Less than 40 percent of respondents feel that 2SLGBTQIA+ employees are “consistently treated with respect.”
More than a third of non-queer people believe progress has been made for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees at Canadian tech companies, but their 2SLGBTQIA+ colleagues don't quite feel the same level of optimism.
This is one of many concerning findings in a new study published by QueerTech, a Montreal-based nonprofit organization. This report features surveys and interviews with more than 250 Canadian tech workers, including a representative group of 30 people who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“A homogeneous and exclusive identity is not the legacy we want to leave behind and pass on to the next generation of leaders.”
The survey found that of those who said they had been targeted at work, 35% said the harassment was due to their sexual orientation, and an astonishing 56% said they were treated similarly because of their gender. I answered that I had received it. Less than 40 percent of all survey respondents feel that SLGBTQIA+ employees are “consistently treated with respect.”
This culture of fear has plagued the industry for some time. QueerTech's report cites Telus' 2016 findings that 57 percent of 2SLGBTQIA+ respondents are “not fully engaged” at work, and more than a fifth worry about a hostile work environment. I said yes.
These issues are not limited to the workplace. It often occurs even before an individual secures a position. According to a survey by QueerTech, only 14% of respondents believe that being part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community gives them an advantage in obtaining employment. More than 35% of respondents said they had experienced some form of discrimination in at least one job interview.
These findings are consistent with another study conducted by the Caper Center for Social Impact for QueerTech. The survey found that 15 per cent of LGBTQ2S+ people in the Canadian tech industry feel their career opportunities are limited because of their identity.
This new report highlights the disparity between what queer and non-queer individuals think about the dynamics of 2SLGBTQIA+ tech workers. More than a third of non-gay people feel the workplace climate has improved significantly for 2SLGBTQIA+ employees, compared to less than a quarter of gay people who think the same way. did.
Related: QueerTech acquires accelerator Gradient Spaces to support more 2SLGBTQ+ tech workers
According to the report, 70% of respondents' workplaces have diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in place, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're doing more. Less than one in four respondents (24%) felt that their DEI efforts at work were effective.
QueerTech's latest report sheds new light on persistent challenges in the technology industry in Canada and around the world. LGBTQ2S+ individuals face systemic hostility and discrimination that hinders their career development through the hiring process and workplace.
In discussions with participants, QueerTech identified several recurring themes. Several respondents emphasized the importance of leader-led change in addition to improving recruitment and onboarding practices. According to the report, respondents believe that most of the responsibility for creating fair and inclusive workplaces should rest with company leaders.
Also, as one anonymous respondent pointed out, truly representing queer and BIPOC individuals in leadership positions, mentors, and role models, “rather than just having token members in the boardroom.” There were also strong calls for this.
Other participants emphasized the need to promote the profit-driven benefits of diversity, so that companies, not just in optics, recognize the value of hiring underrepresented talent to increase profitability. .
“Canada's technology sector is largely comprised of incredibly talented, innovative and passionate leaders,” the QueerTech report notes. “But this industry is only as strong as the collective identity we all contribute to. A homogeneous and exclusive identity is not the legacy we want to leave behind and pass on to the next generation of leaders.”
Feature image courtesy of Unsplash.
