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WE CREATE SPACE is a registered not-for-profit organisation facilitating LGBT wellbeing workshops. With a focus on self-care in the queer community, our team of well-being experts and mental health professionals provide bespoke solutions and support to the LGBT community.  Make Your Mark! IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Who Are We? JOIN THE CONVERSATION In tandem with Mental Health Awareness Month in May and Pride in June we’ve launched an exciting new initiative… Make Your Mark! A global design competition for Queer creatives highlighting important issues around LGBTQ+ wellbeing and mental health. Download the brief Submit your design The Competition We're looking for queer creative talent to help us design a range of branded merchandise to support and promote important conversations around LGBTQ+ mental health and wellbeing. A panel of judges will choose the winning designs, which will be available to purchase on products from July 2021. Each winning design will receive £100 cash prize. 100% of profits made from sales go towards providing free wellbeing services and support within the community. The Judges Henry Holland Ajay Pabial Michael Stephens Maylis Djikalou Rani Patel Ben Pechey Ashley Joiner "LGBTQ+ youth are at a much higher risk of suffering from mental health and wellbeing challenges and I know all too well how difficult growing up gay can sometimes feel. Being proud is something that comes with time, understanding and experience. It's something we need to be talking about 365 days a year and not just during Pride months. Having a network of support and a platform to talk to others would have been something I would have really appreciated and I’m really thrilled to be able to be a part of this project." Henry Holland Why are these conversations important? LGBTQ+ WELLBEING NEEDS ARE UNIQUE. Research shows that the well-being needs of each minority group are unique and require specific attention. People in the LGBTQ+ community are three times more likely to experience anxiety and depression compared to the general population, with over 50% admitting they have suffered from mental health issues in the past. (Source: Stonewall) . This rate is only going up due to the isolation many are facing during the pandemic with 79% reporting that their mental health is taking a hit. (Source: OutLife). Find out more The statistics. 46% experience depression. 53% experience anxiety. 32% have felt life was not worth living. (Source: LGBTQ SURVEY, Stonewall, 2018) What's the solution? ABOUT OUR LGBTQ+ PROGRAMMES. Identity and authenticity are at the core of our wellbeing programmes because understanding both is key to unlocking potential. Studies show that when people feel confident about their identity, their mental health and wellbeing improves because they feel more able to take control of their life. Our leading industry professionals guide participants through a process of self-exploration, using applied neuroscience teachings, psychological and holistic self-enquiry, interactive workshops, developmental coaching, and peer-to-peer learning. Participants establish action-orientated goals and objectives; empowered with practical next steps, a self-care tool kit and support network to build connection and resilience. View upcoming workshops. ABOUT ART CLUBBERS. Art Clubbers CIC delivers extensive projects and programmes across public, private and third sectors to support underrepresented and marginalised young Londoners access into the creative sector, as well as consulting businesses to embed diversity and inclusion is at the core of its activities. Supported by... CAN YOU HELP FUND MORE FREE PROGRAMMES? Donate here The Brief Choose from one of our pre-defined slogans and come up with a design that can be used across a variety of products - from T-Shirts to Face-Masks! Your design should feel aligned with the Create Space aesthetic - embracing queer culture, celebrating diversity, but not playing into stereotypes or clichés. Please read all the submissions guidelines before submitting your work. Download the brief

We Create Space is a global Queer-led platform, consultancy and collective on a mission to improve the lives of under-represented groups of professionals around the world by connecting our communities and allies with tools, knowledge and a support network for personal growth, leadership development, allyship and self-care. Learn. Connect. Grow. WE CREATE SPACE We're a community-led learning platform, network, and consultancy focused on culture change, community building and social innovation. Welcome to CSR Our Events Our Services Our Resources Our Collective Our Platform Our solutions - 1 - Our Resources. Recent Articles Get in touch Community Building 101: Our Top 30 Considerations. Our guide to build, grow, and engage communities through the principles of