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
- Network event
QT Leaders Nonprofit: Assessing Digital & AI Readiness
·OnlineOnline7 attendees from 6 groupsFollowing the initial ecosystem discovery session, this roundtable focuses on understanding and assessing organizational readiness for digital transformation and AI adoption.
This session invites participants to step back and assess where their organizations currently stand. Through structured peer dialogue and guided reflection, leaders will determine how digital tools are already shaping their work, what internal capacities exist to support responsible adoption or non-adaption, and where further clarity or safeguards may better support.
The goal of this session is organizational insight, identification and level setting. By identifying current practices, governance structures, and potential risks, participants will continue developing a clearer picture of what responsible digital and AI readiness looks like currently within their organization, and where they want to go.
Roundtables prioritize peer learning and contextual dialogue. Leaders are invited to bring real organizational scenarios. Insights from these conversations help inform shared resources, frameworks, and case studies for the sector.
Note: While this session is designed as a structured readiness assessment conversation, event description may evolve based on insights surfaced during the first roundtable.
A confirmed agenda will be updated April 29, 2026.
In this session, participants will explore:
✨ Where AI and digital tools are already appearing in operations and decision making
✨ Organization digital maturity and readiness
✨ Governance and decision making structures
✨ Risks, responsibilities and safeguards for community-focused organizations
✨ Immediate takeaways to bring back to their organization and teamSession Details
📅 Date: May 27
🕓 Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
💻 Location: Virtual, Zoom
🗣 Language: EnglishWho Should Attend
Nonprofit leaders, directors, and decision-makers navigating digital transformation, data governance, or emerging AI tools within their organizations.About QT Leaders: Nonprofit Digital Futures
QT Leaders: Nonprofit Digital Futures is a national program bringing 2SLGBTQIA+ nonprofit leaders together through virtual roundtables and regional gatherings from April-November 2026. This program is supported by RBC, who recognizes the critical role that inclusion plays in helping to strengthen the capacity and future of Canada's nonprofit sector. Resources developed from the conversations and regional gatherings will be made available to those registered after each event, and post program.
Read more about the program’s information here.
To read more about RBC's approach to helping strengthen the capacity of Canada's nonprofit sector, click here.“® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license.
If you have any questions about the program, reach out to amos@queertech.org.Sign up today!
2 attendees from this group - Network event
QT Leaders Nonprofit: Evaluating Risk, Opportunity & Capacity
·OnlineOnline6 attendees from 6 groupsNonprofit leaders are often navigating digital transformation with limited time, capacity and budget. Determining whether a technology should be explored, implemented, or avoided requires careful consideration of governance, risk exposure, mission alignment, and the realities of their organization.
Building on the previous session’s exploration of organizational digital maturity and readiness, this conversation moves from assessment to evaluation strategies. After identifying where digital tools and AI are already appearing within their organizations and what the current and future landscapes may look like, participants will now examine what responsible adoption policies would look like for them.
Roundtables prioritize peer learning and contextual dialogue. Leaders are invited to bring real organizational scenarios. Insights from these conversations help inform shared resources, frameworks, and case studies for the sector.
Note: While this session is designed as a peer-informed evaluation conversation, the exact discussion focus may evolve based on insights surfaced during the first two roundtables. A confirmed description will be updated by May 27, 2026.In this session, participants will explore:
✨ Current use and non-use cases
✨ Evaluation frameworks with: mission alignment, community trust, and organizational values, in mind
✨ Risk considerations including governance gaps, data responsibility, and vendor reliance
✨ Organizational capacity requirements
✨ Immediate takeaways to bring back to their organization and teamSession Details
📅 Date: July 15
🕓 Time: 1:00-2:30 PM ET
💻 Location: Virtual, Zoom
🗣 Language: EnglishWho Should Attend
Nonprofit leaders, directors, and decision-makers navigating digital transformation, data governance, or emerging AI tools within their organizations.About QT Leaders: Nonprofit Digital Futures
QT Leaders: Nonprofit Digital Futures is a national program bringing 2SLGBTQIA+ nonprofit leaders together through virtual roundtables and regional gatherings from April-November 2026. This program is supported by RBC, who recognizes the critical role that inclusion plays in helping to strengthen the capacity and future of Canada's nonprofit sector. Resources developed from the conversations and regional gatherings will be made available to those registered after each event, and post program.
Read more about the program’s information here.
To read more about RBC's approach to helping strengthen the capacity of Canada's nonprofit sector, click here.
“® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license.
If you have any questions about the program, reach out to amos@queertech.org.Sign up today!
1 attendee from this group - Network event
QT Leaders Nonprofit: Implementing Responsible Digital Change
·OnlineOnline6 attendees from 6 groupsWe have previously explored where digital tools and AI are already appearing with their associated opportunities and risks, and examined how to evaluate new technologies responsibly. This session moves from evaluation toward implementation.
This applied session focuses on the practical leadership and organizational strategies required for responsible implementation with all associated internal and external interest-holder groups. Participants will explore how to introduce new technologies in ways that align with their organization’s values, protect their communities, and ensure accountability across teams.
Roundtables prioritize peer learning and contextual dialogue. Leaders are invited to bring real organizational scenarios. Insights from these conversations help inform shared resources, frameworks, and case studies for the sector.)
Note: While this session is designed as an implementation strategy conversation, event description may evolve based on insights surfaced during the third roundtable. A confirmed agenda will be updated June 23, 2026.
In this session, participants will explore:
✨ Strategies that support responsible digital and AI implementation
✨ Organizational change management for introducing new technologies
✨ Governance structures and accountability for digital decision-making
✨Aligning technology adoption with mission, community impact, and organizational capacity
✨ Practical implementation considerations and leadership takeaways for their teamsSession Details
📅 Date: August 18
🕓 Time: 1:00-2:30 PM ET
💻 Location: Virtual – Zoom
🗣 Language: EnglishWho Should Attend
Nonprofit leaders, directors, and decision-makers navigating digital transformation, data governance, or emerging AI tools within their organizations.About QT Leaders: Nonprofit Digital Futures
QT Leaders: Nonprofit Digital Futures is a national program bringing 2SLGBTQIA+ nonprofit leaders together through virtual roundtables and regional gatherings from April-November 2026. This program is supported by RBC, who recognizes the critical role that inclusion plays in helping to strengthen the capacity and future of Canada's nonprofit sector. Resources developed from the conversations and regional gatherings will be made available to those registered after each event, and post program.
Read more about the program’s information here.
To read more about RBC's approach to helping strengthen the capacity of Canada's nonprofit sector, click here.
“® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license.
If you have any questions about the program, reach out to amos@queertech.org.Sign up today!
1 attendee from this group
Past events
70
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