Creating Space: Inside RGD’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Virtual Community

Launched to foster connection, solidarity and support among queer designers across Canada, the RGD's 2SLGBTQIA+ Virtual Community offers a unique space where Members can share experiences, exchange feedback and build relationships rooted in authenticity and care. We asked Lawrence Ly RGD, the Community Leader of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Virtual Community, about its purpose, impact and what makes it a vital part of the RGD network today.

Can you share a bit about why the 2SLGBTQIA+ Virtual Community was started, and what you hoped to create?

The 2SLGBTQIA+ Virtual Community was originally spearheaded by Kelly Small RGD to connect and support designers across Canada who identify as being part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. I originally joined the Virtual Community as a Member who was interested in forging new relationships with other queer designers, and to better align my personal values and professional practice together in a meaningful way. In early 2024, Kelly reached out to me and passed over the leadership reins for me to re-launch the Virtual Community. As a continuation of what they started, I'm hoping to create a safe and inclusive space for queer designers to learn from each other, especially for Members who may live and practice in smaller communities. 

What makes this space meaningful or different from other design-focused communities?

I would say our Virtual Community is more focused on sharing the personal experiences of being a queer designer. I can’t speak for other design-focused communities, but I know several Members also belong to other RGD communities that align with their professional practice, such as Solo Designers or Firm Owners. What I try to cultivate in our space is the ability to show up as you are in a casual environment, be open and feel supported wherever you are in life. As queer people, we see and experience the world differently and often we need to put on battle armour to survive daily life, especially during these chaotic times. But at the end of the day, we want to feel accepted for simply being. This is the feeling that I want to foster and uphold in our space.
 

Have any moments, themes or discussions stood out to you since the start of this community?

I’m grateful to hear what our Members are up to in their design practice and how they get involved in their real-life communities. Some Members worked on projects that support queer groups or showcase queer events and turned to our Virtual Community for feedback from peers. Getting the chance to bring both my queer and design lenses when offering critique is something I enjoy doing. We also don’t shy away from social and political issues that affect queer people across Canada, from corporate rainbow-washing during Pride to unjustified attacks on trans people. Design has the power to uplift people and change minds, and we recognize the unique position of using our design practice to support our communities. 
 

What impact has this Community had on its Members? 

I asked our Members to share their experiences on a community survey earlier this year. They said they valued meeting and connecting with other queer designers, sharing everyday experiences and concerns with their practice and engaging with the different perspectives each person brings to the table. I believe there is room to grow—myself included—so I will be looking at ways we can get more structure and engagement in the Virtual Community and sustain the momentum we have already created in the past year.
 

Would you like to share anything with RGD Members who might be thinking about joining or are just curious about the space?

We host monthly virtual meetups where Members are welcome to drop in and talk about pretty much anything. I often leave the meeting feeling more connected and energized (although I am biased). Otherwise, we are always looking to welcome new Members from all across Canada and hear about what is happening in your neck of the woods! Ultimately we are first and foremost a safe and inclusive space for queer designers and I would like RGD Members to respect and protect this Virtual Community for us. 

Finally, I want to thank the RGD leadership for supporting our Virtual Community, and I want to thank our Members for engaging and contributing their time to building a space we can all take pride in.