An essential event for marketers and those interested in representing LGBTQIA+ people who want to create meaningful campaigns and inclusive teams whilst supporting the trans and LGBTQIA+ community at a time when it’s needed most.

Join I Am Female*, the queer-led brand communications agency, and Octavian Starr, founder of Unboxd, the trans-led equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) organisation for a half-day event designed to educate, motivate and inspire. 

This is not your average educational event. 

This will be a creative, idea-sparking session, in a safe, intimate space where you can ask the questions you’ve been too afraid to ask, learn practical marketing strategies, and connect with like-minded professionals.

💡How can we market authentically for the trans and LGBTQIA+ community? 

💡How can we be better allies both in our teams and our brand communications? 

💡How can we market with genuine allyship?

Around 30% of Gen Zers identify as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. And approximately 200,000-500,000 people identify as trans in the UK alone. 

And they want to buy from the right brands. 

The buying power of the LGBTQIA+ community in the UK is estimated to be worth £6 billion per year. Plus they actively recommend products far more than their non-LGBTQIA+ counterparts.

But they won’t buy from just anyone. Almost two-thirds of LGBTQ+ consumers expect the brands they buy from to support the causes they care about, according to Nielsen research.

The LGBTQIA+ community is facing increased marginalization, with trans rights under threat globally.  Hate crimes against trans people in the UK rose by 186% from 2019-2023. 

Some brands have chosen silence, fearing controversy over rainbow washing during Pride. In 2023, there was a 141% decline in news media coverage of LGBTQ+-focused marketing campaigns.

But silence speaks volumes. Now is the time for brands to show up with genuine allyship, because authentic inclusive marketing has proven time and time again to not just be beneficial for the communities you’re supporting, but also for your ROI. 

🏳️‍⚧️ Learn from Experts:

• Octavian Starr (he/him)(Unboxd) will share crucial insights into trans inclusion and understanding the trans community. Octavian holds a master's degree in community art and is very excited to bring his skills working with people creatively as well as his over a decade of training skills to this workshop alongside of Artist Usva inei.
• Annie Bartley and Harriet Phillips from I Am Female* will discuss how brands can market with an inclusive conscience, backed by years of experience with global brands like Unilever, Toyota, and the BBC.
• Jude Guaitamacchi (they/them) (Trans Solidarity Alliance) A trans and non-binary advocate, keynote speaker, award-winning campaigner, consultant, and the founder of the Trans Solidarity Alliance. They wil share their experience as an Trans* influencer training and working with brands.
• Rico Jacob Chace-(He/Him), Social Entrepreneur, Human Rights Consultant, Social Impact On Purpose Fellow, Multi-award winning Creative Consultant, D&I Consultant, Trustee at LGBT+ Consortium, United Nations' UNITE 2030 Youth Delegate Program, Channel 4 Make Me Prime Minister Semi-Finalist, Sustainable Investing Harvard Online University and NYC Journal 50 under 50
• Usvan Inei-creative collabrator (they/them) is a non-binary artist and art educator who mainly works through various forms of printmaking. Stemming from their lived experiences as a queer Russian immigrant, Usva’s art practice is strongly linked to working with communities: they regularly run art workshops and interactive events for groups of all ages with the aim of fostering reflection, interaction, and learning. They have developed this workshop alongside of Octavian

🏳️‍🌈  Network and get inspired

• We will run creative exercises designed to spark new ideas whilst learning about how to be a better ally to the trans and LGBTQIA+ communities.
• Connect with marketing professionals who are passionate about inclusivity.

🛍️  We would never forget the goody bag

• There will be breakfast refreshments, teas and coffee.
• You’ll leave with an awesome goodie bag.

✨ Leave with Confidence:

• Gain the knowledge you need to be more inclusive and authentically market to one of the most powerful consumer demographics.

• 🎨 Creative Educational Workshops: Interactive educational sessions designed and delivered by Arts educator Usva Inei and Octavian Starr to get us challenging perceptions and thinking creatively.
• 💬 Panel Discussion: A chance to discuss and ask questions.
• 🤝 Networking Opportunities: Connect with other marketing professionals, business owners and DEI advocates.
• ✉️ Post-event: You’ll leave with ideas, contacts and a plethora of resources to help you in your inclusive marketing. And of course the goody bag.

This event is perfect for:

• Marketing leaders and professionals (freelance or full-time)
• DEI teams looking for actionable marketing strategies
• Individuals seeking to support the LGBTQIA+ community but unsure how
• Brands looking to connect authentically with the LGBTQIA+ audience
• Allies who want to deepen their understanding and support

If you want to build better campaigns, increase your revenue, and be a force for good, this event is for you.

Run-down:

9:30am - 10am: Arrival and refreshments
10am - 12:15pm: Workshop
12:30 - 1:00pm: Panel discussion
1:00pm - 1:30pm: Networking

IPSE is proud to be supporting this event.