For those in the tech industry, Wired’s new cover story might not be groundbreaking, but it’s an engaging read nonetheless.
Journalist Zoë Bernard spent months interviewing 51 individuals (31 of whom are gay men) to explore a well-known subculture in Silicon Valley. Gay men in influential tech positions have been quietly fostering their networks, much like powerful groups have traditionally done.
One angel investor comments: “The gays in tech are achieving remarkable success… They support each other whether it involves hiring, angel investing, or leading funding rounds.” Another source offers a more philosophical perspective: “Straight folks have the golf course. Gay folks have their own gatherings. It’s not necessarily problematic—it’s a means of bonding and connecting.”
The article doesn’t completely absolve the culture of its issues. As with any power dynamic, nine of the gay men interviewed recount experiencing unwanted advances from senior colleagues. Bernard explores the line between networking and coercion. However, her sources caution against generalizations: “This is a nuanced issue, and readers shouldn’t conflate a few bad individuals with all gay men being problematic. It risks leading to homophobia.”