LGBT+Tech Barcelona’s Post

Global masculinities expert JOSE MIGUEL CAMPI-PORTALUPPI (He, Him, Él) talked about the crisis of connection for men at The Women's Foundation 20th Anniversary Summit yesterday. He confirmed that communities like MoveMEN! are a key part of tackling this crisis. Jose explained that men aged 18-23 look online for role models and answers to their questions, doubts and concerns about their future as men. 60% of them see their online life as more important than their offline life. This makes them particularly vulnerable to toxic masculinities portrayed in the 'manosphere'. There is no doubt that as men we still enjoy huge privilege. We also face life's challenges like everyone, but we lack spaces and communities where we can be vulnerable and find support. We are conditioned to be stoic, strong, not show emotions, dominate, resolve conflict with aggression, be independent, rugged, resourceful, competitive, etc. All of that takes its toll on men and women, especially in more vulnerable communities like ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, disabled and neurodivergent people. This is why we created MoveMEN! A safe space where like minded men find friends who support each other through life's ups and downs. As Henry Tse put it on the same panel, masculinity is about taking responsibility as a mature adult. At MoveMEN! we create a safe space to work with our inner child. As Jose said, we all retain some element of our loving, tender younger selves, despite all the conditioning. We need to take time to reconnect with and nurture that for our own wellbeing and for the sake of all our relationships and loved ones. Drop in to our next social on Monday 30th September at Culture Club Gallery, Elgin Street 19:00 onwards to meet the guys. Just show up. Everyone welcome. Ask for Brian, Sertac or Apple. Or sign up for our half day retreat to Lamma on Saturday 5 October by contacting Brian Henderson (he/him). Let's make the world a better place by making ourselves better, happier people! Sertaç Must - (Re)humanise businesses via design - Brand, Identity & Design Apple Lui - Community Relations, Mindful Movement Adrian T. - Social media strategy

🏳️🌈 This year’s Pride Month is pivotal for LGBTQ2+ Canadians - and the freedom, equality and opportunities that every Canadian deserves. Recent polling shows that support amongst Canadians for LGBTQ2+ rights and visibility has dropped since 2021 (while still maintaining a majority/plurality in most cases): ➡ 49% of Canadians support people being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity (down 12%), ➡ 40% of Canadians support LGBTQ2+ people showing affection in public (down 8%), ➡ Most concerningly, only about 32% of Canadians have spoken out against LGBTQ2+ intolerance – a drop of 7%. Sadly, the fight for equality doesn’t just exist in the public sphere. As groups like QueerTech and the Institute for Gender and the Economy have pointed out, tech and corporate Canada have work to do too: ➡ Of surveyed Canadian tech workers who reported being targeted at work, 35% reported it was due to their sexual orientation, while 56% reported it was gender-related harassment, ➡ 35% of surveyed Canadian tech workers faced discrimination during at least one job interview, ➡ Despite being 4.4% of the Canadian population, publicly identified LGBTQ2+ people only represented 0.15% of Board Directors on the TSX – an even worse figure than in the US. So bringing two of my worlds together, today I’m challenging entrepreneurs and innovators to champion ecosystems that are not only inclusive, but recognize diversity as a fundamental strength. Some actions you can take to support your teams: ✅ Establish a comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion policy for your business with adequate resources and clear KPIs, ✅ Encourage your team to check out CCI’s Innovation Governance Program which helps diversify Canada’s corporate boards and create stronger, more inclusive companies: https://lnkd.in/eD_A8EsX, ✅ Connect with Gradient Spaces to learn more about how you can support LGBTQ2+ folks in your company and across the tech ecosystem: https://lnkd.in/engW8Cai. ✅ Here's to making Canada more safe, more equal and more fabulous. https://lnkd.in/eFFhAREu

