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Microsoft and Google join forces to launch LGBT geeks forum

Jul 26 2013
Written by Aaron Day

Some of the biggest names in technology joined forces last night to launch InterTech, the new LGBT group for those working in the technology industry.

InterTech’s launch event was held at the headquarters of Skype, with PinkNews attending as media sponsor.

Also attending the event were representatives of all of InterTech’s founding corporate members, including Microsoft (with Yammer and Skype), Google, Amazon, Dell, Nokia, BAE Systems, Accenture, Avanade, Ertl Design, Made by Many, Clarity PR, and Stonewall. There were also a large number of people working for tech startups.

The aim of the InterTech Diversity Forum is to bring together the LGBT employees of all major technology players and startups. It mirrors similar organisations that have been in existence in the banking, legal, insurance and media sectors for some time.

Andrew Sinclair, the General Manager of Skype told InterTech members: “I’m really pleased to help run a global diverse organisation.

“Our support for organisations like InterTech is reflective of our business and the businesses and consumers that use Skype everyday.

“Events like this is very reflective of how Microsoft is. That is because Microsoft has a great history at building diversity within its workforce.

“In fact in 1989, Microsoft was one of the first big global companies that gave same-sex domestic partners benefits and to have diversity policies around gender identity.

“It’s something that we’re very proud of and something that we have been driving for such a long time.”

Andrew MacAlpine, the co-chairman of InterTech reflected on his experiences at Google: “Being gay at Google is a non-issue because you are given the freedom to be yourself.

I would love for InterTech to empower and enable other LGBT+ people to replicate that type of environment in their own workplace.”

The event raised £1750 including an £850 donation by Google for AllOut, the LGBT campaigning charity that utilises technology to spread its global message.

The next InterTech meeting will be held on the 4th September at Google’s Soho office.

The InterTech website can be visited here.