Amplifying Voices: Celebrating Queer Representation in Tech
Bradley Herrera Contreras on Pride and Tech Representation
Written by: Annette Uyen Ny Le
Bradley Herrera Contreras (he/him) is Hack the North’s Product Manager for 2024, a Software Engineering Intern at Netflix, and a beloved member of the tech community at the University of Waterloo. I sat down with Bradley to discuss the significance of 2SLGBTQIA+ representation in tech, what allyship means to him, and how organizations can work towards fostering inclusive environments to be at the forefront of positive change.
What interested you in the tech industry and how did you get started?
“Around grade 11 to 12, I started learning [about the industry] on the internet. I was watching a lot of YouTube and social media content, like ‘day-in-the-life’ videos about software engineers or what people were doing with tech back then. I was seeing all of this content out there and I was able to truly learn and self-study these topics through online classes, free resources like EDX, and tutorials on YouTube. I think it’s amazing that as a high school student, I could access those resources and got even more curious to learn by myself and on my own time. My high school didn’t offer tech or computer science courses, so [the internet] was an initiative that I could take, despite the lack of resources elsewhere.
I entered as a Math/Business Administration (BBA) student but continued to learn more about [the tech industry]. During my first year at Waterloo, I got immersed in tech through my computer science (CS) courses and I realized that I wanted to explore the area more. I think getting that exposure and seeing the upper-year CS courses inspired me and ultimately encouraged me to transfer to CS/BBA, where my passion really took off.”
How do you feel Pride Month impacts the tech industry, and why is it important for companies to recognize it?
“For me, Pride Month is all about promoting an inclusive workplace in an open space. It’s important that companies take a strong stance on not only this issue, but other social issues that our generation cares about, because it shows their commitment to valuing all their employees and creating a safe space regardless of identity. Taking that strong stance isn’t just making a statement; it means creating that culture of support, which builds stronger communities. It is an investment into the broader community and ethics in organizations.
This month also helps to raise awareness and educate people [about the community]. It’s a time to talk with your peers about it. You know, you’re hearing about it in Slack channels, and organizations are posting about it, so it gets that discussion rolling among you and your team members. People start asking ‘Why is this important?’, ‘What issues, present-day or historical, has the Queer Community faced in the workplace and society in general?’, and ‘How should we be moving forward?’ These are all discussions that I believe are valuable to have in the workplace. Even if there are differing opinions, it’s still great to raise awareness and educate your peers overall. That’s what helps strengthen the bonds with those around you at work, contributing to fostering a sense of community and making the workplace a safer environment.”
What role does allyship play in fostering a more inclusive environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ members in the tech industry?
“I’m a very strong believer in taking an opinionated stance on social issues in general, like allyship and supporting the Queer Community. Allyship is important not only because I want to feel supported in my community, but also because I know then that I am respected and acknowledged, and that I am treated no differently from my peers.
Allyship is really the only way for me to feel integrated as a queer person because I don’t think you can bring your whole self to work without knowing that your peers respect you, understand your issues as a minority, and accept you for who you are. Understanding the broader societal issue of discrimination against this minority group and proactively taking an opinionated stance against it helps support the community, and is important on an organizational as well as on an individual level.”
How do you think technology can be leveraged to support and empower the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, both within and outside of the workplace?
“In my experience, technology and social media were my greatest resources in terms of finding that community and learning more about it. Whether it’s learning resources or those ‘day-in-the-life’ accounts, having a diverse range of resources, and people sharing their experiences helped me identify [as queer] and helped me understand what it meant to be a software engineer in the tech industry. That was probably the biggest contributor to what helped me feel a part of the community.”
What is an example of an initiative that you think organizations within tech could implement to support their 2SLGBTQIA+ team members?
“In my latest internship, I’ve started to see the value of employee resource groups (ERGs). I think they’re a great way to help connect and bond with your peers through common interests, common values, and common concerns. It all goes back to creating a stronger sense of community.
