Edie Windsor hacked the system—not only by writing code. With a degree in Mathematics from Temple University and a master’s from New York University, Edie worked for 16 years at IBM, where she built her career and became a trailblazer as one of the first women to hold senior technical positions. Beyond her achievements in technology, Windsor made history in the landmark case “United States v. Windsor,” decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013.
Edie married her partner of over 40 years, Thea Spyer, in Canada in 2007. But when Thea passed away in 2009, the U.S. government refused to recognize their marriage, forcing Edie to pay over $360,000 in estate taxes—something that would not have happened to a heterosexual couple. Her fight was not only personal—it was a milestone that impacted millions of LGBTQ+ lives and redefined the concept of equality before the law. Edie Windsor proved that technology and social justice are not separate worlds. They are lines of code and standards of conduct, both subject to ongoing development, review, and continuous improvement.
In 2019, in Brazil, 2.9 million people aged 18 or older self-identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, representing 1.8% of the adult population. Within this percentage, considering only women, 0.9% identified as lesbian. It is important to note that these numbers do not reflect the total number of LGBTQIAPN+ individuals in Brazil. This data only represents the number of people who feel comfortable self-identifying as such to the IBGE, according to PNS analyst Nayara Gomes.
It is also important to highlight that, according to the IBGE, the percentage of the population identifying as queer is higher among those with a university degree, reaching 3.2%. The lack of comprehensive data makes it difficult to measure progress, but it also creates opportunities for the consolidation of initiatives that seek to establish safe spaces and promote LGBTQIAPN+ inclusion in predominantly heteronormative sectors.
From Pride to Practice: Initiatives Building Safe Environments
“Orgulho Tech Conf” is a highly significant example of progress, being described as the “first conference for LGBT professionals in technology in Brazil.” Its goal is to provide a safe and welcoming space, promoting representation. In 2024, the first conference was held, featuring professionals and leaders in the field who were willing to share their experiences and expertise. Camila Crispim, who identifies as a lesbian and is Principal Engineer at Thoughtworks, attended the event. Nubank Software Developer Nathally Souza, a trans woman, was also a major presence at the event.
Other distinguished professionals also participated, such as Thiago Holanda from Biti9. In his words: “Authenticity is a strength. When I stopped hiding who I was, my career took off. The tech sector needs more people who can truly be themselves.” Rafa Moes, CEO of Elu Inovação, speaker, and member of the event’s organizing committee, reiterated the importance of this initiative. According to Moes: “[…] my purpose is to empower the tech ecosystem through diversity and inclusion, to drive more innovation, achieve exponential results, and create the greatest possible social and economic impact.”
Initiatives like this reinforce the pursuit of inclusion, not just equality. The ability to be authentic in the workplace is fundamental to well-being and professional success. When individuals are forced to “cover” their identities, it drains cognitive and emotional resources that could otherwise be channeled towards innovation and productivity (Reis, G. G.; Azevedo, M. C. The Relationship Between Authenticity and Organizational Culture – 2015).
Identity and Career: Challenges of LGBTQIAP+ Inclusion
Psychological safety is essential for professional growth and fulfillment. Moreover, having visible role models in influential positions plays a crucial role in this process. Angelica Ross is a Black trans woman, actress, singer, and self-taught computer programmer. She became the founder and CEO of TransTech Social Enterprises, a company that supports the employability of trans individuals in the technology sector. She states: “When people see me on television living my dream as a dark-skinned Black trans woman able to occupy space both in the tech industry and in Hollywood, what that says to them is… they don’t have to try to fit themselves into a box.”
The link between identity and career is profound. Leanne Pittsford, CEO and founder of Lesbians Who Tech, emphasized in an interview with Forbes (2018): “We spend so much time at work that our identities are connected to what we do for a living. People should be able to show their identities with pride at work, and companies that support this will attract and retain top talent.” Thoughtworks Brazil, a global technology consultancy, adopts the theme “You be You” for PRIDE, reinforcing the importance of everyone feeling comfortable being their authentic selves. Visibility and authenticity are ways to challenge the system, leading to empowerment and better outcomes for both individuals and the industry.
Although there is still a long road ahead for corporate environments, a study conducted by LinkedIn (2022) reports that 8 out of 10 professionals feel comfortable sharing their gender identity and sexual orientation in the workplace. Furthermore, the study highlights that companies cultivating inclusive environments not only enhance employee well-being but also excel at attracting and retaining diverse talent. Additional data—such as the fact that 43% of respondents report facing bias, including homophobic jokes and comments, and that 53% of LGBTQIAP+ professionals do not believe their companies actually implement effective diversity initiatives, despite many claiming to do so—demonstrate the gap between perceived inclusion and the real experiences of many professionals.
A ST-One and the LGBTQIA+ Journey in Technology
In 2022, ST-One was recognized by the 100 Open Startups ranking as the leading case of LGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurship in Brazil. This recognition was largely due to the majority composition of partners belonging to the community and the inclusion policies implemented in the daily operations of the indtech.
Beyond accolades, the company is committed to its impact both internally and on society at large. In 2023, the promoted campaign was conducted in partnership with the Curitiba City Hall and Hotel Social Eilat. The hotel is the first in the state to offer social housing for trans women and travestis in vulnerable situations. The facility has 20 beds and provides 24-hour support. According to the City Hall, services for this demographic arose from the demand for a safe environment, given the difficulty of finding support in spaces with cisgender men. As a result, ST-One raised funds, with contributions from the company and its employees, which were converted into beauty kits for these residents.
In 2024, as the company grew, internal awareness initiatives were proposed, supported by Grupo Dignidade – to discuss and raise awareness about key issues related to the LGBTQIA+ community, such as historical context, clarification of the acronym, and the current scenario in Brazil. In 2025, the campaign spanned the entire month of June, featuring interactions and communications on the topic for the entire team. On Monday, the 23rd, a discussion was held with Eduardo Bucco, Talent Acquisition Advisor at Mondelēz International, Master in Administration, Professor, Researcher, and Speaker in DE&I.