People of crypto Lab are aiming to diversify the metaverse. In collaboration with virtual platform The Sandbox game, the innovation hub will create the first metaverse-native LGBTQ pride parade, while aiming to create a blueprint for equity and inclusion in Web 3.

The “Center of Belonging,” which will act as a launching pad for the first Metaverse Pride event, intends to draw crypto-curious LGBTQIA+ community members and establish itself as a welcoming location for users of all identities. The Pride space will boast a massive rainbow-striped statue in the shape of a raised fist, which will be turned into a cross-platform NFT. People of crypto Lab will also be selling more inclusive and diverse NFT avatars, including avatars in hijabs and wheelchairs.

Although there has been a large amount of apprehension about Web3 from Marginalised communities, co-founder Akbar Hamid believes that the decentralized web could uplift these communities via blockchain technologies. “These are the communities that have been disenfranchised from the actual banking systems,” Hamid said. “So when you look at who’s adopting it fast, it’s these communities, because they don’t need permission.