MRSpride SHOW UP: Afterhours

17.00 Arrival

17:15 Opening comments from Chair
Josephine Hansom FMRS, Youth Researcher, MRSpride Committee Member

17.20 Sponsor address

Speaker TBC, Dynata

17:25 Inclusive Design and the Pursuit of Intimacy: Finding Connection in the Modern World

What happens when the systems designed to help us find love, companionship and intimacy don't work for us?

Drawing on qualitative research with people whose experiences are often overlooked by mainstream dating and relationship narratives—including LGBTQ+ individuals, members of the kink community, people of faith, immigrants and disabled people—this session explores the creative ways people navigate, adapt and reimagine intimacy when existing systems fall short.

Through personal stories and expert perspectives from inclusive designers, sex-tech innovators and romance novelists, we'll examine the "hacks", workarounds and sources of joy that enable meaningful connection despite structural barriers.

This refreshed edition of a standout presentation from the MRS Equalities Summit also brings the conversation up to date, exploring the rapidly evolving role of AI in modern relationships. From AI-powered dating support and relationship coaching to conflict resolution, emotional companionship and synthetic partners, we'll consider how technology is reshaping our understanding of connection, belonging and desire.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how inclusive research can uncover overlooked human needs, why marginalised experiences often reveal the future before the mainstream, and what the changing landscape of intimacy means for brands, researchers and society.

Risham Madeen, Innovation Director, C Space

17:55 LGBTQ+ in the UK: measuring progress and challenges across a decade 

New Stonewall-commissioned research conducted by YouGov reveals how LGBTQ+ life in the UK has changed over the last decade.

Discover whether the country feels more or less accepting than ten years ago, how prevalent discrimination remains across public life, the workplace, and healthcare, and how experiences differ across the LGBTQ+ community.

This session explores where progress has been made, where challenges persist, and what more must be done to achieve LGBTQ+ equality.

Elliot Hatt, Policy and Research Manager, Stonewall

Jane Rowe, Research Director, YouGov

18:25 Comfort break

18.35 In Conversation: Rooted in Community — Second Nature & Touch Grass on Nature, Queerness & Belonging

What does it truly mean for nature to be a space of belonging — and for whom?

Rachel Ayeh-Datey and Toni-Ann Murphy come together to explore the radical and restorative power of nature-based spaces for Queer people of colour. Rachel will draw on findings from the Second Nature research, which examines how community-led outdoor collectives are challenging who nature is considered to be for. Toni-Ann will speak to the vision and practices behind Touch Grass, and offer a preview of Earth to Us — the collective's first community-led exhibition, opening this October. Together, they'll reflect on what genuine partnership with Queer POC communities looks like in practice, with a particular commitment to centring Black LGBTQ+ experiences.

Rachel Ayeh-Datey, Senior Researcher, The Mix Global

Toni-Ann Murphy, Founder, Touch Grass

19:05 KEYNOTE: Reflections with change maker Tabitha Morton, UN Women UK

Tabitha Morton, Executive Director of UN Women UK, eminent change maker and Pride Power List listee, will share her perspectives on today's equality outlook, and on her career and her own personal journey so far. 

Michael Brown, Head of Research and Insight, UK & EMEA, IPG Mediabrands, Co-Chair, MRSpride

In conversation with:

Tabitha Morton, Executive Director, UM Women UK

19:40 Closing comments from the Chair

19:45-20:30 Drinks reception