As the Canadian technology industry continues to grow, the demand for an inclusive workplace that honours diversity is more pressing than ever. QueerTech's pioneering report, "Queering The Tech Ecosystem: Barriers and Opportunities," offers invaluable insights into the disparities faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in this vibrant sector. Additionally, the report aims to empower queer tech workers while challenging their employers to invest in holistic, improved workplace practices that prioritize safety and authentic inclusion.
The QueerTech report highlights the alarming levels of harassment faced by queer individuals in tech roles. A staggering 35% of respondents reported harassment based on their sexual orientation, and over 56% faced discrimination due to their gender identity. These statistics illustrate the pressing need for a shift towards more inclusive cultural and policy frameworks within tech companies.
The pathway to employment is fraught with challenges, starting from the job interview process itself. More than 35% of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals reported experiencing discrimination during tech job interviews, highlighting a significant barrier to entry in the technology sector.
While nearly 70% of tech companies have implemented Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, only a quarter of surveyed individuals found these measures to be effective. This gap indicates a need for a deeper evaluation and enhancement of these initiatives to ensure they make a real impact.
Given the rising tide of hate towards 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Canada - evidenced by targeted political policies and a 64% rise in hate crimes towards this community - specialized data collection practices that prioritize intersectional, informed competence of queer experiences have never been more important. In order to generate positive, genuine change for 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians it is also vital that stakeholders prioritize their energy and resource allocations to the areas of the most pressing need; individuals within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community that face additional barriers to safety and opportunity (ex. Transgender and gender nonconforming individuals) and spaces that face heightened exclusion and underrepresentation (ex. The technology sector).
QueerTech is on a mission to queer the Canadian tech ecosystem. Operating since 2016, QueerTech is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting workforce and economic development across Canada by fostering entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for the 2SLGBTQ+ community to access employment, professional development and meaningful connections in the technology industry. The organization is also a national leader in workplace inclusion advocacy and progressive 2SLGBTQ+ equity, diversity and inclusion policy facilitation.
The Queering The Tech Ecosystem: Barriers and Opportunities Research Report is a mixed methods report composed of three separate research initiatives - a previously published literature review, qualitative interviews, and a quantitative survey. Numerous organizations and institutions contributed to the thoughtful, thorough development of this report. We invite you to download the full report, join our newsletter for ongoing updates, and participate in our upcoming webinar to learn how you can contribute to creating a more inclusive tech environment.
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