Queer design
By Julie-Ann Sherlock
The ability to feel included and understood in our work environments is something many of us take for granted. But, as Queer Design Club points out, it's an unfortunate fact that more designers from the LGBTQ+ community work part-time or as freelancers than their heterosexual counterparts.
That's because even in 2022, a year in which Pride is welcomed and celebrated all over the world, many work environments are not as inclusive as they should be — and some have cultural and management practices that alienate Queer designers. Queer Design Club works to remove these barriers to full-time employment and make the world of design a more fair, equitable and comfortable place for everyone.
The group acts as an online community celebrating queer contributions to the design industry and visual culture, while supporting and encouraging those who work at the intersection of queer identity and design world wide. An internal Slack group acts as a "clubhouse" for designers where they can swap ideas, share their work and offer support. It also features an online directory of designers for showcasing work and networking.
As part of Pride 2022 celebrations, Queer Design Club will host the inaugural Queer Design Summit online on July 7, with a half-day programme open to designers from the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Online panels and discussions will focus on the work of Queer designers and examine some of the issues those from the LGBTQ+ community face in the sector.
In 2021, the Club carried out a Queer Design Count survey of more than 1,500 LGBTQ+ designers globally to learn about their experiences and the challenges they face working as a queer person in the design world. The first ever Queer Design Summit will examine those survey findings, with panellists discussing race and income, gender and sexuality, workplace culture, discrimination and job security.
Through conversations and story sharing, hosts and speakers with unique insights and perspectives on the industry aim to show those from the LGBTQ+ community that they have the support of their peers. Sponsored tickets are available on the website to help ensure that all designers, queer or ally, can attend the event.