Events
In this issue, we talk about creating accessible events, discuss the limitations of codes of conduct and critique tech’s alcohol culture. We feature lessons on building welcoming events from experienced organizers, and look at how microaggressions function at our meetups. We explore the status quo of today’s tech gatherings and cover the importance of centering marginalized voices. Plus: new Q&As, 10 tips on organizing diversity-focused events, and what “inclusion” and “safety” really mean for our conferences. Image CC-BY Angelina Lealuez.
We Don’t Work for Free: Centering Marginalized Community Members in Decision Making
Having cisgender white males and venture capitalists creating projects about diversity not only doesn’t make sense, it’s insulting.
Making Tech Spaces Safe for Diverse Faces
We must examine the harmful outcomes that technology events foster: discrimination, aggression, and harassment. The only way to change these outcomes is to change behavior.
Ten Lessons Learned from Organizing Diversity-Focused Events
Here are some methods I've learned over the past two years to create well-attended, diverse events.
Where Are You Really From: Microaggressions and Making Tech Meetups Safe
There are times when I don't want to be the only women of colour in the room that happens to also wear the hijab proudly. When I would rather not spend my evening being asked ignorant questions or being gawked at.
Alcohol and Inclusivity: Planning Tech Events with Non-Alcoholic Options
Confronting the assumed use of alcohol forces admission of other issues long swept under the tech industry’s rug.
The Invisible Minority of the Tech World
When we talk about diversity in the tech industry, Native Americans receive no attention.
Q&A: Making Tech Events Accessible to the Deaf Community
"Not many hearing people realize Deaf people have to fight for access on a daily basis."
A Code of Conduct Is Not Enough
Despite "doing everything right," we failed to create a safe space for our attendees. How did we screw up?
Unlocking the Invisible Elevator: Accessibility at Tech Conferences
Instead of complaining that disabled people just don't come to your conference, do something that would make them want to come to it!
What Creating The Black Weblog Awards Taught Me
The Black Weblog Awards looked like a big success. But harassment, a lack of funding, “allies”, and lukewarm community support made it a constant struggle to keep going.
This issue is made possible in part by some of our generous readers: Ryan Kennedy, Christian Crumlish, Julie Ann Horvath, Maggie Litton, Annika Backstrom, Pablo Meier, Schell Carpenter, Adam Lassek, vexorian and @invinciblehymn.