Employee resource groups are internal employee-led volunteer groups that are coming to more and more workspaces every day. They help contribute to creating that strong community at work, and they usually do events and initiatives. Normally, if there are concerns, these groups will vocalize them as well. While I think they’re great, I also think not all are as effective as they can be. I think these employee resource groups are most effective when they’re encouraged by management to both vocalize their concerns and also tackle real challenges so that there can be a more tangible impact. This shows that management is open to receiving that feedback on a continuous cycle, which helps empower the employees and make sure that all of our interests are being heard from the bottom up.”
What do you hope to see in terms of progress and advancements regarding 2SLGBTQIA+ representation and inclusivity in the tech sector?
“This is such a profound issue — I believe one of the greatest challenges probably comes from the status quo or even just the vibes of the tech community. I think traditionally, tech appeals to a very specific type of male engineer, and as young people coming into it (especially if you are female, queer, or don’t fit into those typical tech stereotypes), it’s hard for you to empathize with the industry and truly be interested in it.
We need to change the connotations and the attitude that people hold within the tech industry to not just cater to a specific stereotype of people. We don’t just want tech bros — we should appeal to a wider range of audiences, like women, queer folks, and other minorities. It’s important to get young people interested in it and eventually, to have a workforce in the tech sector that’s more representative of our community as a whole. At the end of the day, that’s the progress I want to see. I want all of those young students to be inspired by an industry that is welcoming and appeals to our entire society as a whole, as opposed to one that’s gated and only appeals to a stereotypical, traditional in-group.”
What advice would you give to 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who are considering entering or are currently navigating careers in the tech sector?
“This is a topic that I’ve thought about a lot as I navigate the early steps in my tech career. Honestly, I would say to be who you are in the workplace. Bring your whole self to work, and don’t be afraid to show your personality to more established employees. I was very hesitant to show my personality and just be comfortable, or even be friends, with people in the workplace. It can be especially daunting as someone who’s entering the tech sector because your coworkers may be much older than you. You might feel like they aren’t your peers yet because you can’t relate to them, but I have come to learn that bringing your experience, your opinions, and your voice as a young person in the workplace is valuable. The older employees value your input, how you see the world, and just your attitude and customs overall, like how we’re more casual or how we might be more adaptable.
It’s a lot better for you to be more authentic as a person. You don’t have to play into this corporate facade or not allow yourself to come through in the workplace out of fear of other people. At the end of the day, they are still people like you and me, and they will see the difference between someone who’s holding themselves back versus someone who’s being a genuine, authentic person. Be who you are — that’s your biggest strength in the workplace, and it’s very valuable for you in both the long and short term.”
As Bradley highlights, the tech industry stands at a pivotal crossroads where inclusivity and representation can no longer be optional. The stories and experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals like Bradley underscore the importance of fostering a supportive and welcoming environment where diversity is not just acknowledged, but also celebrated. By promoting allyship, implementing effective initiatives like employee resource groups, and leveraging technology to connect and empower, we can build a more inclusive industry that reflects the richness of our diverse society.
Pride Month serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still ahead. It’s a time for companies to take a stand, engage in meaningful dialogue, and commit to continuous improvement. The journey towards a truly inclusive tech sector is ongoing, but with advocacy and allyship, there’s hope for a future where everyone, regardless of their identity, can thrive and contribute to the innovation and creativity that define this dynamic field.
Happy Pride Month everyone and thank you all for being a part of our journey in making tech spaces more inclusive!
— Team Hack the North 💙⚙️
Bradley is currently a student at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University’s double degree in Computer Science and Business Administration program. Throughout his undergraduate career, he has been involved in student-led organizations such as Tech+, Data Science Club, and Hack the North, holding leadership positions such as Engineering Lead, Lead Developer, and more. His passion for community building and technology comes together in every role he takes on.
Special thanks to Catherine Y., Arpita S., Agamjot S., Joseph W., and Jasmine J. for proofreading and editing this post!
