A dive into Pride Month from a tech industry perspective
Written by: Stephanie Dang
Preface: A huge thank you to Winny Yang, Karen Lee, Kristine Clarin, Rachel Xu, Steven Xu, and Oana Binder for their input to this article.
Pride was born out of protest and started as a revolt against police brutality towards the LGBTQIA+ community. Although this year, Pride Month looks different without the usual in-person gatherings and parades, the tech community has shown other various ways of celebrating and spreading awareness of Pride Month.
How does the tech industry celebrate Pride Month?
Over the past years, the tech industry has been trying to overcome the obstacles of discrimination. Pride is a chance to celebrate love and the human rights of everyone, no matter their romantic or sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBTQIA+ tech leaders like Tim Cook, Peter Arvait, and Hayley Sudbury have made a significant impact on inspiring, motivating, and supporting the underrepresented voices. Check out how tech companies commemorate this special event and make an impact on the LGBTQIA+ rights awareness.
1. Fidelity launched a virtual art tour highlighting queer artists and queer art.
Fidelity’s Employee Resource Group for the LGBTQIA+ community hosted multiple events ranging from discussions to online meetings. In partnership with Corporate Art Ambassadors, Fidelity also hosted a virtual art tour presenting queer artists and queer artists art, providing an opportunity for others to learn about the representation of the LGBTQIA+ community.
2. Salesforce started “Love Unites Us” with programming to support the LGBTQIA+ community.
Salesforce shows strong advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community with “Love Unites Us’. In a series of events and programming, Salesforce celebrates and brings together the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies in a virtual setting, discussing topics about LGBTQIA+ employee experiences to fundraising for the Trevor Project, to discussion about Pride efforts. Salesforce is also committed to taking necessary steps to support policy changes pertaining to policing, hate crimes, and criminal justice among their internal action items.
3. HP Inc. started “Raise Your Voice” campaign.
HP started one of the first LGBTQIA+ employee groups and has had a 100% rating on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Index for many years. This multinational tech company launched several internal news, workshops and programs on educating employees on how to become an ally and the importance of gender-inclusive language. HP Inc. kicked off their campaign with the #PrideInside branding and toolkit and resources to help the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate Pride.
LGBTQIA+ tech community to support
In the tech industry, there are many organizations that work towards prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the workplace. Their core mission and value is to ensure equal opportunities for everyone. We hope these resources and organizations can help our LGBTQIA+ community and allies to better navigate their career path or seek assistance. You can support by donating, raising awareness and promoting these organizations.
1. Lesbians Who Tech & Allies
Lesbians Who Tech & Allies is a community of LGBTQIA+ women, non-binary, and trans individuals in and around tech with 15,000 members. While women only account for 1 in 5 people in STEM fields, this community supports individuals and provides resources to encourage more women to get involved in the tech industry.
2. LGBT Tech
LGBT Tech consists of experts from various backgrounds that identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. They developed several research initiatives to design programs and resources that educate other organizations and policy makers on the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals when working in tech.
3. TransTechSocial
TransTechSocial is a creative design and training academy social enterprise that offers education, support, and jobs for trans people who face high levels of discrimination in the workplace. This organization creates a safe space for people while empowering, educating, and employing those facing barriers in education.
Actions from our organizers
Hack the North is committed to cultivating an inclusive, diverse and equitable community for hackers, students, and attendees from across the globe. Join us in celebrating Pride Month and promoting the Pride spirit!
Our community is filled with thousands of diverse tech enthusiasts. It is our core mission to create an environment where everybody feels safe and welcomed to dream big and build incredible projects. We continuously educate ourselves by learning about the perspectives, issues, and experiences of underrepresented groups.
We are aware that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to fully create a safe workplace and community for everybody, especially in the tech industry, but we hope that you can join in supporting and advocating for the movement of bringing equality and equity for underrepresented groups. You belong in tech and we support you.
Here is a compiled list of LGBTQIA+ resources for anyone who may be looking to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community or ways on how you can celebrate Pride!
PS, enjoy this Spotify playlist from our Hack the North organizers to celebrate Pride Month by listening to music from queer artists.
