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.
So we launched the LGBTQ+ Freelancer Directory, a place that 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.
But there was a problem…
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 Autumn 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 The Queer Career. It's still the place to find and hire queer talent, but we’re here to support queer people no matter what stage of their career they are at.
Wherever you are in your career
Just starting out? Find your first opportunities, learn what to charge and build the confidence to put yourself forward.
Freelancing? Get seen by organisations looking for queer talent, price your work fairly, and make sense of contracts, pitching and finding clients.
Job hunting? Find roles at organisations that mean it when they say they're inclusive, and know your rights before you sign anything.
Changing direction? Hear from queer people who've made the leap, and get the practical steps to make your own.
Stepping up? Whether it's leading a team, raising your rates or going it alone, get advice from people who've been there.
Finding it hard right now? You're not alone. Our wellbeing resources and community are here for the difficult stretches too.
Ways to get involved
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Subscribe to The Queer Career Newsletter on Substack
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
Launching Autumn 2026
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Join the LGBTQ+ Freelancer Directory
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.
Reopening autumn 2026
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Join our events
Hands-on sessions on the things nobody teaches you: pricing your work, pitching with confidence, reading a contract, building your profile and knowing your rights at work. You'll leave with something you can use the next day.
Coming soon