Almost any job today requires knowledge of technological skills from things as simple as sending emails to coding complex programs. Yet for members of the LGBTQ+ community, it can feel like there is an absence of inclusive tech spaces. The nonprofit Out in Tech is seeking to remedy this by creating a community of LGBTQ+ tech leaders […]
Author Archives: Melissa Whitler
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
Finding an ally in AI
With the increased use of AI technology in everyday life, people have been raising concerns about inclusivity and safety. LGBT tech, a national nonpartisan group, is advocating for the community by creating AllyAI, the first certification for AI systems to ensure bias is identified and mitigated against LGBTQ individuals. LGBT Tech was founded by Chris Wood […]
Posted inCommunity
Preserving history through The Dallas Way archives
What started more than 10 years ago as a simple suggestion has grown into one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ archives. Since 2011, The Dallas Way has led the effort to preserve the stories of Dallas’s LGBTQ community. The idea for the organization was sparked when a Dallas Voice reporter was interviewing community leaders Jack […]
Posted inNews
Sustainable, genderless and bold fashion: The vision behind Desoire
At only 17 years old, Neha Sikder founded Desoire, her own fashion line of genderless clothing to inspire femininity for everyone. Desoire strives to be a sustainable brand challenging a fashion industry that often promotes only the masculine side in unisex clothing. Sikder was only 13 years old when the idea for Desoire came to […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
Silver Pride Project champions visibility and care for LGBTQ+ seniors in Dallas
It is estimated that there are more than 2 million LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. ages 50 and older, yet their presence in our community is often limited. They face significant challenges, including access to health care and increased isolation. Because of both their age and queer identity, they face extra stigma and discrimination. Portia […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Luke McEndarfer celebrates 20 years of expanding the National Children’s Chorus
North Texas conductor Luke McEndarfer just celebrated 20 years with the National Children’s Chorus and a lifetime of passion work. While he works with the students in the local Dallas chapter, he also serves as president and CEO of the organization. McEndarfer has had a connection to music for most of his life. “It has […]
Posted inCommunity
The beautiful expanse of gender identities
What it means to be transgender has been discussed a lot in American society, yet so often actual trans voices have been and are being left out of the conversation. Many — including within the LGBTQ+ community — hold internal biases against gender nonconformity. Yet everyone has a gender identity, and being able to comfortably explore it adds […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
GLAAD’s inaugural gaming report shows improvement needed in LGBTQ+ representation
Earlier this year, GLAAD released their first ever Gaming Report, assessing LGBTQ+ inclusion in gaming. In addition to their yearly “Where We Are on TV” report, the organization has taken an in-depth look at LGBTQ+ representation in gaming for 2023. Their goal with this report is “to educate the game industry on the current state […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
Accessing safe online spaces for LGBTQ+ youth
The internet has become an essential part of our daily lives. Despite its drawbacks, it provides much-needed space to connect with community and resources. For LGBTQ+ youth, access to online spaces can be even more vital. Studies have found that queer youth are online more, averaging about 45 more minutes per day, than their non-LGBTQ+ […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
Queer community creates a respite for LGBTQ+ youth campers
If you’re looking for an affirming summer camp for your LGBTQ+ child between the ages of 12 and 17, look no further than Kindom Camp, which, under the direction of Pepa Paniagua and now Dr. John Leedy, has expanded to include four locations this summer: Texas, Illinois, Nevada and Indiana. Kindom was founded by local community […]