About us
QueerTech strives to queer the tech ecosystem by breaking down barriers, creating spaces, and connecting communities to support and empower LGBTQ2S+ people to thrive.
In 2016, QueerTechMTL was created as a meetup group, in partnership with MontrealNewTech, to surface and connect fellow LGBTQ+ (Queer) professionals within the local tech industry. We quickly grew from casual meetups into a center of LGBTQ+ tech activity, and within 2 short years, we incorporated as QueerTech, a non-profit organization headquartered in Montreal.
“We continue to partner with QueerTech to create opportunities for LGBTQ2S+ members of the tech industry to connect, collaborate, succeed and thrive together. Our partnership with QueerTech is a necessary bridge to the LGBTQ2S+ community, and scaling-up its capacity would mean that companies like us can have greater engagement and impact with the LGBTQ2S+ tech community in regions across Canada.” --Microsoft Canada
As we expand our scope and goals to create a connected QueerTech network across Canada and beyond, we do so with the following intentions, and with a goal of queering the global tech ecosystem.
Our values
QueerTech is committed to:
Inclusivity
QueerTech aims to create and maintain a diverse community that fosters a sense of belonging.
Helpfulness
QueerTech aims to provide and create equal access to resources and opportunities in order to strengthen the tech community.
Pride
QueerTech believes that you can be your true self and thrive in tech, and strives to empower community members to achieve their full potential.
Accessibility
QueerTech aims to break down all barriers to entry and provide everyone with equal opportunities to participate in and contribute to the tech community.
Our Mission Defined
What does Queering the tech ecosystem mean?
A founding pillar of Queertech is Pride, and because of this, we are committed to empowering Queer people to claim their space within the tech community and have their voices heard. We do this in two ways: by breaking down barriers to create opportunities for Queer people to enter the tech space, and by providing resources such as skill development to allow Queer people already in tech to thrive. To accomplish this, we provide resources to companies and hold workshops in order for them to create and foster more inclusive workspaces and hiring practices. By Queering the tech ecosystem, we aim to give Queer people in tech the tools to find their voices and speak up for what they need to be successful.
What it means to Thrive
QueerTech aims to empower our members to achieve their personal and professional goals by bringing their authentic selves wherever they go. We strive to encourage a sense of belonging that comes from both giving and contributing to your community. We believe in education, in reciprocity, and that everyone has something to teach and learn. By combining all of these factors, we hope to build strong communities to help Queer people thrive.
Breaking Down Barriers
At QueerTech, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to shine. As such, we are committed to breaking down all existing barriers into the tech community, as well as identifying what factors may keep Queer people from contributing. This includes tackling issues of representation of all types, mental health and well-being, physical accessibility, and any other barriers that are brought to our attention. We commit to providing the appropriate resources so that everyone has the support they need when they attend a QueerTech event. Beyond our events, we also aim to educate companies and other organizations on how to make their spaces more accessible and inclusive, to end discrimination and unequal opportunity within the tech community.
Creating Spaces
QueerTech believes in creating inclusive, supportive spaces in order to strengthen the tech community. We create physical spaces through our monthly events as well as digital spaces through our online platforms to provide networking opportunities and meaningful connections amongst our members.
Connecting Communities
An integral part of Queertech is fostering a sense of community for our members. We are passionate about identifying and connecting communities through intersectionality and creating partnerships between individuals and nonprofits. Our goal is to connect Queer communities all around the world, to create a global network of members and support systems.
Supporting and Empowering Members
Queertech is dedicated to onboarding new members into the tech community as well as providing resources and support for those already involved. We offer workshops, boot camps, and seminars to equip our members with the skills necessary for professional and personal advancement. We provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and mentorship and encourage everyone to contribute. We hope to ultimately provide the tools necessary for Queer people to start their own companies.
