Based in Sydney and Melbourne, Queers in Property is a community of professionals across the property and construction industry. The group’s mission is to cultivate positive change and create a more inclusive industry by connecting and empowering our LGBTQI+ members and allies. Its core pillars are visibility, empowerment and support. 

Part of this mission is creating safe spaces. Not only do these apply to the workplace or building site, but also events – such as the fun and engaging one just held in Sydney. After all, as the group explains, “In everything we do, we seek to foster safe spaces for our diverse QIP community to grow, learn, live authentically, and build a better future together (while having some fun along the way).”

Hosted by Interface at their offices immediately next to Central Station, this latest networking event saw a sizable gathering with diverse representation from across the wider design community. Technogym, meanwhile, provided not only some fitness equipment but also the DJ!

Other partners included Innerspace, the furniture supplier whose Paddington showroom opened late last year and who provided a modular sofa, two-seater couch and rug for the night. Earp Bros supplied their Earp Distilling Co. gin, Harvey Norman Commercial Division took care of the entertainment with Drag Queen Sia Tequila, and Euroluce Lighting Australia provided photography and table/floor lamps – one of which was the door prize. 

Queers in Property have also put on a range of different events in the past, such as this speaker series considering what empowerment and diversity look like in the industry. This particular event was an evening get-together with food, drinks, music, speeches and even a live performance by Sydney Drag Royalty.

The group’s ‘Queerleaders’ – “champions of positive change for queer people within the property and construction industry” – include Adrien Moffatt, Dayle Bennett, Benjamin Rowe, Jacob Vagg, Billy Patten, Paul Borella and Rossco Karabelas.

“The ultimate purpose of Winterface Pride was to celebrate diversity and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community within the property sector, while closing off Pride Month in style,” says Mark Ojascastro, QIP Committee Member and Event Lead. “Our aim was to create a vibrant and welcoming space where individuals from diverse backgrounds could share experiences and foster meaningful connections. By showcasing our sponsors and highlighting the contributions of LGBTQIA+ professionals, Winterface sought to inspire positive change within the industry. The evening’s music, visuals, and networking opportunities were designed to uplift and empower attendees, reinforcing the importance of unity and support in building a more inclusive and equitable future.”

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Co-Chairs, Dayle Bennett and Adrien Moffatt, add: “Queers in Property is proud to bring together the property, development and design sectors to celebrate Pride. The collaboration with Interface, Interspace, Technogym, Earp Bros and Harvey Norman Commercial is a testament to the culture of inclusivity embedded across the interiors sector. We feel lucky to be able to amplify this to our broader network and allies. 

“The goal was to deliver a fun event that showcases the diversity and intersectionality of our industry and provide a space for LGBTQIA+ professionals to connect beyond the office. Winterface had a balanced atmosphere – the right mix of fun, food and entertainment, with plenty of opportunity to network. As QIP’s largest event to date, Winterface demonstrated the desire for more events for LGBTQIA+ professionals, and we are up to the challenge. Stay tuned!”

Queers in Property

queersinproperty.com.au

Photography
Jones King Photography

Revisiting a previous QIP event