inclusion, wellbeing and leadership. LEADERSHIP 8 min read Post not marked as liked DEI Insights & Trends in 2025. A qualitative research study providing actionable insights and strategies for DEI practitioners in 2025. REPORTS 5 min read Post not marked as liked The World Needs More LGBTQ+ Leaders. Why we need to educate, inspire and empower more professionals to become LGBTQ+ Leaders. REPORTS 4 min read Post not marked as liked The Business Case for DEI in 2024. The continued importance of building diversity, equity and inclusion principles into the foundations of any company’s business strategy -... REPORTS 13 min read Post not marked as liked WCS | Recognising 4 Years of Creating Space. Learn how We Create Space is improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the globe. LEADERSHIP 2 min read Post not marked as liked WCS x Coventry City Council: LGBTQ+ Talent Development Programme. How we worked with CCC to influence change across the organisation. CASE STUDIES 3 min read Post not marked as liked Creating Space for Queer Women. The importance of creating intersectional spaces for Queer women to share their experiences. LEADERSHIP 7 min read Post not marked as liked Queer Wellbeing: WCS>BCN. We share results from our series of free community wellbeing classes in Barcelona. CASE STUDIES 3 min read Post not marked as liked Queer Journeys | Shimar Guyo. Hear the story of Shimar Guyo, a trans woman who moved from the Philippines to study and her search for Queer Community in Barcelona. 1 min read Post not marked as liked Woman to Woman: Lessons from a Lesbian Executive. Nancy Di Dia on gender equity in the workplace, trans allyship and finding new life in retirement. LEADERSHIP 6 min read Post not marked as liked - 2 - Our Services. Discover our range of bespoke corporate solutions, bringing powerful community-building solutions to the heart of your business. Corporate Solutions Get in touch Allyship Programmes Leadership Programmes Resources & Content Talks & Panel Discussions Event Packages Annual Membership Consultancy & Guidance Workshops & Webinars - 3 - Our Community. Follow us on social to receive all our latest free content. - 4 - Our Events . Sign-up to our newsletter to receive all the latest information and updates, including invites to our free events as they get announced. Queer Speed Networking | Online Tue, 01 Apr Online More info Register now Queer Hike | BCN Sun, 06 Apr Meeting point | Check description More info Register now Book Club | Jua O'Kane Thu, 10 Apr Online More info Register now Queer Leadership 101 | Online Tue, 15 Apr Online More info Register now Community Building 101: Voda Thu, 17 Apr Online More info Register now Queer Hike | BCN Sat, 19 Apr Meeting point | McDonald's, P'de Gracia More info Register now Load More Upcoming Events Get in touch WCS x Barcelona Expat Life Building connections at the Barcelona Expat Life Job Fair. EVENTS 2 min read Post not marked as liked WCS x The Festival of Consciousness 2024 Bringing Queer perspectives to an international audience. EVENTS 2 min read Post not marked as liked Pink Carpet at WCS LGBTQ+ Awards 22.06.24 Check out these photos of our glamourous pink carpet guests at the inaugural WCS LGBTQ+ Awards at The Social Hub in Barcelona. This year... EVENTS 1 min read Post not marked as liked Pride Gala | WCS LGBTQ+ Awards 22.06.24 Take a peek into our fabulous Pride Gala at The Social Hub in Barcelona, where we celebrated the winners the 2024 WCS LGBTQ+ Awards. EVENTS 2 min read Post not marked as liked Winner's Dinner | WCS LGBTQ+ Awards 21.06.24 We brought our award winners together for an intimate evening to connect, network and inspire each other at LabTwentyTwo in Barcelona. EVENTS 1 min read Post not marked as liked Queer Women In Business Meet Up 24.04.24 Take a look into our latest Queer Women In Business event at WeWork Barcelona. EVENTS 1 min read Post not marked as liked Queer Wellbeing: WCS>BCN. We share results from our series of free community wellbeing classes in Barcelona. CASE STUDIES 3 min read Post not marked as liked WCS>BCN 15.03.24 My Best Ally: An evening of queer art, conversation and celebration in Barcelona. EVENTS 1 min read Post not marked as liked WCS>BCN 26.10.23 An evening of queer performances, conversation and community in Barcelona. EVENTS 1 min read Post not marked as liked WCS>BCN 21.09.23 A night full of connection, intimate conversation and learning in Barcelona! EVENTS 1 min read Post not marked as liked - 5 - Our Collective . Our Global Speaker Collective is comprised of inclusion specialists, therapists, certified coaches, consultants, mental health professionals, activists, senior execs, legal experts, and corporate change-makers. Meet our speakers Get in touch - 6 - Our Campus . WCS | Campus is our new digital space where you can connect with other like-minded people from our community - engaging in meaningful discussions, workshops, events and online courses - at a global and local level. Join the Campus Get in touch

