When the new Boston chapter of Out in Tech rolled out this past November, more than 100 LGBT+ top talent and up-and-comers alike showed for its first event. On February 15, the group is hosting its 2017 “Out in Tech Kickoff Social” from 6 to 9 p.m. at Market, 21 Broad Street.
“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,” says BostInno.com. “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,” said Michael Powers, who started the Boston chapter along with Alexis Schuette, Cole Dachenhaus and Lakshmi Kannan. “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.”
Says BostonInnov:
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.”
