QueerTech finds 2SLGBTQI+ tech workers face harassment at 2X rate

Canadian non-profit QueerTech has published a national study on the experiences of 2SLGBTQI+ workers in Canada's technology sector, finding they face workplace harassment at twice the rate of non-queer workers.

Produced with support from The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University, the report found that 50 per cent of 2SLGBTQI+ tech workers reported discrimination at work. Among Black 2SLGBTQI+ workers, that figure rose to 70 per cent, while 67 per cent of transgender respondents reported discrimination.

The findings come from the 2026 2SLGBTQI+ Tech Worker Industry Census Report, which compares queer tech workers with non-2SLGBTQI+ counterparts and tracks changes from earlier research. The work expands on QueerTech's 2024 study by using a broader, more diverse sample across ethnicity, age, gender identity and sexual orientation.

The report found that obstacles begin before employment. Half of 2SLGBTQI+ candidates in tech reported stress linked to their gender identity during hiring, while 35 per cent said they had experienced bias from AI tools.

Inside the workplace, the research found a gap between job satisfaction and day-to-day safety. It reported that 44 per cent of 2SLGBTQI+ tech workers had experienced workplace harassment, and that queer workers were twice as likely as their peers to report both harassment and discrimination.

Barriers also appeared in promotion and advancement. The report found that 45 per cent of 2SLGBTQI+ tech workers felt overqualified for their roles, rising to 61 per cent among Black 2SLGBTQI+ workers.

Interview evidence pointed to a less visible ceiling in startup environments. The report said the absence of formal diversity, equity and inclusion structures can leave qualified employees without a clear route into management positions.

QueerTech said the latest census was designed to provide a baseline for employers, industry groups and support organisations seeking a clearer picture of inequities in the sector.

A previous QueerTech report examined barriers and opportunities facing 2SLGBTQI+ professionals in Canada's tech ecosystem. This new census is the first of two follow-up studies, with the latest research focused on industry workers.

Naoufel Testaouni, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of QueerTech, outlined the organisation's view of the findings in a statement.

"Getting queer people into tech isn't enough if they can't stay, advance and thrive once they're there. For years, we've focused on breaking down barriers to entering the tech industry. This research shows that getting through the door is only the beginning," said Testaouni.

"As AI and emerging technologies reshape Canada's economy, we have a real opportunity to do things differently. We need to make sure the next generation of our innovation economy creates more opportunity, not new barriers. That means building an industry where more people can get in, stay, advance, lead and benefit from the opportunities technology creates."