In recent years, Boston has stepped up to support different groups within our tech community. From Hack Diversity and The Tech Connection to She Geeks Out and The Y Society, organizations promoting diversity are popping up across our fair city. And now you can toss Out in Tech into the mix.
Out in Tech is a nonprofit that brings together LGBT individuals working in tech for "thought-provoking events," in addition to helping the community's future generations. The organization has chapters in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco and, most recently, Boston.
Our local Out in Tech chapter was rolled out by Alexis Schuette, Cole Dachenhaus, Lakshmi Kannan and Michael Powers. It had its kickoff event, which brought in close to 100 people, this past November. Now, it’s in the process of organizing its next event, which will take place Feb. 15 at Market. I caught up with Powers, who's a marketing manager at TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals, to hear more about the LGBT community within Boston tech and what's on the docket for our local outpost for Out in Tech.
“Growing up in Boston, I know we’ve been pretty lucky here… At least in the past 10 years, we’ve made huge strides," Powers told us. "Massachusetts has always been on the forefront of progressive thinking. The community has not only contributed great experiences here, but it’s also been an advocate for LGBT throughout the country.”
Following a two-year stint in San Francisco, Powers has found the LGBT groups in Boston are more siloed than the West Coast city. For example, Powers said here, you’ll find a gay football league or a network for lesbians in tech sales. But those groups unite only a subsection of the LGBT community in Boston.
Out in Tech strives to be different. For one thing, it's catering to a broader section within the Boston LGBT community. For another, it isn't just another booze-filled happy hour.
“It focuses on people who work in the same space,” Powers said. “But it brings us all in from an intellectual standpoint, which is a major part of our personality. We’re all working in these high-tech companies, continuously trying to innovate in the city - and we also happen to be gay."
On top of hosting events throughout the country, Out in Tech works to give back to the community. Through different projects, the nonprofit provides mentorship and advice to younger members of the LGBT community who might not have access to resources.
Given the shifting social climate, Powers believes future generations might need a support network more than ever. He told us, “We are potentially going into a time where it’s going to be necessary for us to be close to each other, so we can feel free to communicate openly. It’s a need that’s become more relevant in the past few months... We want the next generation to see that there’s still hope and that they can have a successful life in tech.”