Join upcoming Queer Retreats in Barcelona by WE CREATE SPACE, a global LGBTQ+ community network and learning platform. BARCELONA Queer Retreats Join a Workshop Transform your Leadership & Wellbeing with an LGBTQ+ Retreat. Each of our retreats are designed to be a transformative experience for LGBTQ+ business professionals and Queer Leaders looking to recharge, realign and refine their innovative leadership approach. Book a Retreat Allyship Programmes Our Approach Guided by experts, and supported by a like-minded community, enjoy movement classes and creative workshops , mindful networking and mini-adventures - each activity, interaction and experience offering you new tools for self-care, queer leadership and personal growth. Why JOIN A Retreat? ✓ Step away from daily pressures and find clarity ✓ Connect with visionary LGBTQ+ professionals who share your journey. ✓ Join a strong, supportive global queer community network. ✓ Tools to manage expectations, set boundaries, and prevent burnout. ✓ Expand your impact while maintaining balance and well-being. Allyship Programmes Our VENUE Nestled in the stunning Catalan countryside and surrounded by majestic vineyards and mountains , this charming 16th Century Masía is a relaxing escape just 50 minutes away from the vibrant city of Barcelona . Its serene environment, modern comforts, and beautiful natural backdrops provide the perfect retreat setting. Upcoming Retreats Book your space now 4 Day Queer Retreat | Reclaiming Joy Fri, 09 May Barcelona, Spain Show details Find out more 7 Day Queer Retreat | Dreams In Motion Fri, 23 May Barcelona, Spain Show details Find out more 4 Day Queer Retreat | Radical Self-Love Fri, 06 Jun Barcelona, Spain Show details Find out more Load More Testimonials The retreat was inspiring and empowering . The focus on self-discovery meant I left with a deeper understanding of my personal motivations and how to be my authentic self . I would totally recommend it to any members of the LGBT+ community who want space to reflect about their future. - Jon B - From the initial introductory emails to the post-retreat check-in, intentional care was taken to both inform and hold us as participants, way beyond my expectations . The structure of the retreat seemed very well thought through, yet always gave the impression that it was an open and spacious process . I would thoroughly recommend this retreat. - Bex W - A taste of queer utopia! The Queer Leadership Retreat was so well organized and supported, and all of the programming (and space between programming) was thoughtfully planned. I left feeling more connected, rested and somehow also energized, and ready to take what I learned into my work and life. If you're considering joining a session or retreat with We Create Space– do it! - Joshua L - Read more reviews WHY DO WE EXIST? We can’t create the inclusive culture and community that we all desire until we start healing ourselves and become more aware as individuals. Once we understand why we behave a certain way, we can use that knowledge as fuel to instigate positive change, becoming more powerful with the decisions we make, and the actions we take. We take an active role in shaping our own lives and lead the way forward for others. About our mission OUR APPROACH. We create very intimate, compassionate and confidential spaces. We use a tried-and-tested sequence of interactive elements; empowering individuals with the necessary tools and information for continuing their own learning and growth journey. Our sessions sometimes offer the unique opportunity to openly share and learn from each others' experiences without judgement; building resilience, strength and community together in the face of our collective adversity. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? For any more information or enquiries please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Get in touch Sign up to newsletter

Award Winner Hadi Moussally, a Lebanese-French artist living in Paris and Barcelona shares his Queer Leadership Journey. My Story and Journey. My name is Hadi Moussally and I am a Lebanese-French filmmaker, photographer, and performer. My journey has always been shaped by movement—between cultures, identities, and artistic expressions. I was born in Lebanon, a place rich in culture, history and warmth but also filled with rigid societal norms, especially regarding queerness. Moving to France in search of creative and personal freedom, I spent years navigating what it meant to belong, only to realize that true belonging comes from within and from the communities we create. Today, I split my time between Paris and Barcelona, two cities that have given me the space to explore and express myself fully. Growing up in Tripoli, a deeply conservative city, queerness was not something I