Challenging ‘Reference Man’, and Advocating for Queer-Inclusive Cities
During Pride Season, I had the privilege of giving six Pride Talks for WSP Canada, DIALOG, KPMB, Moriyama Teshima Architects, and SMPS in Canada and the US. My presentation, “Queer Inclusive Cities,” delved into the realm of architectural activism, challenging conventional design and industry norms to advocate for Queer-inclusive and sustainable cities.
By deconstructing the pervasive influence of “Reference Man” and embracing intersectionality, diverse identities, and lived experiences, I demonstrated how built environment professionals can champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.
I shared examples from “Queer Perspectives on Public Space (2024),” a study that explores LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in the built environment through a global online experiential survey. The research highlights the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals in public spaces, addressing a critical data gap. I also provided numerous examples of projects designed by thinking beyond “Reference Man” and instead starting with those who might be most vulnerable, like Black trans women.
This approach fosters the creation of more inclusive spaces for everyone, rather than adhering to exclusive standards and archetypes. Additionally, I touched on housing and homelessness, safety, and healthcare, all issues closely tied to queer experiences in public spaces.
Nyasha is passionate, energetic, and thought-provoking. Her session on ‘Reference Man’ is impactful in encouraging us to challenge the existing norms of engagement and design, and it provides some practical examples of how to improve the spaces we design to be more inclusive and welcoming. She is a thought leader and an inspiration.” – Charles Marshall, Partner, DIALOG
Attendee Testimonials
Nyasha is passionate, energetic, and thought-provoking. Her session on ‘Reference Man’ is impactful in encouraging us to challenge the existing norms of engagement and design, and it provides some practical examples of how to improve the spaces we design to be more inclusive and welcoming. She is a thought leader and an inspiration.” – Charles Marshall, Partner, DIALOG
Nyasha’s offering is profound and timely and at once shines a very bright light on the truth of the matter: that design creatives still have a long way to go to dismantle ‘Reference Man.’ Look around our city after you listen to Nyasha – and you will be staggered by how much The Man’ continues dominate our built environment. – Attendee, KPMB
Incredible presentation on how we, as designers, can design beyond the ‘reference man.’ Nyasha gave many tangible examples of each point of the presentation. Overall, it was a very strong presentation and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in ways to design for all! – Attendee, SMPS
About Pride Talks
Pride Talks, founded and organized by Russell Pollard of Framework Leadership is an annual event during pride season. It provides employers in the AEC industry with the opportunity to host speakers who address 2SLGBTQ+ topics.
This initiative encourages meaningful discussions in offices and among employees, members, and communities. By fostering an inclusive environment, Pride Talks aims to promote understanding, acceptance, and support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community within the AEC sector. To learn more, visit Pride Talks.
A portion of the revenue from Pride Talks goes to non-profits that support 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in the industry and our communities. Organizations supported include the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) Pride Committee, Building Equality in Architecture Toronto (BEAT), Black Architects and Interior Designers Association (BAIDA), amongst others. In 2024, we will donate to Queer ArQuives and Queer Britain to support the documentation and representation of LGBTQ+ stories.
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