How to be an Ally to Non-binary Folk in Tech

45-minute Keynote

Timetable

5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Wednesday 17th

Room

Room F1+F2+F3 - Plenary

Audience

Anyone in tech who wishes to be a better ally

Key-Learning

- Understanding of non-binary genders

- Common pitfalls and mistakes people make, and how to avoid them

- Appropriate language for talking about gender, esp non-binary genders

Learn how to be a better ally through the triumphs and foibles of the people who came before you: an educational comedy of errors, based on my experiences and knowledge as a non-binary person in tech.

Gender seems very simple at first glance, but the more you find out, the more you realise you don't know - and the more daunting and confusing it is to find answers.

What does it mean to be non-binary, and why are there so many non-binary genders?

How can you minimise harm and be an effective ally to non-binary people in your team or under your management? I find myself having to answer these questions everywhere I go because there aren't enough individuals in the industry who know, or who have taken the time to learn.

So this is a 101 on how to get started, in the hope that one day soon myself and other non-binary people won't have to explain ourselves to every new company, teammate or manager.