Design with Pride

8 Ways to Make Your Office More LGBTQIA+ Friendly

The places we work should be a true reflection of the people who use them - welcoming, safe, and empowering. This Pride Month, we’re celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community by spotlighting how inclusive design and thoughtful workplace strategy can create a space where everyone feels seen and supported.

Whether you're designing a new office or updating your current space, here are 7 ways to make your workplace more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ colleagues and create an environment where everyone feels valued and included:

1. Design With Everyone in Mind

Inclusivity starts with layout. Think beyond the binary when it comes to facilities - gender-neutral toilets and changing areas are an essential part of an inclusive workspace. Clear signage, privacy considerations, and thoughtful placement of these spaces signal that all identities are respected, welcome and safe.

2. Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Voices in Your Visual Identity

The stories we tell through our interiors matter. From artwork to internal campaigns, use your physical space to celebrate LGBTQ+ contributions. Consider collaborating with queer artists, showcasing inclusive imagery, and using Pride Month as an opportunity to spotlight these voices across your workspace and then integrate them permanently.

3. Centre Intersectionality

True inclusion means recognising that LGBTQIA+ people are not a monolith. Many face overlapping forms of discrimination, particularly LGBTQIA+ people of colour. and those with disabilities. This Pride Month, and beyond, make space to celebrate the contributions of queer people of who belong to other minorities in your workplace. Feature their voices in storytelling, design choices, speaker events, and supplier partnerships. Representation should reflect the full diversity of the community - because inclusion without intersectionality isn’t inclusion at all.

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4. Use Inclusive Language - Visibly

Design opportunities exist everywhere, including in signage, wayfinding, digital screens, and even desk nameplates. Normalise the use of pronouns in email signatures and around the office, and make it easy for employees to update how they’re identified across platforms and physical materials.

5. Create Space for Community and Alliance

Inclusivity goes beyond aesthetics. Provide flexible spaces for LGBTQIA+ employee networks and allies to meet, brainstorm, or host events. Whether it’s a lounge area, community board, or hybrid-friendly event space, making room for connection builds a stronger workplace culture.

6. Make Diversity Part of Your Procurement Ethos and Supply Chain

When curating vendors, artists, or product partners, consider partnering with LGBTQIA+-owned, minority-owned and inclusive businesses. Thoughtful procurement and a values-led approach helps reinforce inclusion and equity, not only bringing more diversity into your supply chain, but also creating a more equitable economy. One inspiring example is TRNK, a design-forward furniture and homeware studio founded by Tariq Dixon (featured below). TRNK is both minority-owned and LGBTQIA-owned, with a mission rooted in community, culture, and storytelling. Sourcing such businesses doesn’t just support underrepresented creators, it brings authentic, intersectional perspectives into your workplace design.

7. Review and Promote DEI Policies

Inclusive design must be supported by inclusive policy. Ensure your workplace policies support LGBTQIA+ employees, including around parental leave, gender affirmation, and anti-discrimination. Make sure these are easily accessible, clearly communicated, and integrated into onboarding materials.

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8. Let Pride Be the Starting Point, Not the Destination

Pride Month is a chance to recommit to inclusion, but it’s not the only time to take action. Engage with LGBTQIA+ events year-round. Use employee feedback, inclusive audits, and DEI-led workshops to keep evolving your approach. The most inclusive spaces are ones that keep learning and adapting.

Inclusion Is a Design Choice

At Day2, we know that interior design isn’t just about furniture - it’s about creating environments where everyone feels they belong. Pride Month is a timely reminder that inclusive design is not a trend, but a principle. Let’s build spaces that reflect the diversity and brilliance of the people who make them thrive.

Happy Pride from all of us at Day2.

Image credits:

Adam Nathaniel Furman's "monumentally joyful" pyramid - https://www.dezeen.com/2021/06/24/adam-nathaniel-furman-proud-little-pyramid-kings-cross-london/

"Design Dysphoria" exhibition: a showcase of furniture, homeware and artwork by queer designers- https://www.dezeen.com/2024/05/21/studio-s-ii-gender-dysphoria-queer-design-brooklyn/

Tariq Dixon, founder of TRNK - photo from: https://www.friendsoffriends.com/design/rethinking-domestic-space-with-new-york-founder-trnk-tariq-dixon/