Upcoming events
3
Q4 2026 - QT Connect Meetup Ottawa
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, 1625 Vanier Pkwy, Vanier, ON K1L 7P1, Canada, Ottawa, ON, CA# Who Gets to Thrive? Opportunity and Power in an AI-Driven World
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, 1625 Vanier Parkway, Ottawa, ON K1L 7P1Register at https://community.queertech.org/events/290896
AI is changing more than how we work. It is reshaping what opportunities exist, what skills and ideas are valued, who has access to resources, and who has the power to shape what comes next.
Join The Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) and QueerTech for an evening of networking, community engagement, and conversation on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. CSE's Pride Network will introduce its mission, share the impact of its work, and highlight the renewed partnership between CSE and QueerTech. The event will feature discussions on Inclusive AI, recruitment opportunities, and meaningful connections across the community.
In Ottawa, where technology, government, public service, cybersecurity, and policy are shaping the future of work and economic opportunity, these changes raise important questions. What becomes more possible as AI evolves? What becomes harder? And who has the resources, influence, and support to adapt and thrive?
This QT Connect meetup creates space for community members to explore these questions together. Through guided small-group conversations, interactive questions, and shared reflection, participants will discuss how AI is changing what feels possible in their careers, organizations, and communities—and what people need to have meaningful opportunities as work continues to change.
Together, we’ll explore:- Where AI is creating new opportunities accompanied with where opportunities may be limited
- How changing technologies are affecting work, careers, entrepreneurship, and communities
- Who currently has the resources, knowledge, networks, and influence to benefit from these changes
- How 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals, allies, and organizations are fostering more inclusive workplaces and communities
- What people need to navigate an AI-shaped future with greater agency and choice
- What organizations and communities can do to help more people participate and thrive
- The role of community partnerships in creating opportunities for connection, mentorship, and career growth
- How organizations can attract, support, and retain diverse talent in the tech and security sectors
- The impact of employee resource groups, such as CSE's Pride Network, in driving belonging and positive change
- Ways to strengthen collaboration between community organizations, employers, and professionals to advance equity and inclusion
This QT Connect gathering is designed as a guided community conversation grounded in lived experience, reflection, and participation.
You do not need to work in AI or tech, or identify as queer to join this conversation.
This space is for technologists, creatives, founders, community advocates, students, digital workers, and anyone thinking about how AI is changing work, opportunity, and our collective future. Insights gathered across QT Connect meetups will contribute to a cross-country snapshot of how queer communities are experiencing these shifts.### What to Expect
- A welcoming and community-centered environment
- An introduction to CSE's Pride Network, its mission, and ongoing initiatives
- Insights into the renewed partnership between CSE and QueerTech and its importance for the year ahead
- Guided dialogue and reflection
- Accessible conversation grounded in lived experience
- Opportunities to learn about recruitment, career development, and community engagement
- Meaningful conversations with professionals, allies, advocates, and community leaders
- Space to build connections, exchange ideas, and support a more inclusive future in technology and beyond
***
### Event Agenda
### 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
| Time | Agenda | Description |
| ---- | ------ | ----------- |
| 5:00 PM | Arrival, Networking & Community Welcome | Arrive, connect, and meet others from Ottawa’s queer tech, creative, startup, and community ecosystems. |
| 5:40 PM | Opening Remarks & Grounding Activity | A short welcome and grounding exercise to create space for reflection, connection, and participation. |
| 5:50 PM | QueerTech 2026 Theme Introduction: Who Gets to Trust AI? | An introduction to QueerTech’s 2026 national theme and the focus of Chapter 4: Mobility, Power & the Future. |
| 6:00 PM | Guided Community Conversation: Who Gets to Thrive? Opportunity and Power in an AI-Driven World | A facilitated community dialogue exploring how AI is shifting opportunities and what people and communities need to thrive as work changes. |
| 6:45 PM | Community Reflection & Shared Takeaways | A collective reflection on key themes, insights, and questions that emerged during the conversation. |
| 6:55 PM | QT Ask & Offer | Share something you’re seeking support around and something you can offer back to the community. |
| 7:15 PM | Informal Networking & Continued Conversation | Continue conversations and build new connections in a relaxed and welcoming environment. |***
### Volunteering & Scholarship Tickets
We don't want cost to be a barrier to participating in this conversation. We have scholarship and volunteer tickets available. To sign up, fill out this form.
