Learn. Connect. Grow. Issue 21.
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.”
September is Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month and to celebrate we have a new article from some of our partners at Google. Having worked on various events bringing together their Latine and FLINTA ERGs in the last year, we asked them to reflect on how their cultural heritage and Queerness intersect. We’re also sharing resources on getting more out of your ERG budget, creating intergenerational support between LGBTQ+ employees, how intersectionality impacts career advancement and leadership programmes to empower trans employees.
Keep scrolling for invites to a range of events, including our first Queer Women in Business meet up in London later this week and a new Global Speed Networking event for Queer professionals…
Wishing you a lovely rest of your week,
Michael Stephens?(he/they)
Founder of We Create Space
WCS FEATURE:
Embracing Heritage Across the Diaspora.
Employees from Google's FLINTA ERG discuss Queerness and the future of conversations around Latine identity.
“I envision a future where conversations about Latina/x/e identity embrace our rich diversity, amplify marginalised voices, and actively challenge the existing power dynamics and systems that perpetuate inequality within our community. We must keep celebrating intersectionality, ensure greater representation in leadership, and foster open dialogue about colorism and internalised racism.” - Lucia Molinari
WCS NEWS:
October & November Booking Reminder.
Book an event for LGBTQ+ History Month (US), Black History Month (UK) and Trans Awareness Week!
As transphobia continues to rise across the globe, it’s essential for businesses to stand by their trans employees. Running from 13th - 19th November, Trans Awareness Week is an excellent time to think about how you are platforming trans voices in your business and encouraging leadership development in trans employees. Not sure where to start? Get in touch at [email protected] for a free consultation!
We also still have time to accommodate LGBTQ+ History Month and Black History Month bookings for October, but get them in sooner rather than later!
WCS EVENTS: ONLINE
Coming soon… Global Queer Speed Networking!
Connect with new Queer professionals from all over the world.
We’re thrilled to be bringing our in-person networking event series into a new online format, allowing even more Queer professionals to participate and make new connections! Each 1 hour session will include a guest speaker, breakout opportunities to meet new people, and some space to reflect. We'll explore key WCS themes such as giving back, serving the community, driving change, setting goals and more.
Join us for our first session on Tuesday 24th September 4PM BST | 5PM CET!
WCS FEATURE:
Top 10 Transgender Training Programmes.
Upskill, support and empower your trans employees.
Many businesses and organisations are still failing to provide adequate support for trans employees, and it’s holding back the next generation of great Queer Leaders. We’ve compiled a list of our top ten programmes for building trans inclusivity and upskilling trans leaders in your business.
WCS TESTIMONIALS:
WCS x Havas.
Intersectionality may be a well trodden topic for those of us working in DEI, but there is still much work to be done in educating wider audiences about this essential framework. Check out this wonderful feedback from an “Exploring LGBTQ+ Intersectional Identities” session we delivered for Havas with speakers Sanjukta Moorthy (Sun-yook-ta) and Eli Theodor !
Looking to book a similar session? Get in touch at [email protected]
WCS EVENTS: LONDON
Queer Women in Business launches in the UK!
After great success in Barcelona, we’re thrilled to finally be bringing our Queer Women in Business Meet Up to London on Thursday 12th September!
Our hosts Sevi K. ???? and Coda Nicolaeff will be joined by guests Carol O'Keefe from J.P. Morgan and DEI consultant Yassine Senghor for an evening of conversation and connection, exploring the challenges of career progression for LGBTQ+ women, intersectionality and resilience.
WCS EVENTS: ONLINE
Upcoming ‘Queer Living’ Webinars & Talks.
In our new ‘Queer Living’ webinar series we’re exploring the realities of Queer life through an intersectional lens, diving into the issues at the heart of our community. Join us for real lived experiences, powerful conversation and to have your burning questions answered by our speakers!
Queerness & Polyamory | 17th September
Guest speakers: Ali Hendry & Jua O'Kane
Queerness & Bodily Autonomy | 1st October
Guest speakers: Dee Whitnell & Doug A. Graffeo
Queerness, Finance & Mental Health | 15th October
Guest speakers: Travers Johnson & Jamie Lowe ??????????
WCS EVENTS: ONLINE
In-Conversation: Roxane Gay & Megan Pillow.
We're thrilled to be hosting an in-conversation event on Wednesday 11th September with authors Megan Pillow, Ph.D. and Roxane Gay about their new book, ‘Do The Work: a guide to understanding power & creating change.”
Hosted by Dr. Debra Y. Griffith , we’ll be exploring questions around what power is, who has it and how we can empower others, this is sure to be a powerful conversation for culture disruptors and anyone seeking to make the world a more just place. We'll also dive into how the book came about and the authors' hopes for its impact.
WCS SPEAKER SHOWCASE:
Our Collective.
The We Create Space Collective is constantly growing and features 300+ 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 a speaker!
Featured: Esteban Zamora , Nicole Simpson , Ale Rebon, Mark Travis Rivera , Mariana Spada , Andrea Barberà , R. Gonzalo Parra ????? , Natasha Getler-Porizkova and Kari Serrano.
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. Resources for Pride, and Beyond
Empowering ERG Leaders: Developing Strategic Budgets
With many leaders facing shrinking budgets, we break down how you can overcome budgeting challenges & unlock the full potential of your Employee Resource Group.
Intergenerational Wisdom.
Yujx Smith, Erica Rose, Marc Thompson and Jae Sloan discuss the barriers preventing intergenerational bonding for LGBTQ+ people, the power of mentorship and how to nurture future Queer Leaders.
Queering Your Career: Panel Discussion.
Sanjukta Moorthy, Kevin Hawkins, Jen Keawphaisan and Gonzalo Parra discuss LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace and the impacts of intersectionality on career advancement.