Diversity in Tech: What LGBTQ+ Interns Should Know

16 Dec Diversity in Tech: What LGBTQ+ Interns Should Know

Technology connects the world—and the people building it also come from all walks of life. As companies continue to innovate, they’re also realizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in shaping creative, forward-thinking workplaces.

For LGBTQ+ students, joining the tech industry through an Information Technology internship can be both exciting and empowering. But it can also bring unique questions:

• How do I know if a company is truly inclusive?
• Will I find mentors who understand my experience?
• Which internship destinations abroad feel welcoming?

This guide explores how LGBTQ+ interns can navigate these questions, so you can make the most out of your international internship program in the exciting world of tech.

How tech differs from other industries for LGBTQ+ interns

Compared to internships in fields like advertising and marketing, which tend to be more gender-balanced, the tech industry has historically been more male-dominated.

However, that’s changing fast. The global tech community has been actively working to attract more diverse voices—especially women, nonbinary professionals, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

This shift means that as an intern, your unique perspective is not just welcome, but essential. Diversity drives innovation, and tech leaders know it.

How can LGBTQ+ interns identify an inclusive tech workplace?

Not every company that talks about diversity practices it in meaningful ways. So before applying, it helps to know what to look for.

Here are some signs that a tech workplace genuinely values inclusion and equality:

Visible support for Pride and inclusion initiatives.

Check if the company celebrates Pride Month or publicly supports LGBTQ+ causes on its website or social media.

Inclusive hiring statements.

Look for clear non-discrimination policies mentioning gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation.

Diverse teams.

Representation matters, especially in leadership roles. If you see people from different backgrounds leading projects, that’s a good indicator of inclusivity.

Gender-neutral language.

Job listings and internal documents that avoid gendered terms (like “he/she”) often signal a more inclusive culture.

Safe physical and digital spaces.

Inclusive offices often have gender-neutral restrooms, mental health resources, and DEI channels in internal chat platforms.

You can also read company reviews on Glassdoor or LinkedIn and pay attention to employee experiences related to diversity and inclusion. Sometimes, those details tell you more than any official statement ever could!

Which diversity and inclusion policies should LGBTQ+ interns look for?

Diversity policies aren’t just nice to have—they’re proof of a company’s values in action. Before you accept a tech internship offer, take time to check if their policies include the following:

A non-discrimination clause

Protects employees based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.

Zero-tolerance policy for harassment

Clear guidelines for reporting and resolving workplace discrimination.

Inclusive healthcare benefits

Especially important for interns planning to stay long-term or full-time later.

You can usually find these details in handbooks or onboarding materials. You may also simply ask your HR representative for clarification. Companies that talk openly about allyship and inclusion training are generally the ones putting genuine effort into making LGBTQ+ employees feel safe. 

How can LGBTQ+ interns find mentors and allies in the tech industry?

Finding a mentor can make a huge difference for everyone, especially when starting out in a global field like tech. Here’s how and where you can find allies and potential mentors during your internship:

Start from your internship program.

If you’re joining through an international internship program, coordinators often connect interns with supervisors or alumni who can guide them. Let them know if you’re interested in mentorship opportunities—they may match you with someone who shares your career interests or values.

Engage in company networks.

Once you’re in your internship:

• Attend internal workshops or coffee chats.
• Join internal chat groups focused on inclusion or professional development.
• Introduce yourself to your team members beyond work-related conversations.

Many LGBTQ+ interns find allies in unexpected places, like a senior developer who advocates for inclusive design or a project manager who ensures diverse voices are heard in meetings. You got this!

Join external communities.

If you’re interning abroad, look for local LGBTQ+ tech or professional groups:

• Out in Tech (chapters in London and Madrid)
• QueerTech (online events like workshops and conferences)
• Local LGBTQ+ communities in your host city

These groups can help you build connections, find mentors, and stay motivated.

What role do LGBTQ+ employee resource groups (ERGs) play in tech companies?

Many large tech firms like Google and Microsoft have LGBTQ+ employee resource groups (ERGs) that help create safer, more connected communities within the workplace. These aren’t just social clubs. They play a real role in shaping company culture.

Here’s how ERGs support interns and employees alike:

Community building: They organize events, talks, and safe spaces for discussion.

Mentorship and career guidance: Members often mentor younger employees or interns who are new to the industry.

Education and awareness: ERGs host sessions that promote allyship and teach inclusive workplace behavior.

Advocacy: They help influence company policies from inclusive benefits to gender-neutral hiring practices.

It’s not the end of the world if your internship company doesn’t have an ERG, though! You can always ask if they have a diversity committee or a well-being officer you can reach out to. Even small companies can have a strong culture of inclusion, even without formal groups.

Understanding cultural differences while interning abroad

Inclusivity looks different depending on where you go. While global companies often have similar DEI policies, the social and cultural environment around LGBTQ+ issues can vary.

Here’s a look at some LGBTQ-friendly tech destinations in Europe and Asia that are popular for Information Technology internships:

Europe:

Stockholm, Sweden: One of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world. Tech companies here value diversity and sustainability equally.

London, UK: A multicultural tech hub with strong workplace equality laws and visible queer community spaces.

Madrid, Spain: Welcoming atmosphere with vibrant Pride celebrations and many tech internship opportunities.

Asia:

Tokyo, Japan: LGBTQ+ visibility is growing. While the culture can be reserved, international companies are definitely pushing for inclusion.

Singapore: Progressive in business, with many global firms prioritizing diversity, though public expression is more subdued.

Seoul, South Korea: Rapidly evolving—younger generations are more open, especially in global workplaces.

Wherever you decide to go, remember: an inclusive company culture often matters more than the country itself. Multinational tech firms typically maintain the same DEI standards across all their global offices.

Thriving as an LGBTQ+ intern in tech

Even with supportive policies and networks, your comfort and confidence matter most. Here are a few ways to make the most of your Information Technology internship abroad:

Be yourself—at your own pace. At the end of the day, you decide how much to share about your identity at work. Authenticity looks different for everyone.

Set boundaries. Remember, it’s okay to speak up if a situation feels uncomfortable or inappropriate.

Document your growth. Keep track of your projects, new skills, and experiences. These will be useful for your portfolio and future job applications.

Build community. Whether through local LGBTQ+ meetups or online groups, find peers who understand your journey.

Stay curious! Tech moves fast. Use your internship to explore different roles like UX design, cybersecurity, or software engineering.

Remember that you belong in tech—and your perspective adds value to every team you join.

Ready to build your career in an inclusive tech world?

If you’re passionate about the industry of technology and want to grow in an environment that values who you are, an international internship program could be your first big step. Whether you want to develop software, work in UX design, or explore how data fuels business growth, this is your chance to do it in a city and a company that celebrates individuality.

Absolute Internship offers Information Technology internships in global destinations like Stockholm, London, Singapore, and Tokyo—connecting you with inclusive companies and diverse teams. Our internship abroad programs include high-end student housing, 24/7 on-site support, cultural activities and day trips, career workshops, travel assistance, and more!

Apply now for your next global opportunity and make your mark on the world of tech—with pride.