Learn how this Organization is Supporting and Empowering the LGBTQ+ BIPOC Design Community

Have you ever noticed a lack of diversity in design teams, and wanted to make a difference or try to help the cause? Well, QTBIPOC Design is doing just that. QTBIPOC Design is an organization dedicated to providing LGBTQ+ designers of color with free and accessible education mentorship and mentoring opportunities. Its mission is to empower the next generation of QTBIPOC (queer, trans, Black, Indigenous and people of color) with the knowledge and tools to excel within the design industry.

The founder of QTBIPOC Design, Steven Wakabayashi, has dedicated his life & career to this mission. He is a multi-disciplinary creative problem solver who founded QTBIPOC Design because accessibility into the design industry is an important cause to him. “After years of leading design and UX with many notable brands and agencies, I always noticed the lack of diversity within the creative teams. And in hiring, there was always a severe deficit of diverse talent. QTBIPOC Design was founded to provide education and community for those less represented within our design industry.” – Steven Wakabayashi, Founder, QTBIPOC Design

There is a huge lack of equality within the design industry. According to the 2019 Design Census conducted by AIGI and Google, 53.3% of designers are women. However, only 11% of women hold leadership positions in the design field. Another problem we see in the design field is that designers are primarily white. A ‘Careers and Salary’ study conducted by Design Week in 2016 revealed that 90% of full time employees in the design space are Caucasian. One of the most common ways companies have tried to fix this issue over the years is simply by hiring more diverse candidates. In reality, there isn’t a “quick fix” for this problem. While this might make organizations more diverse at an entry-level, they must work to maintain it higher-up the corporate ladder, which most of the time, is unlikely.

Overall, it’s impossible to achieve diversity without changing the corporate culture, which is difficult and takes a long time. Irene Au, design partner at Kholsa Ventures explains that a culture that has a broad definition of what an ‘ideal’ candidate looks like is one that is truly diverse and inclusive. “Instead of seeking to build a monoculture, it’s about actively embracing building teams of people with complementary skills, background and experiences.” -Irene Au, Partner, Khosla Ventures. QTBIPOC Design is working to combat this complex problem by offering more diverse candidates resources and education in order to be more qualified for higher-level positions in the design space, igniting a systemic change.  

QTBIPOC Design carries out this mission is through its events. The organization seeks to create a space that empowers people within their community by offering opportunities for education, mentorship and networking. The company offers monthly masterclasses, entitled UX Nights, where different topics are covered. The topics range from design tips, how to land your first job, how to manage your business rate, and more. If you’re interested in attending UX Nights, or about learning more about the organization itself, you can check out the website here.