In a media landscape increasingly shaped by cultural impact and authenticity, Shane Lukas stands out as a creative force with purpose. The designer, strategist, and founder of communications agency A Great Idea has been named a 2025 Queer Leaders Awardee by We Create Space (WCS) in the category of Media and Creative Influence.

Selected from a global pool of equity-driven leaders, Lukas is being celebrated for his expansive contributions to LGBTQ+ media, storytelling, and advocacy. His work intersects art, activism, and public health, reflecting a two-decade career devoted to not only visibility—but voice.

“His creative and strategic use of platforms has helped drive visibility, challenge narratives, and build community across intersections,” said a representative from the WCS Awards Team.

From Designer to Change Architect

Lukas isn’t just building campaigns—he’s building movements.

As the founder of A Great Idea (AGI), a queer-owned communications firm rooted in equity and inclusion, he’s led messaging strategies for nonprofits and public health partners across the U.S., centering dignity and representation in every engagement.

Most recently, Lukas launched Power Beyond Pride, a weekly podcast spotlighting LGBTQ+ changemakers across movements including racial justice, housing, climate, and health equity. It’s not just visibility—it’s infrastructure for queer leadership beyond the parade.

His prior campaigns—like Pride is for Every Body and Freedom For Every Body—have advocated for bodily autonomy, queer representation, and inclusive public health. And with a TED Talk on harm reduction and sex work decriminalization under his belt, Lukas’ voice resonates far beyond design circles.

The Award: Recognizing Influence That Matters

The WCS Queer Leaders Awards are known for spotlighting those who fuse visibility with action. Lukas fits the mold—and expands it. His recognition in Media and Creative Influence isn’t just about aesthetic sensibility, but strategic storytelling that moves systems and challenges power.

Honorees are selected based on cultural relevance, equity-driven impact, and leadership across sectors. Lukas’ track record of connecting media and community organizing positions him at the forefront of a new model of queer leadership—where design becomes dialogue, and strategy becomes structure.

The Power of Intersectional Media

In a digital era where branding and activism increasingly collide, Lukas offers a blueprint for impact-first creative work. His campaigns don’t just center LGBTQ+ narratives—they deconstruct harmful tropes, elevate community voices, and push institutions toward accountability.

“Marketing is storytelling. But for folks like Lukas, storytelling is survival—and resistance,” said one award juror familiar with the nominations process.

Through AGI, Lukas is proving that inclusive design isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility. Whether working with national health agencies, grassroots organizers, or creative entrepreneurs, he approaches each engagement as an act of coalition building.

Looking Ahead: Barcelona and Beyond

Lukas will be honored this June at several WCS-hosted events in Barcelona, including:

• WCS Global Online Awards Ceremony – June 11

• Queer Speed Networking @ LabTwentyTwo – June 12

• Private Awardee Dinner @ Soho House – June 20

• WCS Awards & Pride Gala @ The Social Hub – June 21

These events are designed not just for celebration, but collaboration—bringing together global queer leaders to share insights, build alliances, and scale inclusive change.

We Create Space

We Create Space (WCS) is a global LGBTQ+ platform dedicated to championing inclusive leadership. Through events, content, and community-building, WCS supports queer changemakers and elevates the power of personal storytelling to drive systems change.

A Great Idea

A Great Idea (AGI) is a mission-driven communications firm founded by Shane Lukas. The agency specializes in empathy-led strategy and inclusive design, working with partners in public health, justice reform, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and more. With creativity rooted in activism, AGI helps organizations communicate with clarity, dignity, and purpose.

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