Social media can be a great way to find inspiration, network, and learn. From Tik Tok to Twitter to Twitch, these platforms have made information more accessible and the LGBTQ+ community more connected. The following five Queer individuals transcend their 9-5 jobs in the tech industry and use social media to entertain and further enrich our community. Here’s who you should be following:
Coding Drag Queen Anna Lytical
When Anna Lytical isn’t working as a software engineer at Google, she is inspiring those on social media to celebrate their complete selves at work and beyond. She uses various platforms to create both bite sized and long-form content. On Tik Tok you might find her comparing different items of makeup to data structures and on Youtube you can learn how to code with her.
Nicole Archambault
Nicole Archambault uses her online platforms to inspire newbies in tech to continue their journey and be the best programmers they can be by offering pragmatic solutions and a space to show up authentically as themselves. As a Queer, Black, Native American, neuro-divergent woman, she understands the weight that imposter syndrome can often have on people who have been historically marginalized. When she’s not on Twitter or posting on her website, she’s hosting a podcast for self-taught web development students, with a spotlight on underrepresented groups.
Arlan Hamilton
Arlan Hamilton built a venture capital fund from the ground up, while homeless. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital, a fund that is dedicated to minimizing funding disparities in tech by investing in high-potential founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBT. Started from scratch in 2015, Backstage has now raised more than $15 million and invested in more than 170 startup companies led by underestimated founders. You can typically find her on Twitter talking about the latest VC and tech news. She also has a podcast titled, “Your First Million” which can be found anywhere you can listen to your podcasts.
Tae’laur Alexis
Tae’lur Alexis is a self taught developer who loves learning with the community. You can often find her on Twitch streaming Python and JavaScript tutorials. She’s always eager to share notes and is open to having others join her on her journey. When she’s not on Twitch, you can find her on Twitter sharing musings about the tech industry, Queerness, Blackness, and its intersections.
Brittney Ball
Brittney Ball is also a self taught developer who works at Facebook as a document engineer. Her journey began as a single mother in a shelter but she became a successful software engineer, public speaker, and mentor in just six short years. She now creates holistic content for those in tech with a strong emphasis on self-care. Check out this self-care coloring book she helped to create!