Supporting LGBTQ+ talent to get hired through the world’s largest LGBTQ+ freelancer directory & our dedicated platform supporting LGBTQ+ people navigating their careers
It began with a list…
When we launched Pansy Studios, we began with a simple question: where do you go to find queer talent? Or maybe more specifically: why is the abundance of queer talent not being hired, paid and celebrated?
LGBTQ+ creatives were doing brilliant work but organisations were saying they were not easy to find and hire and that this was the reason the community had seen a drop in support.
We wanted to take away that reason - that excuse - and to make it as easy as possible for businesses to tangibly support LGBTQ+ creatives, so we built somewhere to look.
The LGBTQ+ Freelancer Directory gives queer creatives, strategists and cultural thinkers a place to be seen, and gave businesses a way to hire people who reflect the world they're trying to reach.
In the first 48 hours of launching, it grew into the largest directory of LGBTQ+ freelancers in the world in just 48 hours.
Within two weeks, we’d signed a deal with Sephora and since then have gone on to put thousands into the pockets of queer and trans talent. We have become the go-to resource for businesses looking to hire within the LGBTQ+ community.
Very soon it became clear the community needed more support.
Our directory meant talent was being found, but it didn’t help people position themselves, do their marketing, when they weren’t sure what to charge, or when a client said they're inclusive and they couldn’t tell if they mean it.
Queer people kept telling us the same thing: building a career takes more than the next job. It takes knowledge, support and people who get it.
So we listened, and we are creating a new space for LGBTQ+ people looking to build sustainable careers that work for them wherever they are at in their personal and professional journies.
Introducing The Queer Career
Launching fall 2026, The Queer Career is the platform for LGBTQ+ people building and growing their careers. It's for those who are thriving, those who are struggling, and everyone working it out in between. You'll find practical resources, honest guidance and a community that has your back, whether you're freelancing, job hunting, changing direction or stepping up.
The LGBTQ+ Freelance Directory is now at the heart of it. It's still the place to find and hire queer talent, and now every freelancer in it is backed by something bigger.
Ways to Get Involved
List yourself in the talent directory.
Get seen by organisations looking for queer talent. Create a profile, show off your work and get found for projects that fit. Pay what you can: your donation covers the cost of hosting and maintaining the directory, so it stays open to everyone.
Become a member of The Queer Career
For LGBTQ+ people who want support, opportunities and community while building their careers.
Every month you'll get:
4+ newsletters, including 2 packed with opportunities: open calls, commissions, jobs and funding
At least one interview with a queer person working in their field, sharing how they got there and what they've learned
Priority outreach for work through Pansy Studios. When organisations come to us looking for talent, members are first in line
Full access to our resources on pricing, pitching, contracts, your rights at work and wellbeing
Members' community chat to ask questions, share wins and find collaborators
Be the first in
The Queer Career is launching fall 2026. Join the waitlist for early access, launch updates, and first look at everything we're building.
Discover LGBTQ+ creatives working across art, design, strategy, media, and culture.
For commissions, partnerships, or support with sourcing and contracts, email contact@pansystudios.co.uk.
Using the world’s largest directory of LGBTQ+ freelancers, we identify the right people for the work. This isn’t about surface-level representation - it’s about experience, skill, and cultural insight. Where needed, we support scoping, briefing, and fair commissioning to ensure everyone is set up to do their best work.
Step 1We start by understanding what you actually need. That might be creative talent, strategic support, training, or a combination of all three. We take the time to clarify your goals, audience, budget, and context.
Step 2Beyond delivery, we help organisations learn and improve. Through training, workshops, and strategic consultancy, we support teams to embed inclusive thinking into future work — reducing reliance on one-off moments and building long-term capability.
Step 3We support the collaboration as it happens. This might include project oversight, facilitation, consultancy, or training to help teams work confidently and respectfully with queer talent. The focus is on clear communication, fair pay, and outcomes that make sense both culturally and commercially.
Step 4How can I join the directory?
The directory is free to join and open to LGBTQ+ freelancers from across industries and the globe.
We open applications every 8 weeks. When applications are live, you’ll be able to apply directly.
All applications are reviewed to ensure the directory remains relevant, inclusive, and genuinely useful for the community.
If applications are closed, you’re welcome to join the waitlist to be notified when the next round opens.
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Once accepted, you’ll receive:
A public profile in the directory highlighting your work and services
Visibility to organisations and collaborators looking to work with LGBTQ+ talent
The possibility of being contacted for relevant paid opportunities
A public profile in the directory highlighting your work and services
Visibility to organisations and collaborators looking to work with LGBTQ+ talent
The possibility of being contacted for relevant paid opportunities
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The directory is open to LGBTQ+ creatives and professionals across a range of disciplines. You don’t need to be at a specific career stage to apply.
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Yes. Accepted members can update their profile details to keep information accurate and up to date. You can do this by emailing our team contact@pansystudios.co.uk
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You can join the waitlist or newsletter to be notified when applications open and when opportunities are shared.
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No. Joining the directory does not guarantee work although we prioritise directory members in our client projects.
However, we consistently find that being listed leads to increased visibility and relevant enquiries from organisations looking to work with LGBTQ+ talent.
Paid work is never promised and is always agreed directly between members and clients.
