Almost any job today requires knowledge of technological skills from things as simple as sending emails to coding complex programs. Yet for members of the LGBTQ+ community, it can feel like there is an absence of inclusive tech spaces. The nonprofitOut in Techis seeking to remedy this by creating a community of LGBTQ+ tech leaders and aspiring techies.Andrew Lowenthal founded the organization in New York City in 2013 with the goal of connecting all corners of the LGBTQ+ tech community. Since then, it has expanded to have chapters in over 30 cities across the world, bringing together LGBTQ+ people of all different backgrounds. Out in Tech connects its global members through its Slack channel, which currently has over 40,000 people. There are a variety of different channels to discuss all kinds of topics, from machine learning to employee resource groups. It is a place where members can find job opportunities, learn about community events, and connect with others from all over the world.In Texas, Out in Tech has chapters in DFW, Austin, and Houston. Kiro Louie is one of the founding members of theAustin chapter. Louie first connected with the organization while he lived in Brooklyn, where he felt the tech community was dominated by white engineers. When he moved to Austin in 2017, after assisting with marketing and social media for Out in Tech, he worked to start a local chapter in Austin.At the time we didnt really see a lot of diversity reflected in the tech community, and felt like we were missing perspectives, Louie explained. The leadership team made a concerted effort to diversify their outreach and events. The chapter hosted the first health and fitness panel, the first pride themed stand-up comedy show, and connected with Employee Resources Groups in Austin. Their numbers have now grown to over 2,000 chapter members.Out in Tech gather for a mixer in Austin, TX. Photo: Out in TechTroy Pacheco, the current chapter head for Out in Tech Austin, is excited to continue growing the group. For 2025, well continue hosting our monthly mixers, but were exploring new locations and leaning into partnerships with other local LGBTQ+ groups to co-host events, Pacheco said. This will give our community more ways to connect, collaborate, and expand their networks. Previously the organization has partnered with Austin Women in Technology to host the final mixer of 2024, which included food and gifts from The Little Gay Shop.Part of the programming Out in Tech offers includes career talks, mentorship opportunities, and monthly mixers. The organization is not limited to just those in traditional tech roles, such as engineers or software designers. Out in Tech is for anyone who works in a tech adjacent industry, which includes pretty much everything, Louie said. He shared that his background actually isnt in the tech industry, but hes found a space in the organization. You might work for a company doing marketing, or in the sales department for a tech company, or as an accountant who utilizes excel, and youre engaging technology, Louie said.Another program of the global organization isOut in Tech U, which focuses on equipping LGBTQ+ tech professionals between the ages of 18 and 25 with the skills needed to be successful in the tech industry. This program is a safe space for young tech enthusiasts to connect personally and professionally while expanding their capabilities. Mentees are connected with tech professionals and complete a capstone project. There are opportunities both in person and virtually. Its a program thats only gotten better over the years, Louie explained. Out in Tech U is an amazing chance for young professionals to learn more about what its like to be a queer individual in tech and start to develop skills that will jettison them forward. Applications for the fall semester will be opening soon.Johnny Taboada is the chapter head for the Dallas Fort-Worth area. The DFW chapter has around 300 members, who are able to connect both in person and online. The chapter also engages with other local LGBTQ+ organizations and events. Last year the chapter hosted in-person socials, Pride Panels, and coffee mixers. With the current administration, Taboada believes that LGBTQ+ community and joy matter more now than ever before.Out in Tech also has its own corporate council, Qorporate, for companies looking to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at work. These partners pay for an annual membership and receive access to talent acquisition, employee engagement, workplace inclusion, and a network of industry leaders. Members participate in roundtable discussions and receive resources on supporting their LGBTQ+ employees. The council began in 2019 with thirty-five member companies, as has now expanded to over 70 sponsors listed on their website.These kinds of partnerships help to put job opportunities directly in front of techie LGBTQ+ community members.Company partners also receive access toOut in Techs Belonging Toolkitthat provides guidance on building a more inclusive culture at work. In our current political climate, it is more important than ever for companies to show their commitment to DEI initiatives. Employee resource groups (ERGs) are one way Out in Tech suggests companies can support their LGBTQ+ employees. The organization reports that ERGs lead to employees feeling more empowered, foster efficiently, and attract diverse talent, as67% of job seekerscite diversity in the workforce as a crucial factor in considering job offers.Another way Out in Tech works to support queer people in the technology field is through career talks and networking. At the beginning of May the organization is hosting a virtual event where those looking for a job can meet with partner companies currently hiring engineers, product managers, and UI designers. The event will start off with career readiness workshops followed by informal round robins where participants can inquire about companies remote work policies, their healthcare benefits for queer and trans employees, and any other questions they may have.The best way weve found to make companies more diverse is to impact the hiring pipeline, said Louie. Panel discussions are a great opportunity to showcase queer people at all levels of the industry.The organization has also created what it calls Digital Corps, a group of volunteers who provide web services to activists and social entrepreneurs around the world. Since its inception in 2017, the corps has built over 250 websites for grassroots organizations in 70 countries. Organizations that are seeking support can apply on Out in Techs website to have a website built.Out in Tech is working to advance digital equity within the LGBTQ+ community. If youre looking to get involved, find out more on their website or by joining the Out in Tech slack channel. The local Texas chapters are also acceptingvolunteersand sponsorships. With the current political climate, now is an important time to connect with an LGBTQ+ organization that has such deep roots and expansive network, Kiro Louie concluded.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBC Universal.The post Out in Tech is supporting queer people in the technology sector appeared first on News Is Out.