About Us
Building Belonging. Bridging Access.
Queertopia Consortium CIC is a community-led organisation and systems convener based in Hackney that exists to bridge access and build belonging for the LGBTQIA+ community with a particular focus on members of the global majority, neurodiverse individuals, and those living with long-term disabilities.
We know that too many people continue to face barriers when accessing health, social care, and community services because of racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism. Our work is rooted in co-production, compassion, and community power creating spaces where everyone can be their full self, be heard, be chosen family and belong.
Who We Are
Queertopia Consortium is a community-led organisation and systems convenor creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ people don’t just attend they belong.
We exist to support LGBTQIA+ people particularly those from the global majority, neurodiverse communities, and those living with long-term disabilities to build connection, confidence, and chosen family.
For many in our community particularly those from the global majority, neurodiverse individuals, and those living with long-term disabilities access to safe, affirming spaces is not always guaranteed. Queertopia was created to change that.
We create environments where people can be their full selves, build chosen family, and reconnect with a sense of identity, confidence, and connection. At the same time, we work alongside organisations to challenge how systems operate ensuring services are more accessible, culturally responsive, and grounded in real community need.
We convene, connect, and influence at the intersection of community and systems, bringing together residents, services, and businesses to build more inclusive, trauma-informed environments. Our work is rooted in the belief that real change happens when lived experience is not only heard, but leads the way.
Our Mission
To create inclusive, trauma-informed spaces that support connection, wellbeing, and equity for LGBTQIA+ communities especially those who are often left out of the conversation.
We bring together residents, local services, and businesses to collaborate and learn how to make their environments truly inclusive. Through forums, community events, and training, we foster understanding, shared learning, and meaningful change.
Our vision
We envision a world where LGBTQIA+ people especially those from the global majority, neurodiverse communities, and those living with long-term disabilities can live with dignity, connection, and belonging, free from barriers and discrimination.
A world where systems are inclusive, trauma-informed, and shaped by lived experience, and where communities are empowered to build strong networks of chosen family, support, and opportunity.
Reaching People Where They Are
We connect through Hackney’s community libraries, colleges, NHS partners, Pride events, and cultural festivals such as Windrush celebrations and wellbeing fairs.
By meeting people where they are, we build trust and inclusion long before they ever step into a Queertopia event.
Our approach
At Queertopia, our approach is rooted in lived experience, compassion, and collaboration. We recognise that many LGBTQIA+ people – particularly those from the global majority, neurodiverse communities, and those living with long-term disabilities – face complex and intersecting barriers when accessing support.
Cultural Competency Training
Meet the team
Our Forums
Community Forum
A monthly safe, inclusive space where residents share experiences, influence services, and co-design solutions.
Business & Partners Forum
Our Founder’s Story
Queertopia Consortium was founded by Joanne English, a Black British cisgender woman, first-generation Windrush descendant, neurodiverse leader, parent of two, and experienced systems convenor.
Joanne’s vision for Queertopia is shaped by both lived experience and over a decade of work across health and social care, including criminal justice, substance misuse, and community rehabilitation. Throughout her career, she witnessed how people with intersecting identities particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals from the global majority were often underserved by systems that lacked cultural understanding, trauma awareness, and genuine inclusion.
Growing up, Joanne often struggled to find spaces that reflected her identity as a Black queer woman. Those experiences of isolation and exclusion inspired her to create something different.
Queertopia Consortium CIC was founded to build safe, inclusive spaces rooted in belonging, connection, and chosen family. Spaces where lived experience is valued, people are treated with compassion, and individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered.
At the heart of Joanne’s work is a trauma-informed approach that recognises how discrimination, exclusion, and systemic harm affect people’s wellbeing and engagement. Rather than asking, “What’s wrong with you?”, Queertopia asks, “What has happened to you, and how can we support you safely?”
As a systems convenor, Joanne brings together communities, local authorities, NHS partners, voluntary organisations, and businesses to strengthen collaboration and improve services. Through Queertopia, she is not only creating community spaces but also helping systems become more inclusive, culturally competent, and responsive.
Today, Joanne leads Queertopia with a clear vision: to create a world where LGBTQIA+ people, especially those from the global majority, feel connected, empowered, and able to belong without compromise.
“Queertopia was created to build the spaces I couldn’t always find spaces where people feel seen, safe, and connected.”
Together, We Build Belonging
When our community shows up, we transform systems, amplify voices, and strengthen futures.