uganda. Pius is known for supporting shelters, coordinating acts of kindness campaigns, and fostering regional collaborations that center community voices. As someone who has lived through systemic violence and discrimination, Pius uses both personal resilience and professional strategy to push for inclusive systems. His work represents resistance, restoration, and the hope that queer Ugandans can live freely and with pride. Rico Jacob Chace. (he/him) Policy & Advocacy Impact Rico Jacob Chace is a human rights consultant tackling modern-day slavery in global supply chains. With a background in finance and a diploma in Sustainable Investing from Harvard, he blends strategic insight with social impact. As Trustee and Treasurer at the LGBT+ Consortium, he supports grassroots LGBTQIA+ organisations through funding and advocacy. Rico is a multi-award-winning creative consultant behind two major billboard campaigns — one earning a Cannes Lions shortlisting — and a Drum Award winner for bold, intersectional storytelling. A semi-finalist on Channel 4’s Make Me Prime Minister, he was also honoured as a Hero of the Year finalist at the 2025 British Diversity Awards. He has chaired panels at the London Assembly, submitted evidence to Parliament, and advises the Trans Solidarity Alliance on engaging MPs. Through every role, Rico is driven by a commitment to justice, visibility, and creating lasting systems change across industries. Saskhia Menendez. (she/her) Policy & Advocacy Impact Saskhia is a multi-racial trans woman, international speaker, Night Time Economy Ambassador, and host of Music Industry Insights Worldwide. With over a decade of experience, she is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the music industry. A Keychange Innovator and Brit Awards voter, Saskhia is committed to elevating underrepresented voices and creating inclusive spaces for trans and non-binary artists. In May 2025, she successfully completed the release of the Trans Charter, a groundbreaking initiative providing clear, inclusive guidelines for the music industry to support trans and non-binary individuals. Saskhia’s work has earned her a Global Recognition Award, and she continues to challenge systemic barriers, ensuring that future generations of queer leaders have the support and visibility they deserve. As a queer leader, Saskhia leads with authenticity and strives to create safe, empowering environments in the entertainment industry. Tatiana Buelvas Baldins. (she/her) Policy & Advocacy Impact Tatiana is a DEIB strategist, researcher, and advisor with over a decade of experience across Europe, LATAM, and the US. With a Ph.D. Cum Laude in Gender Studies, she crafts and implements data-driven strategies that drive inclusive transformation through consultancy, HRBP advisory, and leadership development. Her work spans corporate, public, academic, and non-profit sectors, supporting C-level teams and organisational ecosystems through training, research, and policy design. She has been an active and committed advocate for structural equity and dignity towards LGBTIQ+ collective, racialized communities, migrant professionals, and women in STEAM, like herself. Her leadership is rooted in active and vocal allyship, intersectional analysis, and a deep belief in transforming workplace cultures to centre justice, resilience, and belonging. She works to ensure that organisations not only speak about inclusion and diversity, but to actually experience it. 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) 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!

Letícia Ange Pozza and Khatoun Abdmasih discuss Queer innovation and leadership. In this episode of UNLOCK: The Queer Leadership Podcast, we welcome Leticia and Khatoun—two incredible queer leaders who open up about finding their voice, challenging systems that silence us, and building spaces where everyone belongs. “If we don’t have women, if we don’t have queer people, if we don’t have Black people, and a diverse table—we’re still going to be tailoring products, services, and systems that only serve a few… and not everyone.” This episode is about more than identity—it’s about impact. It’s about turning pain into purpose, and visibility into transformation. You’ll hear stories of: 💡 In this episode: Being outed at work and finding healing through community Breaking free from inherited frameworks to live your truth Using innovation to center the voices of the most underrepresented Leading even when it’s uncomfortable, because it matters 📌 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!

Izazkun Pinson and Kevin Hawkins discuss the power of communication and vulnerability in Queer Leadership. In this episode of UNLOCK: The Queer Leadership Podcast, Kevin Hawkins joins Izazkun Pinson to unpack the power of communication in queer leadership. From being the “only one in the room” to creating spaces where others feel seen, Kevin’s story is a masterclass in authenticity and courage. “Say the thing. Do it afraid. You don’t have to be perfect—you just need to speak your truth. This episode is about more than identity—it’s about impact. It’s about turning pain into purpose, and visibility into transformation. You’ll hear stories of: 💡 In this episode: How to communicate with impact What it means to be a queer leader in tech Why showing up—imperfectly—is powerful How to create trust in teams and communities 📌 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!

Gonzalo Parra and Alex Dominguez discuss being a role model for others through Queer Leadership. What do you do when you don’t see yourself reflected in leadership? When the system wasn't built for someone like you? In this episode of UNLOCK: The Queer Leadership Podcast, we talk with Gonzalo, a trailblazing queer scientist from Argentina. He shares how he went from feeling invisible to building platforms for others, pushing boundaries in science, and becoming the leader he once searched for. This conversation is for anyone navigating leadership without a roadmap, and anyone ready to break the mold. 📌 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!

Christopher McDonnell and Ora Özer discuss invisible Queer Leadership and showing up when no one is watching. What if true leadership wasn't about having all the answers or being in the spotlight? What if it was about holding space, sharing power, and showing up for others—especially when no one’s watching? In this episode of UNLOCK: The Queer Leadership Podcast, Ora is joined by Christopher for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to lead. They talk about invisible leadership, the power of mentorship, and how being ready for opportunity often starts with doing the inner work. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not “qualified” enough to lead or unsure how to bring your queerness into your leadership, this episode is for you. Christopher shares wisdom from his journey—from nursing to global ERG leadership—that will help you rethink what leadership looks like. You’ll leave this conversation with more clarity, more confidence, and a reminder that leading with compassion is a strength, not a weakness. 📌 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!