We are committed to platforming the work and stories of LGBTQ+ communities in architecture and the wider built environment. Everyone deserves to live in a world without discrimination, and architects play a crucial role in shaping safe and inclusive spaces where communities can thrive.
Blogs and resources
LGBTQ+ perspectives on safety and inclusion in public space
Pippa Catterall unpacks Arup’s recent publication, looking at the data gap of LGBTQ+ experiences within public space and what makes people feel safe, comfortable, and inclusive.
We will be working with Pippa, LGBTQ+ community members, and industry leaders to develop a toolkit that will work alongside the Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work on design considerations for LGBTQ+ spaces to be released in 2025. The findings of Arup's publication will help to shape the contents of this toolkit, which will be accessible to those within the built environment.
How can architects help to maintain LGBTQ+ community longevity during regeneration projects?
This professional feature from our team here at RIBA explores how Birmingham’s city centre regeneration affects the historic gay village and how principles of inclusive design can help strengthen the community and build it up.
Explore our Microaggressions Toolkit
Looking for resources to help with LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace? This toolkit provides resources to help practices address and understand microaggressions in the workplace.
Explore our Inclusive Events Toolkit
Planning a networking session or lecture as part of Pride Month? Check out our Inclusive Events Toolkit for resources and guidance on creating welcoming events for all.
Explore RIBA Books
Queer Spaces - With historic, contemporary and speculative examples from around the world, Queer Spaces recognises LGBTQIA+ life past and present as strong, vibrant, vigorous, and worthy of its own place in history. Looking forward, it suggests visions of what form these spaces may take in the future to continue uplifting queer lives.
Inclusion Emergency: Diversity in Architecture - Capturing insight from leading voices in the profession, this book encourages understanding and reflection. It addresses critical questions, providing steps towards meaningful change.
RIBA at Pride
This year, we teamed up with B.E. Inclusive alongside other groups, including Architecture LGBT+ and Building Equality, to march in Pride parades across the UK.
Birmingham Pride (24 May)
RIBA colleagues and Birmingham Architectural Association members kicked off Pride season at Birmingham Pride with a brunch hosted by Building Equality and Arup.
Cambridge Pride (14 June)
Our LGBTQ+ community chair, Kirk Baillie, attended the Cambridge Pride event.
Pride in London (5 July)
We celebrated Pride in London with a brunch co-hosted with Architecture LGBT+. We were pleased to welcome dozens of built environment colleagues including Chris Williamson (President elect). We joined the parade alongside our B.E. Inclusive built environment groups and members with Vice president membership Tom Foggin carrying our RIBA banner.
Liverpool Pride (26 July)
We attended the Liverpool Pride march with colleagues and members of our B.E. Inclusive built environment group, meeting outside of RIBA North on the Liverpool waterfront.
RIBA Collections and exhibitions
RIBA Collections: LGBTQ+ research guide
This guide signposts some of the resources and materials available through the RIBA's Library and Collections. It is likely that many more stories are yet to be discovered, remaining untold because of legislation that forced LGBTQ+ individuals to conceal their identities or risk prosecution.
OUT of Space
OUT of Space is an exhibition organised by the RIBA LGBTQ+ Community internal group and the RIBA Library and Collections team to highlight contributions of the LGBTQ+ community within architecture and the built environment.
Here, queer, and everywhere: an exhibition of activism and social change by architecture students
Addressing the theme of ‘activism and social change’ through architecture and place-making, RIBA invited architecture students from across the UK to submit their own work relating to LGBTQ+ history.
Message from RIBA's LGBTQ+ internal community group chair, Kirk Baillie:
As chair of RIBA’s LGBTQ+ community group, I want to take a moment to reflect on the joy, energy, and solidarity we’ve shared throughout this year’s various Pride events. From colourful marches across the UK to student exhibitions and online resources, 2025 has been a vibrant celebration of visibility, creativity, and community.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part; from our members and staff to allies, organisers, and supporters across the industry. That input, passion, and commitment have helped shine a light on the power of inclusivity and the importance of representation in our built environment.
As we celebrate, we also reaffirm our commitment: Pride is more than just a season; it is a call to action. LGBTQ+ people, particularly those at the intersections of race, disability, faith, sexuality, and more, continue to face barriers in both society and even within our industry. The work of equity and inclusion is far from over.
Let this year’s events serve not only as a moment of joy, but as fuel for us to become agents of change. Let’s keep raising voices, breaking down walls, being present, and building spaces - both literal and cultural - where everyone can thrive.
Thank you for being on this journey with us. Let’s keep going.
Find out more about our other equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) resources and initiatives.
