Queer Identity and Neurodivergence In Aotearoa’s Tech Industry
Jay works in cyber security/information security and is a Summer of Tech mentor. In 2021 she kindly offered to answer community questions about her experiences as an openly queer person with disabilities working in the tech industry.
How would you respond to prejudice in the workplace?
Homophobic or transphobic behavior especially in the workplace is usually subtle. However, this subtle behaviour of implying that LGBTQIA+ people are somehow less than only serves to invalidate people from this community. It can take many forms such as continuing to use a trans person’s dead name or incorrect pronouns. On this day [International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia Day] if you are not in the rainbow community it is important you think about how you can support and lift up the experiences of other rainbow kaimahi in your workplace. If I'm on the receiving end I try to educate or remind the person that said it, how I want to be treated. It's a lot of burden that's placed on members of the rainbow community but not everyone will want to call homophobic or transphobic behavior out but it doesn't mean that it still won't affect that person. That's why it's important for allies to stand up and support their rainbow identifying colleagues.
Are there many openly queer people in the IT sector?
The number of LGBTQI+-identifying people in the tech sector is rising. The tech sector still needs to encourage more women and LGBTQI+ people to join, so that our products and services are more representative of Aotearoa’s population.
Do many companies provide suitable accommodations for autistic people?
My experience as someone with high-functioning autism is that companies/government departments have been accomodating to my needs. My advice is to communicate with your employer what accommodations you need and how they help you. The thing is, my accessibility needs will probably not be the same as someone else on the autistic spectrum because we are different people.
Why did you choose Cyber Security?
I ended up being interested in Cyber Security in my Honours degree in Information Systems. I enjoyed how security problems are very rarely just technical issues. My interest in security and understanding people's behaviour led to my Master's degree in computer science.
How was the journey into Cyber Security for you?
My journey in cyber security has been incredibly rewarding. I finished my Masters and went straight into the GovtTech talent graduate programme by DIA. In these first two years, I found cyber security an exciting area within the tech sector. I also found there was much need for people from various backgrounds, and you do not need to be 'technical' to have a career in this sector. Instead, a passion and a desire to learn will stand anyone in better stead than how many languages you can programme in.
What are cool initiatives or programmes by companies to support their LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities that you know of?
Many organisations have an LGBTQI+ network or queer-straight alliance, which is an excellent opportunity to meet other queer people in the same sector. This is a great way to find mentors or get advice from someone else with a similar life experience to yourself. It can also lead to cool little side projects that make a real difference. In one government agency, I helped their HR department recognise internally more than two gender options in a way that affirms people who identify outside of the gender binary.
Would you advise students to disclose information about their identity in an interview?
My advice is to let the interview show who you are because this is your chance to work out if you can see yourself there. I tend to disclose my specific needs when I have been offered the job. Many employers will ask you if you have a disability, and you need to tell if asked - however they cannot choose not to hire you because of your disability.
My advice for interviews is to present yourself to make you feel affirmed while being appropriate to the job you are applying for. I sometimes wear a dress and blazer, because I love a good dress.
How can people who do not identify as you make sure they can provide the safest space for you?
My advice is to keep asking this question. Listen and lift the voices of those around you in underrepresented or traditional marginalised groups. I can speak on being transgender and openly queer and having invisible mental and physical disabilities, but I can't speak for all queer or disabled people. Please call out and challenge unacceptable behaviour and promote more inclusive language, especially around using less gendered language. That's a simple place to start.
How do you ask for help? Is it okay to ask for help?
It's always okay to ask for help; we are all human, so we need help. You need to communicate what you need and how people can support you to perform the best you can. You may need to arrange with work that you block out time for something significant to you, such as counselling.
The other thing as someone with a lived experience of mental distress while working in the tech sector is don't neglect your health in favour of work. Many larger employers have Employee Assistance Programmes you can reach out to for free counselling; otherwise, 1737 is excellent and your manager does not need to know you are accessing counselling. Also, let your GP know you're struggling, and they will share avenues to get you the support you need.
Thank you, Jay, for sharing your personal experience and insights into the industry!