This month, we're celebrating organizations paving the way for LGBTQ2S+ technologists to find inclusion, belonging, and affirmation within our industry.
In this post, we shine a spotlight on Out in Tech, a non-profit community of over 45,000 LGBTQ2S+ people in the technology industry (including me, hi 👋🏻). 🏳️🌈
Out in Tech is on a mission to unite the LGBTQ2S+ tech community. Take it from their mission statement:
We envision a tech industry where LGBTQ+ people are empowered, well represented, and have full agency, from intern to CEO. We believe this will lead to:
- Equity and belonging for all underestimated groups (centering women and people of color);
- Innovative new ideas, products, and platforms; and
- A more just future.
I've been a member of Out in Tech's active, supportive Slack community for years now. I've seen firsthand the power of the LGBTQ2S+ community coming together to share career opportunities, organize in-person meet-ups, and connect over pop culture, hobbies, and family life.
Slack isn't their only virtual community, though! They also offer a digital corps, which is an opportunity to connect and collaborate online to support LGBTQ2S+ organizations with free web services.
To support the emerging generation of LGBTQ2S+ technologists, Out in Tech offers a program called Out in Tech U. It includes a mentorship program for LGBTQ2S+ people ages 17–24 to make career connections and learn skills to support them on the job—all in a queer-inclusive, affirming environment.
We're glad that organizations like Out in Tech exist to support our LGBTQ2S+ colleagues as they grow their careers in our industry. 💖
Know of other great LGBTQ2S+ organizations, initiatives, or groups in tech? Share in the comments and let's continue to build community. 🌈
