Our research is the story of queer people in design

The Queer Design Count is a first-of-its-kind research initiative to capture the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in design. Conducted by Queer Design Club, this survey offers an in-depth look at the challenges, successes, and contributions of queer people across different design fields.

queer designers’ experiences count

Despite the design industry’s progressive reputation, queer voices have historically been underrepresented or misrepresented in workplace diversity conversations. The Queer Design Count goes beyond general diversity metrics, spotlighting the nuanced experiences of LGBTQ+ designers, and revealing the structural and interpersonal biases they face. By sharing these insights, we’re pushing for a more equitable, inclusive design industry.

This research is essential for anyone committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the design industry.

  • Design professionals and leaders looking to better understand and support queer employees
  • Organizations seeking to develop more inclusive workplace policies.
  • Queer designers navigating the industry and those advocating for greater equity and representation.
  • Allies and advocates working toward more inclusive, intersectional design spaces.

insights from the Queer Design Count

Representation

LGBTQ+ people make up a disproportionately high percentage of the design industry (15% compared to 4.5% of the general population).

2019
Bias Experience

40% of designers have had to point out design decisions that excluded LGBTQ+ individuals. 13% had been asked to work for anti-LGBTQ+ clients.

2019
Workplace Climate

Queer designers, especially those who are trans or nonbinary, were more likely to experience bias and job instability. Trans respondents were 10% more likely to report experiencing anti-LGBTQ+ bias at work.

2019
Income Disparities

Queer people of color were significantly underrepresented in higher-income brackets. 22% of respondents of color made less than $25,000 annually compared to 15% of white respondents.

2019
Impact of COVID-19

The pandemic profoundly affected queer designers. 41% of transgender designers reported losing employment due to COVID-19, compared to 29% of cisgender respondents​.

2021
Discrimination

72% of respondents experienced some form of discrimination at work. Trans and nonbinary designers were especially vulnerable, facing increased bias, job insecurity, and lack of workplace support​.

2021
Racial Disparities

Black and Hispanic/Latinx designers faced higher rates of job loss, lower incomes, and were more likely to be passed up for professional opportunities. People of color earned less on average compared to white respondents​.

2021
Queer Visibility

Queer leadership and visibility continue to play a vital role in fostering inclusive environments. However, in many workplaces, LGBTQ+ representation remains low, particularly in senior and leadership positions.

Download the Queer Design Count read-outs to learn more about the experiences of LGTBQ+ people in design.

2019 Count PDF
2021 Count PDF
Cover of the 2021 Queer Design Count read-outCover of the 2019 Queer Design Count read-out