Make your New Years' Resolution about someone else this year! Are You an Active Advocate in Tech? 🌟 In the tech industry, commitment to diversity and inclusion requires more than just words. Are you genuinely advocating for the underrepresented, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+🏳️🌈, neurodiverse, and disabled-bodied women, or are you merely a bystander? Many think that being a coach or a mentor is advocacy enough, but I challenge this wholeheartedly. We must advocate for them when they 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣'𝙩 in the room, that to me is true sponsorship and influencing change. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 Advocates vs. Bystanders - True advocates take bold, impactful action. They don't just talk; they walk the walk, using their influence to champion and uplift everyone, especially those often left in the margins. Speak their name, put them forward and vouch for them! 💪 Breaking Multiple Barriers - Real advocacy is about dismantling all types of ceilings - glass, racial, and beyond. It's about amplifying the voices and recognizing the talents of BIPOC, LGBTQ+🏳️🌈, neurodiverse, and disabled-bodied women, ensuring they're celebrated and elevated. 🌈 Combating Bias, Fostering Inclusion - In a world rife with unconscious biases and systemic barriers, advocates are the torchbearers of change, actively working to build an inclusive, welcoming tech industry where diversity isn't just accepted but sought after. 🤝 𝗠𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 Through my own experiences in tech, I've seen the impact of having strong champions and advocates. I've had sponsors and leaders advocating for me behind closed doors. I'm grateful for them and the impact it's had on my career. 🙏 I'm committed to being that force for others, ensuring all voices are heard and valued. It's not just about leading businesses to success; it's about nurturing a tech environment where diversity is the norm, and everyone can thrive. 🌱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Your role and actions in tech can create ripples of change. Reflect on your advocacy - are you actively supporting and championing diversity? Are you making a difference for BIPOC, LGBTQ+🏳️🌈, neurodiverse, and disabled-bodied women? It's time to step up, embrace diversity, and be the change we wish to see in the industry. 🌍 Together, let's transform the tech landscape from a space of passive support to one of vibrant, active advocacy. Be the force that drives diversity and innovation. With each step, we can build a tech community that truly reflects the dynamic, diverse world we live in. #ActiveAdvocacy #TechForAll #InclusiveInnovation 🎉

At WECAN, we resonate deeply with Jen Taylor's wisdom on community building in the industry. Celebrating the multifaceted nature of individuals is at the heart of fostering inclusivity and intersectional support. We cheer for initiatives like Proudflare and acknowledge the vital role of allies. Opening our doors to them, sharing knowledge, and nurturing relationships are the cornerstones of progress. Cultural change gains momentum with allies on board. It's a journey, and we're unwavering in our commitment to the deliberate, patient work of shaping a more diverse, inclusive tech environment. Together, with mentors, advocates, and allies, we illuminate the path to a brighter future. #wecan #wecanlead #careeraccelerather #wecaninnercircle #elevatewomenleaders #womenintechnology #techindustry #womenexecutives #femalementor #inclusiveness #equalrightsforwomen #femaleceos #femaleleadership #inspiringexecutives #mentorshipnetwork

Are you interested in growing your perspective of what a Diversea nd Equatable Workforce actually is? Please attend Out in Tech's Discussion - Queer Women of Color: Paths to Power Wednesday, March 20 · 12pm PDT They will engage in meaningful dialogue with queer women of color in positions of power. The conversation will cover the unique challenges and triumphs of an illustrious group of industry leaders, ranging from how they navigate the complexities of existing with intersecting marginalized identities, to how they use their power for good, to pivotal points on their leadership journeys. Featured speakers: Lilian Argueta (she/her/ella), Global Lead, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at CrowdStrike Jasmine Jackson (they/she), DEI Specialist at Iterable Jessica Lai (she/her), Vice President – Tech Product Manager at Bank of America Lolita Morrow (she/her), Head of Industry, Media & Entertainment at Vox Media Stacy Martin (she/her), Strategic Account Executive - Expansion, Regional Lead (Africa) at Smartsheet; Fundraising and Sponsorship Manager at UK Black Pride ------- Out in Tech is the world’s largest non-profit community of LGBTQ+ tech leaders. We create opportunities for our 50,000 members to advance their careers, grow their networks, and leverage tech for social change. Connect with 30k LGBTQ+ tech professionals in our Slack channel. Each local chapter (and many virtual ones) provide opportunities for folks to engage with us and each other. Our events educate and inspire with panels, career events, and more. If you have felt inspired and supported by these events, please consider supporting our work by making a donation to Out in Tech.

Is it a #conviction or a rational #financial decision to invest in #greentech or #diverse teams? It was great fun discussing this question with Til Klein 🏳️🌈 🇪🇺 of identity.vc I Backing LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs and Tim Schumacher of World Fund at ATEC | Aachen Technology and Entrepreneurship Congress in #aachen. 🤓First, let’s look into #research on the topic. PitchBook has analyzed the performance of 451 sector-focused VCs with investments from 1996 until 2015 and has found no ❌ #outperformance of any sector. In the #shortterm some sectors show outperformance (hype?) but in the long-run those are equalized by bad years. 👩🔬How about diverse teams? Here, the data is clear: diverse teams outperform! A study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) shows that female-led teams have a higher efficiency on capital (ROI) and the companies have a higher chance of sustainable success. I am pretty sure that the same is true for LGBTQ+ 🏳️🌈teams but I could find a comprehensive study on this (call for future research! 🙋♂️) 🤔Bottom-line: I believe investing always needs both: financial rational and conviction. Since I started in the startup world 12 years ago, I have seen many hype hype topics, from platform economy, to B2B SaaS to now Deeptech and AI. During all of these cycles, enthusiasm (conviction) was paired always with rational. To a certain extend, the AI hype is also rational, because of all the efficiencies and benefits AI can bring the to world. Even more so, extra investments (and potentially higher valuations) in Greentech are justified, because our future as humanity depends on it. 🌍 So in the end: every decision needs to come from the heart ❤️ and the head 🧠! Thank you to the entire #atec team for inviting me and thank you for the many conversations I had. To all startups: don’t forget to check out out our latest programs at Start2 Group and German Accelerator and feel free to refer to our discussions!