***
### About QueerTech’s 2026 National Theme
## Who Gets to Trust AI?: Power, Participation, and Accountability
QueerTech is convening a national conversation on how trust in AI is earned, broken, and rebuilt—and what it takes to create systems where people have the agency, protections, and power to shape their futures.
Across 2026, we have explored access and agency, fairness and safeguards, and governance and accountability. In this final chapter, we look forward: as AI reshapes work, leadership, entrepreneurship, and opportunity, what will it take for more people and communities to thrive?
Because the future of AI is not only about what technology can do.
It is also about who has the power, resources, and opportunities to benefit from what comes next.***
### THANK YOU TO OUR HOST!
The Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) is one of Canada’s key security and intelligence organizations. We work tirelessly to protect Canada and Canadians against threats by providing valuable foreign signals intelligence. We also develop and provide sophisticated and advanced cyber security services to protect Canada’s most important systems and information. CSE brings together the smartest minds and leading-edge technology in our world-class facilities in Ottawa. The result: a dynamic, innovative and rewarding work environment.
See QueerTech Event Terms & Conditions for more information
3 attendees
Q4 2026 - QT Connect Meetup Montreal
1000 Rue De la Gauchetière O, Montréal, QC H3B 4W5, 1000 Rue De la Gauchetière O, Montréal, QC H3B 5A7, Canada, Montréal, QC, CAWho Gets to Thrive? Opportunity and Power in an AI-Driven World
Date: Thrusday, October 29, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: BDO Canada - 1000 Rue De la Gauchetière O, Montréal, QC H3B 4W5AI is changing more than how we work. It is reshaping what opportunities exist, what skills and ideas are valued, who has access to resources, and who has the power to shape what comes next.
In Montreal, where AI, gaming, life sciences, and creative industries are shaping the future of work and economic opportunity, these changes raise important questions. What becomes more possible as AI evolves? What becomes harder? And who has the resources, influence, and support to adapt and thrive?
This QT Connect meetup creates space for community members to explore these questions together. Through guided small-group conversations, interactive questions, and shared reflection, participants will discuss how AI is changing what feels possible in their careers, organizations, and communities—and what people need to have meaningful opportunities as work continues to change.Together, we’ll explore:
- Where AI is creating new opportunities accompanied with where opportunities may be limited
- How changing technologies are affecting work, careers, entrepreneurship, and communities
- Who currently has the resources, knowledge, networks, and influence to benefit from these changes
- What people need to navigate an AI-shaped future with greater agency and choice
This QT Connect gathering is designed as a guided community conversation grounded in lived experience, reflection, and participation.
You do not need to work in AI or tech, or identify as queer to join this conversation.This space is for technologists, creatives, founders, community advocates, students, digital workers, and anyone thinking about how AI is changing work, opportunity, and our collective future. Insights gathered across QT Connect meetups will contribute to a cross-country snapshot of how queer communities are experiencing these shifts.