saw represented in a positive light. I internalized the belief that being queer was something to hide. At 17, when I realized I was gay, I prayed to change. But as I evolved, so did my understanding of identity and self-worth. Over time, art became my language of resistance, celebration, and healing. It allowed me to navigate my multiple identities—Arab, queer, artist—without compromising any of them. Today, I use my work to challenge norms, amplify queer voices, and create spaces where others can see themselves represented. My Work and Passion. At the core of my work is a commitment to hybrid storytelling. Through my production company, h7o7 , I create moving and still images that blend fashion, dance, experimental cinema, documentary and much more. In another way, it’s a hybrid genres. My work aims to disrupt conventions, challenge stereotypes, and offer nuanced representations of queer and Arab identities. To date, my films have been selected in over 400 festivals and have won more than 50 awards. Beyond filmmaking, I also perform as my persona, Salma Zahore , where I merge belly dance and voguing—a tribute to both my SWANA heritage and queer ballroom culture. Through performance, I challenge gender norms and celebrate the fluidity of identity. Art, for me, is activism, and I embrace the term "artivist" because my work seeks not only to create beauty but to provoke thought, dialogue, and change. Representation matters. Growing up, I didn’t see positive portrayals of queer Arabs. Today, I strive to change that. Whether through film, photography, or performance, I want to create work that makes young queer individuals—especially those from conservative backgrounds—feel seen, validated, and empowered. My Leadership and WCS Connection. Queer leadership, to me, means carving out spaces where others can exist authentically. It’s about challenging systemic barriers while nurturing communities of care and resistance. As a queer leader, I don’t just want to create art; I want to use my voice and visibility to uplift others, spark difficult but necessary conversations, and advocate for more inclusive spaces. I am an artivist against injustice. In another way, I use art as a form of activism to share light on all kind of injustices like homophobia, racism, sexism, transphobia and much more. Being part of the WCS community has been both affirming and inspiring. It connects me with other change-makers who are dedicated to making a difference. Whether through collaboration, mentorship, or sharing our stories, this network amplifies our collective impact. To be recognized by WCS means having a platform that validates and celebrates the work I do, motivating me to push even further. - Hadi Mousally Life Before & After Winning the Award. Winning the WCS Queer Leaders Award in 2024 was a pivotal moment in my journey. It validated years of hard work and struggle, showing me that my story and my art resonate with others. With increased visibility also comes new challenges. More recognition means more responsibility—to continue creating impactful work, to mentor emerging queer creatives, and to use my platform wisely. But these are challenges I welcome, as they push me to keep evolving. My Vision for the Future. Looking ahead, I envision expanding my work across different mediums and platforms. I want to create more films that explore intersectional queer identities, collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds, and continue performing as Salma Zahore on larger international stages. I also hope to establish mentorship programs for queer Arab creatives, offering them the support I wish I had when I was younger. Challenges remain, representation is still limited, funding for experimental and intersectional art is scarce, and queer Arab narratives often face resistance. But I believe in persistence, in community, and in the transformative power of storytelling. My journey as a queer leader is ongoing, and every step I take is driven by a deep commitment to visibility, advocacy, and artistic expression. The future is about building more bridges, breaking more barriers, and ensuring that the next generation of queer creatives finds a world that embraces them fully. And I am here for it. Hadi Moussally (he/him) Hadi is a dynamic Lebanese-French filmmaker, photographer, and performer. He holds two master's degrees from Paris universities in "Fiction Cinema" and "Documentary and Anthropological Cinema." As an artivist, Hadi uses his work in films, photos, and performances to expose social injustices such as homophobia, racism, sexism, transphobia, and more. His dedication to fighting against injustice is palpable in everything he creates. With an unwavering passion for his craft and a powerful message to share, Hadi is a force to be reckoned with in the world of art and activism. Find out more here 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!

