Learn. Connect. Grow. Issue 24.
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.”
In this edition we’re diving into everything to do with LGBTQ+ Leadership, starting with a new Queer Journeys video featuring digital marketer Cindy Nasenya , who shares how migrating from Kenya to Barcelona has shaped her advocacy journey.
Next we have a feature article from Shannon O'Rourke (she/her) , exploring the findings of her PhD research into the leadership experiences of LGBQ change-makers and a new report exploring why we need more LGBTQ+ Leaders in the corporate world.
Keep scrolling for our top 10 training programmes for developing Queer Leaders, invites to our upcoming events and additional resources on asexual and trans advocacy.
Wishing you a lovely rest of your week,
Michael Stephens?(he/they)
Founder of We Create Space
WCS FEATURE:
Queer Journeys | Cindy Nasenya.
A new instalment for Black History Month in our film series exploring Queer migration journeys and building community in new places.
Cindy Nasenya is a Queer African content creator and digital marketer who grew up in Kenya, moved to Poland and now lives in Barcelona. She shares her story, how Queer and Afro diaspora community have helped her grow and find confidence while living in a new part of the world.
WCS FEATURE:
The true cost of being ‘authentic’ at work.
Shannon O’Rourke breaks down the findings of her PhD research into the leadership experiences of Queer people.
“Promoting corporate diversity can create an obligation for individuals with minority characteristics to both reveal their own struggles and speak for others’ experiences. Expectations to ‘be authentic’ can become coercive by compelling people to speak about matters that they would prefer to keep private. Authenticity should be approached as something that is often complex and unique to everyone rather than an imperative.” - Shannon O'Rourke (she/her)
WCS REPORT:
The World Needs More LGBTQ+ Leaders.
A report examining the need to educate, inspire and empower more professionals to become LGBTQ+ Leaders.
Approximately 9% of adults globally identify as LGBTQ+, with this percentage rising to as high as 30% among Gen Z, but only 0.4% of board seats in Fortune 500 companies are held by openly LGBTQ+ directors. This underrepresentation is not only a matter of equity but also a missed opportunity for businesses.
WCS FEATURE:
Top 10 Training Programmes for Queer Leaders.
Queer people may not fit the traditional mould of what a leader looks like, and so are often passed over for experiences and opportunities where they would thrive if given the chance. We picked out our top ten programmes to develop upcoming LGBTQIA+ leaders in the workplace, providing education on inclusive leadership, cultivating courage, self-compassion, resilience and so much more.
WCS RESOURCES:
Our 2025 DEI Cultural Calendar.
Your road map to facilitating inclusive conversations in 2025.
Our?Cultural Calendar?collects key dates, awareness days and Pride seasons for the LGBTQIA+ Community, People of Colour, Disabled and Neurodivergent Communities and more. It’s an essential piece of kit to keep your DEI diary up to date!
WCS EVENTS: LONDON
Queer Speed Networking hits London!
Our first Queer Speed Networking event in London was a roaring success, so get yourself signed up to our next one!
We’ll be returning to Mama Shelter for another informal evening of speed-networking and making new connections on 19th November. Whether you're an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, artist, professional, or simply looking to expand your social circle here in London, we’re sure you’ll leave having met some exciting new people!
WCS EVENTS: LONDON
Queer Women in Business.
After a successful launch we’re returning to London for another Queer Women in Business Meet Up on the 7th November!
Hosts Sevi K. ???? and Coda Nicolaeff will be joined by guest Char Erskine , a DEI professional who works in the legal sector. 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 share their lived experience at the intersection of all these things to drive conversation, curiosity, and authentic connection between people.
WCS EVENTS: ONLINE
Queer Speed Networking.
Join us for another online edition of our popular Queer Speed Networking series on 5th November for the opportunity to make new connections with LGBTQ+ professionals from all over the world!
WCS EVENTS: ONLINE
‘Queer Living’ Webinars.
Last week our ‘Queer Living’ webinar series continued with a discussion of the financial barriers facing LGBTQ+ folk, including managing debt and a lack of financial role models. Catch up with the full recording above!
Make sure to sign up for the rest of the sessions and join us for real lived experiences, powerful conversation and to have your burning questions answered by our speakers!
?? Queerness & Access to Healthcare | 29th October
Guest speakers: Eva Echo & Coda Nicolaeff
???????? Queerness, Employment & Careers | 12th November
Guest speakers: Lucia Blayke & Jon-Paul Vicari (He/Him)
?? Queerness & Nature | 26th November
Guest speakers: Santo Tripodi & ora ?zer
?? Queerness & Chosen Families | 10th December
Guest speakers: Saba Ali FRSA & Neil Hudson-Basing
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. ??
Featuring: Anthoniy Hristov , Dr. Debra Y. Griffith , Mus Alsaeid , Safir Boukhalfa , Dylan Shimmon , Thokozani Mbwana , Rachel Padilla , Paula Harrowing and Dr Gus Bussmann .
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.
The Darker Side of Activism.
Asexual activist Yasmin Benoit sheds light on the challenges and moments of empowerment she has faced as a public figure fighting for her community.
How Gender Stereotypes Impact Queer Leadership.
Sayantani Chakravarty examines how rigid ideas around gender hold back LGBTQIA+ people in the workplace and impact their ability to thrive as leaders.
Leadership Beyond the Binary.
Polo Lonergan, Olivia Esposito, Jamie Lowe and Rico Jacob Chace re-imagine how workplaces can attract and retain trans talent, and discuss how to encourage cisgender leaders to be vocal allies to the trans community.