Black N’ Out is a platform for Black LGBTQIA+ professionals in tech to connect, support, and uplift each other.
Black people are already underrepresented in tech, making up only 8% of the workforce. For Black LGBTQ+ individuals, this exclusion is even more pronounced.
However, Black N’ Out is on a mission to create a welcoming and inclusive space for Black LGBTQIA+ individuals in tech.
The Story Of Black N’ Out
Black N’ Out was founded in 2023 by Brandon Sidney and Wes Wesley after the pair attended several tech conferences and seminars that lacked Black queer representation.
“We thought that we could be that chain to create and develop our own spaces to highlight and connect with folks who look like us in tech,” Wesley told POCIT in an interview.
The duo then created Black N’ Out and is currently developing opportunities, such as mentorship, career development resources, and networking events for the community.
Their first event, “Cozy,” established Black N’ Out as AfroTech’s first queer-led event partner. The event, held at the AfroTech conference, was hosted by actress and TV personality Ts Madison.
“We achieved a sold-out event, drawing over 500 attendees, and the success from that event reflected our collective capability to create and manage engaging events,” Wesley stated.
Cozy by Black N’ Out
The Need For Black LGBTQ+ Support Networks
For over 15 years, Wesley has championed representation and empowerment for underserved communities, including curating events for Black queer communities in Seattle and Chicago as DJ BOP.
Having faced discrimination, prejudice, and a lack of support throughout his career, Wesley says creating support networks for Black LGBTQ+ people in tech is crucial.
“Having this space is important because the level of challenges that I personally faced as a Black and gay individual in a professional environment is not something I would ever want anyone who identifies or looks like me to experience,” Wesley said.
Read: Celebrating Black LGBTQ+ Leaders In Tech This Pride Month
“When facing discrimination and prejudice, having a community or a support system to uplift you and deposit those tokens of resilience and determination is incredibly important.”
Black N’ Out provides the support system that many need to discuss their challenges with through events such as Linq Up.
Linq Up, a mix and mingle event for Black queer professionals, is one of Black N’ Out’s many programs giving folks the opportunity to connect with peers in the media and tech spaces.
“We Were All Born Into This Community”
Describing Black N’ Out as anti-gatekeepers, Wesley announced that folks are already part of the community without having to go to lengths to join the Black N’ Out community.
“Essentially folks are already part of the community. They just don’t know we exist yet,” he said. “We were all born into this community, and it’s now just a matter of finding us.”
Black N’ Out hold events all year around with the majority of them being free. Wesley says the ultimate goal is to continue disrupting environments where Black queer voices are seemingly nonexistent or silenced.
“We truly want to exist everywhere. So whatever that takes, we’re going to do. That’s our goal to continue to disrupt any and every professional tech enthusiast environment and make sure that folks have representation.”
Image credit: Black N’ Out
