Queer Design Club

Gay UX passionate about crafting empathetic solutions that enlighten teams and connect diverse users. Design makes us better humans.

Work

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How does being queer inform your work?

As a queer individual, my commitment to inclusivity and diversity profoundly influences my design work, ensuring each user feels acknowledged and valued. In one project, I was responsible for featuring three women, both Black and Latina. After submission, the client mistakenly thought I had used the same woman twice. Although it was apparent to me and others that the women were distinct, the client suggested I should only use lighter-skinned Black women. This comment was quickly challenged, especially since it was the primary reason for their feedback. My team was taken aback by my response, which led to a broader discussion on colorism, including insights into its presence even within the Black community. This experience reinforced the importance of standing firm for justice; the lessons it imparts to others are invaluable and enlightening.

What are your favorite pieces of queer visual culture?

I served as a board member on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, where we once discussed the film "Moonlight." Its visual storytelling poignantly captures the complexities of queer identity and resilience. During this discussion, other LGBTQI+ members expressed surprise at the unique challenges of being both Black and queer, facing dual discrimination from each identity. What resonated with me the most from this conversation was the eagerness of my fellow DEI members to learn and empathize. This experience taught me the importance of sharing our individual journeys. While others may not walk in our shoes, sharing our stories can enlighten and potentially help someone in the future who encounters similar challenges.

Which other queer people inspire you?

For me, it's not just one person, but the many who reach out to the Trevor Project's suicide prevention hotline. Facing life-or-death circumstances, they summon immense courage to ask for help. This is a powerful reminder of the ongoing pressures our community endures, particularly in today's deeply polarized society. From this, I've learned a vital lesson: whether it's in our work, relationships, school, or daily life, we cannot thrive in isolation. We need to offer support and embrace the support offered to us.