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 (https://www.montrealnewtech.com/), 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.
