In June, we celebrate Pride and the contributions that the LGBTQ+ community has given to society, culture, and the world around us. Queer people exist in every space, but not every space is safe for queer people to exist in. That’s why it’s so important for companies and workplaces to offer a safe space for queer employees and coworkers. With greater visibility and activism, LBGTQ+ folks can feel more included and represented in the community.
So how can we support our queer friends, family, and coworkers during Pride Month 2023? Keep reading to learn more about how you can show your support and celebrate the community this month and beyond.
How can you show your support during Pride Month?
Even if you aren’t a part of the LGBT+ community, you can still celebrate Pride Month. A huge part of supporting the queer community is showing up as a proud ally to celebrate your family, friends, coworkers, and perhaps even yourself. By showing your support, you are helping make the world a safer place for queer individuals.
You can celebrate Pride Month 2023 in a number of ways:
- Educate yourself on issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community
- Read books and articles written by queer authors
- Shop from LGBT+ owned small businesses
- Donate to LGBT+ organizations, such as The Trevor Project, which helps LGBTQ+ young people get help
- Volunteer at LGBQ+ youth shelters
- Support diversity initiatives in your workplace and community
- Join Pride ERG
And of course, you can pick up your rainbow flag and join in your local Pride Parade. Whether you’re marching with the crowd or waving on the sidelines, your allyship is appreciated.
Multicultural group of LGBTQIA+ volunteers in New York City streets approaching people and let them sign up. Equal rights and gender stereotypes awareness.
Tech organizations that proudly support the LGBT + community
One of the most important parts of supporting the queer community is creating a space where folks of all genders and orientations feel safe to express themselves. This not only includes our homes, workplaces, and community centers but also spaces like the tech sphere. The tech industry has taken great steps to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ workers, but there is always progress to be made.
Here are five tech organizations that are committed to bringing equality to the tech industry.
Lesbians Who Tech
Lesbians Who Tech is a community of LGBTQ+ women, non-binary, and trans individuals in and around the tech industry—and the allies who support them. Their goals are to connect queer techies by building a network of colleagues and friends in the industry and raise awareness about the incredible work queer people are doing in the tech space.
If you’re an ally looking to get involved, the organization offers a sponsorship program. As a Summit sponsor, you can hire from within the network, finance projects, and share networks.
LGBTQ in Technology Slack
The LGBTQ in Technology Slack is a safe space for LGBTQ+ tech folks to chat and connect virtually over a Slack channel. The channel is open to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and questioning. To make sure it stays a safe and inclusive space, the channel is moderated. It’s a great way to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals in tech in a low-pressure environment.
LGBTQ Tech
LGBTQ Tech offers programs and resources to support LGBTQ+ communities, individual members, and allies. They offer programs that bring technology to homeless, isolated, and disadvantaged LGBTQ+ individuals across the country, as well as a program dedicated to motivating LGBTQ+ youth and young adults interested in STEM. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can donate money and technology to the organization.
Out in Tech
Out in Tech is the world’s largest non-profit community of LGBTQ+ tech leaders. They create opportunities for 50,000 members to advance their careers, grow their networks, and leverage tech for social change.
Pride in STEM
Pride in STEM is a charitable trust run by an independent group of LGBTQ+ scientists and engineers from around the world. Run entirely by volunteers, they aim to showcase and support all queer people in STEM fields by embracing diversity. By showing that not everyone working in STEM fits the same mold, they hope to challenge perceptions of what scientists and techies should be like.
TransTech Social Enterprises
TransTech Social Enterprises is a “co-learning and co-working community” for LGBTQ+ talent, with a focus on the transgender community. They offer co-working and meetup locations for members to develop skills and connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals in the tech community. Membership is free and gives you access to workshops and professional equipment in the Chicago co-share working space. They also offer opportunities for on-the-job training and mentorship connections.
Show your support beyond Pride Month 2023
Although the month of June has been designated as the time to celebrate the queer community, the support doesn’t end in July. In fact, it’s just as important to offer your love and support throughout the rest of the year too. For more information about the tech industry, check out the Quantum Fiber Discover blog.
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