### What to Expect
- A welcoming and community-centered environment
- Guided dialogue and reflection
- Accessible conversation grounded in lived experience
- Opportunities to connect with others navigating similar changes
- Space to think collectively about opportunity, power, and the future of work
***
### Event Agenda
### 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
| Time | Agenda | Description |
| ---- | ------ | ----------- |
| 5:00 PM | Arrival, Networking & Community Welcome | Arrive, connect, and meet others from MONTREAL’s queer tech, creative, startup, and community ecosystems. |
| 5:40 PM | Opening Remarks & Grounding Activity | A short welcome and grounding exercise to create space for reflection, connection, and participation. |
| 5:50 PM | QueerTech 2026 Theme Introduction: Who Gets to Trust AI? | An introduction to QueerTech’s 2026 national theme and the focus of Chapter 4: Mobility, Power & the Future. |
| 6:00 PM | Guided Community Conversation: Who Gets to Thrive? Opportunity and Power in an AI-Driven World | A facilitated community dialogue exploring how AI is shifting opportunities and what people and communities need to thrive as work changes. |
| 6:45 PM | Community Reflection & Shared Takeaways | A collective reflection on key themes, insights, and questions that emerged during the conversation. |
| 6:55 PM | QT Ask & Offer | Share something you’re seeking support around and something you can offer back to the community. |
| 7:15 PM | Informal Networking & Continued Conversation | Continue conversations and build new connections in a relaxed and welcoming environment. |***
### Volunteering & Scholarship Tickets
We don't want cost to be a barrier to participating in this conversation. We have scholarship and volunteer tickets available. To sign up, fill out this form.
***
### About QueerTech’s 2026 National Theme
## Who Gets to Trust AI?: Power, Participation, and Accountability
QueerTech is convening a national conversation on how trust in AI is earned, broken, and rebuilt—and what it takes to create systems where people have the agency, protections, and power to shape their futures.
Across 2026, we have explored access and agency, fairness and safeguards, and governance and accountability. In this final chapter, we look forward: as AI reshapes work, leadership, entrepreneurship, and opportunity, what will it take for more people and communities to thrive?
Because the future of AI is not only about what technology can do.
It is also about who has the power, resources, and opportunities to benefit from what comes next.***
THANKS TO OUR HOST BDO Canada!
BDO Canada LLP is a leading professional services firm with over 100 years of experience offering assurance, tax, and advisory services nationwide. With 5,000+ team members in 100+ offices across Canada, and part of a global network in 164 countries, BDO is committed to building inclusive workplaces.Supporting the Queer Community
BDO actively supports 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion through its Pride pillar, partnership with Pride at Work Canada, and participation in Pride events across the country. They foster a culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work.Careers
BDO is hiring! Explore opportunities to grow your career in a people-first, inclusive environment at BDO Careers
By registering for this event, participants agree to QueerTech's Event Terms & Conditions.1 attendee
QT Qonference 2026
Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON, CAQueerTech présente la QT Qonference 2026 (QTQ) — la plus grande conférence technologique 2SLGBTQIA+ au Canada.
En 2026, QTQ revient à Toronto pour deux journées de programmation en présentiel, centrées sur l’une des questions les plus urgentes de notre avenir :
### Qui peut faire confiance à l’IA ?
Alors que l’intelligence artificielle transforme notre façon de travailler, de recruter, de bâtir et de gouverner, QTQ 2026 réunit des leaders, des professionnel·le·s, des fondateur·rice·s, des investisseur·euse·s et des membres de la communauté afin d’examiner les systèmes qui sous-tendent l’IA — ainsi que les choix qui façonnent son avenir.
Le thème de cette année — Pouvoir, participation et responsabilité — explore :
- Qui conçoit les systèmes d’IA
- Qui participe à leur développement
- Qui en bénéficie
- Et qui en est responsable lorsqu’ils échouent
QTQ 2026 est le rassemblement phare de l’initiative l'IA Inclusive QT — un effort national visant à garantir que l’IA soit développée de manière responsable, équitable et en tenant compte de nos communautés.
Au cours de ces deux journées, QTQ crée un espace pour :- Faire progresser les conversations sur l’IA inclusive au Canada
- Développer des carrières, des entreprises et des partenariats
- Connecter les talents aux opportunités
- Renforcer le leadership et la responsabilité dans le secteur technologique
- Célébrer l’impact des communautés 2SLGBTQIA+ dans l’économie de l’innovation
#### Économisez 30 % sur les prix ci-dessous avec le code : EarlyQTQ26
3 attendees
Past events
148
