I’m a third generation Asian American to liberal-enough parents that at least accepted my sexuality when I came out and let me enjoy the arts to some extent. However, most of the people I was surrounded by were conservative and, for a long time, were in disbelief that I was *gasp* a lesbian. It was tough being my true self: I sometimes felt outcasted from groups I used to be part of since I no longer fit the norm.
As I started my career after during undergrad, I felt like I had to hide this essential part of my identity. Everyone else talked about their heteronormative relationship woes, but couldn’t I talk about my very queer relationships? Perhaps it’s my own worries that limited me from being my true, authentic self, and not toxic cultures that only truly accepted a certain type of person to thrive at work.
I’m sure my story resonates with others who are, or have previously, went through similar experiences through adulthood. And hopefully prove that not all people in tech are bros.
In 2020, FastCo introduced Queer 50: a list of LGBTQ women and nonbinary innovators in business and tech. Very exciting to see, and I applaud FastCo for providing more visibility and awareness to the general tech public about the queer folks running the show.
My question for queer POC women tech leaders: Do you believe your identity at a disadvantage in your career? How did you get past all that and find people who helped lift you up?