QueerTech event aims to help LGBTQ2S+ workers connect with Canada’s biggest tech companies

LGBTQ flag blowing in the wind before a blue sky

On April 8, Montréal’s QueerTech is hosting its first national virtual careers fair. The free event aims to connect LGBTQ2S+ individuals to job opportunities with some of Canada’s largest tech firms.

QueerTech’s participating partners include Shopify, Wealthsimple, Unity Technologies, Sage, Accenture, Autodesk, IBM, Ubisoft, Rogers, Loopio, Coveo, RBC, and the Government of Canada. Registration for the upcoming job fair is currently open.

The event is scheduled to take place from 1 pm to 5 pm EST on April 8.

“Building the best companies starts with building diverse and inclusive teams.”

Given that tech is one of Canada’s fastest-growing industries, QueerTech said “the opportunity exists for it to be an inclusive and equitable ecosystem.” But in order for this to happen, “it takes innovative organizations like QueerTech’s partners to act as the catalysts of change,” the organization added.

“Building the best companies starts with building diverse and inclusive teams,” said Naoufel Testaouni, co-founder and president of QueerTech. “QueerTech’s Qareers Virtual Fair is connecting our diverse community with companies that share this vision.”

Founded in 2016, QueerTech is a Montreal-based nonprofit that advocates for and empowers LGBTQ2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and Two-Spirit) professionals in the tech sector by facilitating learning, mentorship, and job opportunities.

RELATED: Tech leaders launch free mentorship initiative for underrepresented tech workers

The event aims to support job seekers who may have been affected by COVID-19, and because of this, job seekers from all industries are welcome to attend.

The upcoming careers fair is part of QueerTech’s Qareers program, which also offers a virtual job board that currently lists over 2,000 Canadian tech jobs at 17 different organizations.

This year, Qareers hopes to host over 1,000 LGBTQ2S+ participants. The online event will take place through the Brella.io platform.

QueerTech promotes a premise of “Queering the tech ecosystem” by supporting and empowering its members, breaking down barriers, creating safe spaces, connecting the community, and ultimately empowering its members to thrive as openly queer individuals.

Photo by Tim Bieler via Unsplash

Josh Scott

Josh Scott

Josh Scott is a BetaKit reporter focused on telling in-depth Canadian tech stories and breaking news. His coverage is more complete than his moustache.

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