Learn. Connect. Grow. Issue 15.
WE CREATE SPACE
A Community-Led Learning Platform, Consultancy and Network of Leaders driving Social Innovation.
?? Intersectional Resources for creating Queer Inclusive Work Spaces. ??
Welcome back to another issue of “Learn. Connect. Grow.”
Our lead article this week is a reflection on the global state of LGBTQIA+ rights in light of IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia) last Friday. Members of the WCS Collective have shared their reflections on the discrimination they have faced as Queer people who have lived across the globe.
We’re also thrilled to announce the first programme from WCS | Courses: LGBTQ+ Inclusion! It’s e-learning through an intersectional lens, combining industry best practices and research with the perspectives and testimonies of the WCS Collective.
P.S. The deadline for WCS | Awards nominations has been extended to the 24th May, so you have an extra week to shout out the change-makers you think deserve to be celebrated!
Wishing you a lovely rest of your week,
Michael Stephens (he/they), Founder of We Create Space
WCS FEATURE:
IDAHOBIT 2024.
Global Perspectives on LGBTQIA+ Discrimination from our Collective.
“Homophobia to me represents that constant state of alert that is activated in my brain when I am in any public space while embracing my identity as a queer person. No matter how inclusive the city is, I can never fully relax and let my guard down... because that could mean that I end up verbally or physically attacked by intolerant people.” - R. Gonzalo Parra ?????
”I lost 12 years of my life to worrying about whether or not the people I love will be capable of loving the person I needed to transition into. Eventually I immigrated to a country where no one knew me and therefore no one was attached to who they thought I was, only then did I allow myself to transition. ” - Eli Theodor
WCS FREE EVENT: ONLINE
DEI Business Webinars.
Join us today at 4PM UKT and be a part of the conversation.
It’s crucial for organisations to develop family leave policies that are inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers. Join Neil Hudson-Basing , Dr Jack López , Josephine Hughes and Raga D'silva for this webinar exploring best practices and considerations for crafting policies that recognize and accommodate the unique needs of LGBTQ+ families.
WCS NEWS:
WCS | Courses.
Our online e-learning course ‘LGBTQ+ Inclusion’ is now live and available for purchase!
Delivered by Yassine Senghor , Diego Lazaro and Guest Speakers, our 4-part LGBTQ+ Inclusion course is perfect for those who want to deepen their understanding of LGBTQ+ identities with the goal of creating more inclusive workplaces, communities and societies.
WCS | Courses provide e-learning through an intersectional lens, combining industry best practices and research with the knowledge, perspectives and real life experiences of We Create Space’s global speaker collective.
?? Email [email protected] to enquire.
WCS RESOURCE:
DEI Webinar Recording.
We show you how to implement truly inclusive wellbeing strategies…
Did you miss out on our last DEI webinar? Catch up now with the recording! Jon-Paul Vicari (He/Him) , Eli Theodor , Erica Burton, RN, MPH, CGNC and Obella Obbo discuss how to implement innovative approaches to mental health support that consider the diverse needs and experiences of all individuals.
WCS NEWS:
WCS | Awards 2024.
Recognising Queer Leaders serving their community this Pride Season.
You've got a little more time to submit your nominations for the 2024 WCS | Awards!
This year we will celebrate Queer Leaders across Spain - LGBTQ+ individuals who are driving change and making the world a more inclusive place for all LGBTQ+ people.
There are a number of ways you can get involved, from nominating a Queer Leader to attending our Pride Gala Awards Ceremony or sponsoring an award! Find all the information you need below.
WCS RESOURCE:
Ideas for Pride 2024.
Need help preparing for Pride Season? Looking to level up your programming? We’ve compiled all of our best ideas for Pride in one place.
WCS FREE EVENT : BARCELONA
Queering Leadership Masterclass.
Join us at WeWork Barcelona for a masterclass workshop to grow on your path toward becoming a confident Queer Leader. Learn about growing your influence and impact in this skills development workshop with leadership mentor, speaker and author Betsy Reed . You must join the WCS | Campus Barcelona network to register for this event.
WCS FREE EVENT : BARCELONA
Queer Women in Business.
Join us at WeWork Barcelona on the 19th June for our informal Queer Women in Business meet up! It’s a space for LGBTQIA+ women to network, build lasting and nurturing friendships, reflect on challenges and inspire each other as we work towards creating safer and more inclusive spaces - for ALL women.
WCS FREE EVENT : LONDON
London Business Community Social.
We’ll be back at The BoTree Bar on the 5th June for another evening networking event, bringing together DEI Professionals, Leaders and Corporate Change-Agents. Join us for a free drink, a chance to mingle with likeminded folks and a short talk from our guest speaker Tolu Osinubi titled “What’s Your Label?”
WCS SPEAKER SHOWCASE:
Our Collective.
It’s May so that means we’re celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month! At WCS we’re lucky to celebrate a range of powerful practitioners, activists and speakers whose work revolves around mental health.
The We Create Space collective is constantly growing and features a wide range of speakers from a variety of backgrounds, all of whom are ready to enrich and inspire you with their stories and perspectives. From seasoned corporate voices to fresh grass-roots perspectives, we can match you with the perfect speaker for your needs.
?? Email [email protected] to book.
Featuring: Loane A. , Juan Diego (JD) Valladares-Williams , Lisa Cowling , Karim El Oteify , Suzy McCafferty , Santo Tripodi , Paula-Adjo Soli , Mariana Spada and Audrey Mari.
WCS Reminder:
Our Resources.
Our website is packed full of free articles, webinars, think-pieces and podcast episodes to educate and inspire you on a wide range of topics related to DEI, LGBTQ+ issues, workplace allyship and more.
Prioritising Trans Allyship in Our Queer Future.
Jon-Paul Vicari outlines what cisgender lesbian, gay and bisexual people can do to practise trans allyship and support to the transgender community in a time of crisis.
Pride Month: What It Is And What It Isn't.
With June just around the corner, we invite you to take some time to reflect on the true meaning of Pride and ensure your organisation’s Pride Month activities don’t fall under performative allyship.
Rethinking Resilience: In Pursuit of Queer Courage.
Maylis Djikalou and Jade Fraser discuss how as leaders and change-makers we must re-imagine inclusion efforts in times of chaos, creating new organisational cultures that serve and protect our most marginalised individuals.