OVERVIEW

The last two decades have seen enormous strides in terms of social perceptions and policies concerned with the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in several countries around the world, some positive, some negative.

However major challenges remain on a global level. Approximately 80 countries still criminalize LGBT relationships one way or the other, and several others deny even the most basic rights and dignity.
This includes the right to assembly, expression and information, and discrimination in employment, health, and education.

1 in 4 LGBT people reports discrimination worldwide.

Where does this hostility come from? On what is it based?

Even as activists advocate for a broader representation and access to accurate information about gender and sexuality there is a huge gap between policy and practice- at home, in medical facilities, educational institutions and in the public sphere.
What is the foundation for this prejudice? How can we change misconceptions and break the stigma? How can we foster positive attitudes and where do we start from?
Why are people being subject to stigmatization, discrimination, violence and even criminalization because of their sexual orientation and gender identity?

Do our attitudes mirror our experiences? Are they formed by cues that we pick up from our immediate environment? Could this be the reason for the largely seen negative perceptions about the LGBT+ community? Is this due to a lack of visibility or rather due to the visibility of warped representation? How do we go about creating an informed society?

CHALLENGE

How do we make sure our youth have access to information and resources and access to a non-judgmental community space which takes into account their life, health, and well-being?

Understanding that many LGBT+ persons run the risk of discrimination and violence on a daily basis, due to mis- informed and prejudiced community, peers and family, can design be a solution that this issue seeks?

Design Challenge: Use the built form as a narrative to design a community space which sensitizes the public, and becomes an affirmative safe space where LGBT+ youth have access to resources, information and support.