LGBTQIA+ Community in the Web and Digital World

In the fast-paced world of digital agencies and web development, it can be easy to focus solely on deadlines, client KPIs, and the next big campaign. But behind the code, the development stacks, and the designs, there’s a simple truth: the digital world is built by people, and those people come from all walks of life, including the LGBTQIA+ community.

As someone who works in this space, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and who collaborates with charities and causes at the heart of what we do, pondering what genuine support for LGBTQIA+ people looks like in the tech and digital agency world has been something I’ve thought about more than once.

It’s not just about rainbow logos in June. It’s about creating workplaces and partnerships where LGBTQIA+ people are seen, respected, and empowered year-round.

Representation still matters

Despite the image of the tech industry as progressive, many LGBTQIA+ professionals still face challenges around inclusion, especially in environments dominated by traditional structures or “bro” culture. For queer developers, designers, strategists, and content creators, visibility in the workplace can be both powerful and daunting.

That’s why representation matters — not just in leadership, but across teams. Seeing someone like you thrive in your industry can be a game-changer. It opens the door for others to be themselves at work, without fear of being judged or tokenised.

What inclusion really looks like in a digital agency

So, what does real inclusion look like in our world?

It’s the freedom to include pronouns in your email signature without a second glance.
It’s being asked for your preferred name and title in onboarding documents.
It’s hearing your identity reflected in internal comms and seeing agency policies that explicitly support LGBTQIA+ rights, from healthcare to parental leave.

It’s team socials that don’t revolve around outdated assumptions or heteronormative banter.

But it’s also cultural. Inclusion is an ongoing practice, not a checkbox. As agencies, we need to make space for learning, from unconscious bias training to simply listening when someone says, “hey, that language isn’t inclusive.”

Using our skills for good

One of the most impactful ways agencies can support LGBTQIA+ communities is by offering our digital expertise to the charities and grassroots organisations doing the work on the ground.

We’ve had the privilege of working with several charities that uplift and advocate for marginalised communities, including young people, inclusive education providers and organisations providing life-changing care. Organisations such as Mermaids UK, Your Place and Better Start Bradford that are leading the way in creating meaningful change. Whether it’s building an accessible website, improving donation funnels, or running a digital campaign, these projects have heart.

Some charities making waves in the UK and beyond include:

• Mermaids UK – Supporting transgender and gender-diverse youth and their families.
• Just Like Us – Creating safe spaces and education opportunities for LGBTQIA+ students.
• Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – A listening ear for LGBTQIA+ people for over 50 years.
• Out in Tech – A global nonprofit connecting LGBTQIA+ tech professionals through events, mentoring, and community.
• TransTech – Founded by Angelica Ross, helping trans people thrive through tech training and empowerment.

These are organisations that truly benefit from digital support — not just logos and likes, but real infrastructure and visibility.

Moving beyond Performative Pride

It’s important to acknowledge that Pride has become commercialised in recent years. Many brands change their profile picture in June, post once about ally-ship, and go silent the rest of the year. As agencies, we need to push past performative gestures and make space for meaningful engagement.

That might mean:

• Offering pro-bono hours to LGBTQIA+ charities.
• Donating a portion of profits during Pride to grassroots organisations.
• Reviewing your internal culture for inclusive practices — and actually acting on feedback.
• Hosting open conversations with your team around identity, inclusion, and support.

Pride isn’t just a campaign. It’s a commitment.

Whether you’re an agency owner, freelancer, or part of an in-house team, there’s a role for you to play in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Inclusion starts with listening, learning, and putting that into practice — from the way we treat our colleagues to the clients we choose to uplift.