• Queer Tech Affinity Group

  Breaking the Lavender Ceiling In 2026: The Relaunch of QueerTechSTL

  Posted by Gage McCallister on April 12, 2026 at 10:35 pm

  St. Louis has always been a city of resistance and resilience.

  Now, it’s time to bring that spirit to the forefront of our digital economy.

  TechSTL is officially relaunching the QueerTech initiative, and we aren’t just looking for members- we are looking for resilient doer’s – the architects of what comes next.

  Our mission is clear: to diversify the tech talent pipeline, provide a sanctuary of belonging for LGBTQIA+ professionals, and systematically dismantle the barriers that prevent our community from reaching the highest levels of leadership.

  The Strategy: A Four-Phase Revolution

  We are moving fast and with purpose. Our relaunch strategy focuses on:

  • Trust & Visibility: Connecting with local icons to show the NextGEN what’s possible.

  • Professional Power: Workshops on “Durable Leadership” training to navigate high-ambiguity tech environments as a queer individual or visible ally.

  • Advocacy: Standardizing ethical SOGI data and ensuring the LGBTQIA+ voice is at the center of AI Ethics and legislative discourse.

  • Scalable Access: Direct lines to capital for LGBTQ+ founders and a digital marketplace for queer-owned tech businesses.

  We Need You: Join the Committee

  We are currently seeking dedicated professionals to join the QueerTechSTL Committee. This group will steer our initiatives, mentor rising talent, and ensure our community’s needs are met in the current legislative climate.

  Our First Order of Business: The “Thirst Goal”

  We believe in early wins. Upon joining, our new committee will cast the deciding vote on our first major campaign. Which one speaks to you?

  • Choice 1: The Solidarity Shift: A massive fundraising campaign to support critical repairs to the MTUG (Metro Trans Umbrella Group) Headquarters & Boutique, ensuring our trans siblings have a safe, functional space to thrive.

  • Choice 2: The Visibility Victor:. A high-energy QueerTech Trivia Night (hosted in The Grove, Spark!, or The Post) to fund a dedicated TechSTL Float for the 2026 Pridefest Parade.

  Ready?

  If you are ready to help us build a more inclusive, AI-powered future for St. Louis, we want to hear from you.

  Sign up to be notified of our first leadership meetup, where we will finalize our committee structure and officially select our first campaign goal.

  Let’s build what’s next. Together.

  Fill out the QueerTechSTL Interest Form:

  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW6vrxciB34gttS10c34Xp77CCza40FMWVkQDoU7Cjwz2wOg/viewform

  • This discussion was modified 2 weeks, 4 days ago by  Gage McCallister. Reason: code displayed
  • This discussion was modified 2 weeks, 4 days ago by  Gage McCallister.

  

  docs.google.com

  QueerTechSTL Committee Form

  We are reclaiming the narrative and tearing the lavender ceiling in St. Louis. As we relaunch QueerTechSTL, we are looking for the architects, advocates, and innovators ready to build a sanctuary of belonging and a powerhouse of professional growth. Fill … Continue reading

  Gage McCallister replied 2 weeks, 4 days ago 1 Member · 0 Replies

  • Diversify
  • lgbtqia
  • QTech
  • queer
  • QueerTech
  • TechSTL
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