[caryme]

I think a lot of folks tend to assume others are like themselves. Sometimes difference is obvious: my female and asian coworkers are obviously not white men like me.

Sometimes we assume others like the things we like. This year, I got a secret santa gift of an inflatable portal 2 turret. Although I'm a software developer, I don't play video games; the gift was lost on me.

When we're talking about diversity, we need to move beyond assuming homogeneity and seek to understand and celebrate difference. Getting there can mean visibility, and that can be tough.

Gay people, bi people, trans people, and some people of color can fade into the background if we don't make our presence known. Wearing that rainbow Mickey at a conference could mean a lot to a queer person who feels alone in the tech world.

I think that a lot of people in tech have experienced growing up being different. Different in some way that made people uncomfortable, didn't help them fit in, and possibly got them made fun of.

At least so far, I've found the tech world a pretty easy place to be gay. But I do make sure to come out early at every place I've worked. Not only does it avoid any awkward (for both parties) questions about a girlfriend, it helps us move toward a world where we celebrate our differences.