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The Queery: Co-operative Model and Community Engagement

Published 13/11/2024 by Oxford

The Queery is a co-operative space in Brighton & Hove that serves as a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community. This project, run by its members, focuses on non-hierarchical, democratic management, where every member has an equal voice and participates in the decision-making and operation of the co-operative. In this article, I will examine how this model works, the values that shape it, and how it connects to broader principles of equality and solidarity.

Assignment Brief

This article is based on an assignment (Masaryk University, Information Services Design, Business as Unusual) that aims to explore and model various theories or methods of (corporate) governance that captivate me. In choosing the theory, structure, or method, I have been guided by my own interest and fascination, which led me to select the co-operative management model used by The Queery.

When creating the model, it is important to ask whether the model being communicated will be understandable even for someone who has no prior knowledge of the theory in question. What model should be created to make it easily understandable (even with verbal accompaniment) for my fellow students and other participants? This approach helps ensure that the model is clear and relevant in real-world applications, which is a fundamental principle when creating our diagram.

To represent the co-operative model and community engagement in The Queery, I have chosen a circular diagram, which includes both visual and textual information so that my peers can easily understand how the democratic and non-hierarchical system operates. This diagram helps us illustrate how The Queery is structured and how each member and sub-collective contributes to decision-making and the operation of the co-operative.

The Queery – Co-operative Model and Community Engagement

Co-operative and Non-Hierarchical Management

The Queery operates based on a co-operative model that is non-hierarchical and democratic. This approach means that decision-making is not centralized in the hands of a few individuals but is distributed among the community members who are involved in every step, from organizing events to managing the co-operative. This aligns with the values of inclusion, solidarity, and equality, which are the key pillars of the entire project.

There are no dominant leaders or decisive authorities in the co-operative. Instead, the emphasis is placed on community collaboration. Every member has an equal vote, meaning that decisions are made through consensus and mutual agreement. This approach ensures that all members have the opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the future of the co-operative.

Equality and Inclusion

One of the most important values of The Queery is inclusivity, which ensures that all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, regardless of their background or identity, feel welcome and have space to express themselves. This is supported by a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination, such as homophobia, transphobia, racism, xenophobia, or any other type of prejudice. The Queery actively strives to make the space not only accessible to everyone but also to promote diversity and equality.

Solidarity and Community Engagement

Solidarity is another key element present in The Queery. This project provides an opportunity for members to create a space for collaboration and mutual support, which is crucial for building collective strength. The co-operative is not just about people participating in management, but also about mutual support and sharing resources. Every member is responsible not only for their role but also for maintaining the value of solidarity within the co-operative. This value structure also means that decisions and activities within the co-operative are always subordinated to a broader goal—improving the lives of the queer community and strengthening its cohesion.

Structure and Roles in the Co-operative

The co-operative is divided into several sub-collectives, each with its own role and responsibilities. Key areas include café, shop, events, and maintenance. Each sub-collective is managed by a coordinator who is elected by their peers, but even this coordinator is part of the broader democratic process and does not hold any authoritative role.

All sub-collectives collaborate within a consensual decision-making process, meaning that none is superior to the others. This demonstrates that every part of the co-operative is equal, and all have the same level of influence on the functioning of the whole.

Anti-Racist Reform and Continuous Development

In 2023, the co-operative realised the need to improve its inclusivity, particularly towards the Black and People of Colour (PoC) queer community in Brighton. After this realisation, The Queery began implementing anti-racist reforms, including collaboration with consultants and community members to ensure that all groups within the community have equal access to space, resources, and opportunities that the co-operative offers.

Explanation of Roles and Functions in the Co-operative

Although The Queery uses terms like Chair, Treasurer, and Coordinator for various areas, it should be emphasised that these positions are not hierarchical. Coordinators and signatories are responsible for administrative and organisational matters, but their roles do not imply authority or superiority over other members of the co-operative. On the contrary, The Queery maintains its non-hierarchical and democratic character, where every member has an equal voice and participates in the decision-making process.

These coordinators and signatories play an important role in guiding and organising activities (e.g., in finance, community activities, or IT), but they are not decisive authorities whose opinions should outweigh those of other members. All important decisions in the co-operative are still subject to consensual and democratic decision-making, where all members have an equal share.

This system shows how The Queery creates space for active participation from all members, where everyone contributes to decision-making, while avoiding the traditional notion of hierarchical authorities.

Conclusion: A Space for the Community, By the Community

The Queery is a co-operative run by its members, where non-hierarchical management and democratic decision-making are core principles. This model means that every member has an equal voice and participates in collective decision-making. The co-operative is built on the values of equality, inclusion, and solidarity, which enable the functioning of a community as an equal and inclusive space for all its members. This structure not only supports participation at all levels but also ensures that The Queery is a place where everyone has the opportunity to actively contribute to its development and operation.

The Queery represents a living example of a co-operative model that demonstrates how democratic and non-hierarchical management can truly work in practice, providing space for sharing, collaboration, and support among all community members. This model focuses on active participation and collective decision-making, meaning that every member has an equal voice and contributes to shaping the direction of the co-operative.

At The Queery, it is clear how community involvement and solidarity are manifested not only in practical activities but also in how the co-operative is managed. Coordinators, who oversee various areas such as maintenance, café, shop, or events, act as organisers and communication channels, but never as authoritative figures. This system allows for equality and accessibility for all members, regardless of their position.

Within the co-operative, the emphasis is on community decision-making and shared responsibility, which deepens collective strength and creates an environment where freedom and belonging can be found. Despite the presence of certain coordinators who have specific responsibilities, The Queery remains a space where solidarity and cooperation define its daily operations.

This example shows that non-hierarchical co-operative management is a viable model for community engagement, contributing to greater equality and inclusivity, providing space for all community members regardless of their background or experience.

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