Pronouns are all something that we can sometimes make mistakes on. Our team shares the techniques they use to help improve their pronoun skills - why not try out some of these too? As trans visibility has entered the mainstream, pronouns have grown to be a hot topic across the political spectrum. While most people have an awareness that using the correct pronouns for trans people is important, many do not really understand why misgendering can be so painful. Similarly, when people will insist that they are trying to use the correct pronouns for a trans person, it’s often obvious that they have put little to no effort into challenging the way they perceive us - which is a common culprit of consistent but accidental misgendering. Take the time to think about how you would feel if everyone around you started referring to you as if you were someone else. If you can understand how this would be frustrating or distressing then you can understand why it’s so important to gender people correctly. The question is: how? Many cisgender people mean well but just can’t seem to shift to using a new pronoun when a co-worker comes out as trans, or permanently struggle with the pronouns of people who are gender non-conforming. The missing component in this equation is often a lack of practice . Changing the pronouns you use for someone is similar to breaking any other habit, it just requires a little patience and a commitment to change. It’s also a skill that will get easier with time, once you’ve managed it for one person, you’ll find it easier to do the next time you meet a trans person. We’ve compiled the following tips to help strengthen your pronoun skills: 1. Re-contextualise the person in your head. Take time to think about the person you’re struggling to gender correctly. Correlate them with their actual gender identity. Have you seen them become happier as they’ve expressed their true self? What ways do they express their gender? You can try repeating to yourself, “_____ is a woman/man/non-binary person”. When you have a strong sense of your own gender identity, having this aspect of yourself constantly disrespected or ignored by the people around you can feel like a process of gradual gaslighting, being told over and over again that you are not who you know yourself to be. This often manifests in increased anxiety and self-doubt. Despite this, it can be difficult for people to assert their pronouns when misgendered. Nina Taylor of Dentsu gave us their perspective: “An issue that I face as a non-binary person is the constant battle between asserting myself through communicating my correct pronouns and the desire to not make other people feel awkward or embarrassed when correcting them, as well as drawing any unwanted attention to myself. I think this will evolve with time, but right now what works for me is to correct people who I will encounter multiple times in my life and to save energy by not correcting people who play a more fleeting role”. 2. Practise talking with someone else. Ask a friend if you can practise talking about the person using their correct pronouns. Tell them a story about that person and ask them to correct you when you slip up. Take time to actively think as you speak rather than going on auto-pilot. Ask your conversation partner to ask you questions about the person to get used to a more back and forth conversation. It can also be useful to practise saying thank you when you’re corrected. Don’t derail the conversation, make a big deal out of it or start an excuse, just say thank you, correct yourself and move on. 3. Write it out. If you’re struggling to find someone to practise with or it still isn’t sticking, try writing about the person rather than speaking aloud. Writing something down will help you commit it to memory and will further connect the person with their correct pronouns in your head. 4. Correct yourself always. It’s important to correct yourself always, regardless of whether people are around to hear it. Correcting yourself and making note every time you make a mistake with someone’s pronouns forces you to be accountable and contributes to breaking the overall habit. You should correct others where possible too. This is good practice for yourself but also contributes to helping others break their habits too. 5. Don’t make trans people hold your hand through the process. Trans people are often made to feel like their transitions are a burden on the people around them, so reminding them that you’re finding it difficult to remember their new