InterTech AU to run mentorship program for LGBTQI+ tech workers

Technology diversity network InterTech has launched a support program for LGBTQI+ employees across Australia's tech industry, and it's encouraging people to join the program as mentees.

InterTech was founded in 2017 by major tech companies including Atlassian, Amazon, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, and onboarded companies such as Telstra this year.

While people are increasingly connected online and virtually, the COVID-19 pandemic's physical distancing requirements mean more people are not networking in-person.

InterTech wants to support the LGBTQI+ community by providing a network and support platform, even when people are physically distant.

Mentors from across the tech industry will work with mentees to connect with each other and learn from those who've done it before. There will be one-on-one mentoring sessions and group networking webinars, as well as kickoff and completion events.

Additionally, participants will be able to leverage their learnings to support and advocate for LGBTIQ+ professionals in their respective organisations.

"The new mentorship is an opportunity to expand our support of the LGTBQI+ community working in tech startups to help them embed diversity and inclusion into their company culture, much like we have done with our global tech partners. In light of the new way of working due to COVID-19, the program will be done virtually, and we look forward to running face to face mentoring sessions in the future as well," says InterTech Australia's Luke Swetman.

According to InterTech statistics, 46% of LGBTIQ+ professionals are still not out at work. InterTech says it's on the hunt for Australian LGBTQI+ professionals in tech start-ups who are looking to make a difference in their organisation.

Mentees will have the opportunity to learn how to increase their impact, accelerate their careers, and encourage a diverse culture in their workplace from leaders from across the tech industry in Australia and beyond.

Twitter Australia and New Zealand director of public policy Kara Hinesley says that diversity and inclusion are what she calls 'non-compete' areas.

"With the Australian workforce moving to remote environments, our tech companies have come together to continue building strong networks while we evolve the way we work in response to COVID-19," adds Hinesley.

InterTech hopes that everyone who participates will be able to pay it forward to support others in the community through the program.

"Our platform has always been about giving people the power to form community and foster a sense of belonging. With the current unprecedented shift to virtual working practices, diversity and inclusion remains of core importance and it's why we're proud to support Intertech Australia's new mentoring program," says Facebook's agency measurement lead, Carl Mclean.

InterTech Australia's new mentoring program is now taking applications and will run throughout the rest of the year.