Learn how fostering inclusion in tech can lead to innovation by checking out this insightful blog post: @timextender

From screen to tech scene: Angelica Ross is reshaping the tech world for the LGBTQ+ community with TransTech. Read more about how Angelica Ross is using her platform to make an impact: https://lnkd.in/ePcdsu9i

A year ago, I was searching for a role in femtech. Now, I’m in an all-male team. Why is this equally important? 1. Female Underrepresentation: Women are significantly underrepresented in startups, especially early-stage ones. At a growth event in Zurich on wednesday, only 3 of 30 participants were women. 2. Gender Equality: Feminism isn’t about exclusive spaces. It’s about balance. In male-dominated spaces, women’s voices are crucial, and in female-focused spaces, men’s perspectives should also be heard. Diversity strengthens teams. Two LinkedIn posts I saw this week: Charles Tenot shared a photo of his all-male tech team—a stark reminder of the imbalance (and he definitely noticed, and the 19 people liking his comment about it, also did). Uta Weiss highlighted the Future Female Force Day, showing how even primarily female events can miss out on diverse perspectives. Aside from bringing a female perspective and microfeminism to PastaHR daily, why am I glad to be in an (all-male) HRTech? Hiring women in tech startups is challenging and factors like labor shortages demand a shift towards skills-based hiring. We need inclusive practices that resonate with diverse talents. PastaHR with its product champions skills-focused hiring beyond traditional metrics like cover letters. The problem starts way before the hiring process, but here’s the question: How are you playing your part in fostering diversity and inclusion?

Dear Connections, I recently had an exciting interview with Yip Thy Diep Ta for my second #startup interview! It was truly an inspiring experience, and I am very grateful to Yip Thy Diep Ta for sharing her valuable insights. Here are some key takeaways from the #interview: Own Your Stake💫 1- Founding Story & Motivation 🚀: I usually start by asking about a startup's founding story, but I was particularly intrigued by Yip, who has founded multiple startups and authored a “Beautif Brains Change Tomorrow…Today”. She shared that inspiration comes from personal experiences and family experience, shaping a smart approach to problem-solving . Despite facing many challenges, she has also focused on global issues like gender equality , highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence . These values are deeply embedded in her motivation. 2- Balancing Work and Life⚖️: When I asked Yip Thy Diep Ta how she manages to write while leading various startups, she debunked the myth that reducing sleep increases productivity. Instead, she emphasized the importance of maintaining focus with adequate sleep, advocating for at least eight hours.She also spoke about overcoming the fear of imperfection, stressing that nothing is ever truly perfect and that we are a blend of perfect and imperfect moments . She highlighted the power of collaboration, noting that with the right partner, "one plus one can equal not just two, but a hundred" . Collaboration, she said, stems from a fundamental need to share and grow together 🌟. Education & Problem Solving 🎓: On the topic of #education, She expressed that undergraduate and graduate programs should train individuals to think independently and solve problems by their own thinking. She criticized the traditional educational method of providing answers on paper, advocating instead for a system that encourages tackling real-world challenges and coping with emotional pressures.She suggested developing a 'T-shaped' skill set. Achieving Gender Equality and Inclusive Innovation 🤝: When I asked Yip Thy Diep Ta about her goals related to gender equality and benefits for everyone, she emphasized that the key to achieving these ambitions lies in discovering how to collaborate efficiently. According to her, efficient collaboration is essential not only for fostering inclusivity but also for driving innovation. At SystAIn3r - 1M Women & Non-Women in AI, Web3, Sustainability & Longevity startup, she observed that #entrepreneurs learn from each other, a process that helps lower the cost of #innovation and accelerates development 🚀. In this context, She also highlighted the significant role of technology conferences. These events provide valuable opportunities for learning together. Final Advice 💬: When I asked for a one-sentence piece of advice, Yip Thy Diep Ta offered this wisdom: "Become good at #collaboration, and find ways to have a stake in what you create." Coming in October. 📅 J3D.AI (Jedi) DLT Talents Antler