pronouns can make them feel awkward, guilty or that they are inconveniencing you. 6. Be discreet and empathetic. It can be intimidating to have someone ask for your pronouns in front of a large group of people. Offering your own pronouns first before asking for someone else's can help put them at ease. Where possible, be discreet by asking quietly or pulling the person aside briefly. Coming out as trans or non-binary can be a scary prospect, especially in professional settings, but it can also be incredibly rewarding when mustering the courage to do so is met with support from your co-workers. Consider the context you’re in. If you’re at a women-only event and ask for a trans woman’s pronouns but don’t find yourself doing the same with cis women, you’re inadvertently singling out that trans woman as “other”. 7. Don’t make it a big deal. When we make mistakes, many of us instinctually jump to justifying our actions to diffuse our own sense of guilt but this thought process is rarely comforting to hear for the person affected. It puts them in a position where they have to minimise their own hurt to prioritise ours. Apologising, correcting yourself and moving on is the best way to handle your slip ups. In moments where the process may feel difficult or frustrating, remember that gendering people correctly has a much bigger impact than you might think - you’re supporting and empowering trans and non-binary people to be themselves when you use their pronouns . Being recognised for who we are is something we all deserve by default, it doesn’t need to be earned, so we should all make an active effort to manifest that for each other. While you're here... Did you know we consult with 100+ 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!

Award Winner Belén Kay , a Queer musician in Barcelona, shares her Queer Leadership Journey. My Story and Journey. I’m Belén, I’m half Irish and half Spanish. I grew up in Cork, Ireland, and moved to Barcelona with my family when I was 11. Growing up between two cultures made me feel like I didn’t fully fit in anywhere, and that’s what pushed me to be creative and open-minded. Creativity has always been my way of expressing myself, and it’s also helped me understand and embrace my queer identity. Ultimately, I do what I do because I want to help others feel seen and supported, just as I’ve learned to do for myself. My Work and Passion. The heart of my music project is all about supporting and collaborating with queer and FLINTA creatives in the music industry. Since I’ve started recording music I aim to collaborate and create more opportunities for underrepresented groups. In my day-to-day job, I focus on making the workplace inclusive for everyone, ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected. My Leadership and WCS Connection. Queer leadership to me is about being true to yourself and helping others feel comfortable doing the same. It’s about creating spaces where everyone is accepted. Being part of the We Create Space community has been amazing—it’s a place to connect with others who care about making a difference. It’s helped me grow, get inspired, and bring more attention to my work, whether in music or inclusivity. Life Before & After Winning the Award. Winning the WCS Queer Leaders Award in 2024 was such a meaningful milestone for me—it gave me a huge boost of confidence and validation for the work I’m doing. My Vision for the Future. Looking ahead, my main goal is to continue amplifying queer and FLINTA musicians, especially in creative spaces where they’re often overlooked. I want to expand my collaborations and create more inclusive opportunities within the music industry and in my own musical project. As a queer leader, I see myself evolving by being more proactive in advocating for inclusivity, taking on more leadership roles, and using my platform to inspire others. Find Belén's music and music videos here: https://linktr.ee/belenkay Belén Kay (she/they) Belén Kay is a Folk Rock singer-songwriter and guitarist. Born and raised in Cork (Ireland), at 11 years old they moved to Barcelona. Being half Irish half Spanish she has always questioned - still to this day - where she belongs. Thanks to her music production studies, Belén has self co-produced her first EP called “Abbey Court” Where they sing about dealing with pain, grief, heartbreak and returning home to find oneself. Her music is an open book, where she talks about her experiences, thoughts and feelings. 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!