In the world of technology, inclusion and diversity are key ingredients in driving innovation and progress. And people belonging to the LGBTQ+ community have played a super important role in this scene. From executives to developers, they have brought a unique perspective and incredible talent that enriches the tech industry in great ways.
We feel it’s very important to make visible the names of people who have changed the landscape of the tech industry and who interestingly enough are also part of the LGBTQ+ community, and to highlight how their contributions are shaping and advancing this industry in exciting ways.
Have you ever heard of Alan Turing, Tim Cook, Lynn Conway, Leanne Pittsford, Angelica Ross, Arlan Hamilton, Megan Smith, or even Joel Simkhai? You may recognize many of these names, but if not in this article you can find out a bit about their contributions, both in the tech world, and in creating a more diverse world.
"Sometimes the person no one imagines capable of anything is the person who does things no one imagines."
Alan Turing
Alan Turing
If you are familiar with the history of computing, World War II or have even seen the movie The Imitation Game, you know the name Alan Turing, known for his remarkable contribution to the history of computing, was a pioneer who created the Turing Machine, thus establishing the foundations of modern computing. His work laid the foundation for artificial intelligence with the famous Turing test, which asks the question of whether a machine can exhibit human intelligence. Despite his achievements, Turing faced persecution and condemnation due to his homosexuality at a time when it was illegal in the United Kingdom, which highlights both his legacy and fight for equality and justice.
Lynn Conway
Lynn Conway, a pioneer in computer engineering known for her revolutionary development of VLS microchips, a breakthrough that has been fundamental to the evolution of computing. Today her work is the basis for many computing devices and systems. In addition to her technical achievements, Conway has been an advocate for the transgender community, having made her own transition in the 1960s. The courage she demonstrates in sharing her story and her fight for transgender acceptance and rights has inspired many and helped advance the cause of inclusion and diversity in the technology industry.
Megan Smith
Megan Smith, a technology and public policy leader who has worked to promote inclusion and diversity.As a former U.S. CTO, she worked at the White House to promote innovation, inclusion and equitable access to technology. Her focus on diversity has been especially notable, advocating for the participation of women and minorities in STEM and leading initiatives to close the gender gap in the tech industry.
Have you heard of Lesbians Who Tech, TransTech Social Enterprises or Backstage Capital? They are companies dedicated to supporting minorities and people belonging to the LGBTQ+ community. The aforementioned companies were founded by Leanne Pittsford, Angelica Ross and Arlan Hamilton (respectively).
Leanne Pittsford
Pittsford has created a unique space with Lesbians Who Tech, providing a network of support and opportunities for LGBTQ+ women in the technology field. Her vision of community and collaboration has been instrumental in empowering women and LGBTQ+ people in a field historically dominated by cisgender men.
Angelica Ross
On the other hand, you might have heard of Angelica Ross, an actress who has appeared in series like American Horror Story or Pose, but her talent in making trans people visible goes beyond TV screens, as her off-screen career has been dedicated to improving opportunities for trans people in the tech industry through TransTech Social Enterprises. Her focus on providing education and access to employment in the IT sector has been transformative for many trans people facing additional barriers in the job market.
"Self-confidence and hard work will always lead to success."
Angelica Ross
Arlan Hamilton
Hamilton has challenged the norms of the venture capital industry by focusing on startups led by minority founders with Backstage Capital. His commitment to equity and inclusion has demonstrated that startups founded by people from underrepresented communities have significant potential and deserve investment and support.
Joel Smakhai
Finally, let’s talk about Joel Simkhai, the founder of Grindr, a social networking platform that has been revolutionary in its approach to the LGBTQ+ community. With the creation of Grindr, Simkhai established one of the first social networking platforms for gay, bi, trans and queer people, and it has become the largest, with a presence in 192 countries. This platform provided a safe and welcoming online space for LGBTQ+ people around the world. Simkhai’s vision has been instrumental in transforming the way LGBTQ+ communities interact online, providing a tool for social connection.
It’s super cool, don’t you think? Now maybe you know some new people who have contributed a lot in technology.
Xideral Team