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Bootboi · 12-15-2009, 10:49 AM

I think its very true that there is alot of sexism within IT. I can recount many past and current experiences with sexism.

I am an IT exec for a fortune 500 company here in Minneapolis. I will also say that I am 1 of 2 women that are at exec management level. The other 14 are male. To get to this level has been nothing short of sheer bullheaded perseverance and a strong passion for what I do for a living.

Ive been discriminated against when applying for hire level jobs. Ive had a man win a position when he clearly did not have the qualifications to do so. I've also been called sir many times on the phone, undoubtedly because I have a very deep voice for a female. (not trans gender btw just good ol butch) Even though I did answer the phone and gave them a clearly frilly feminine name. (ahh the perils of a butch being named a foo foo girly name )

When I moved on to my current employment it was really refreshing to feel that higher level positions were awarded on merit and accomplishments. It makes you feel like you have your feet well planted.

Historically, IT has been a male predominant field but as time progress's its not an all male environment anymore. Like any sterotyping cultures there has to be a starting point to breaking that proverbial glass ceiling. Breaking it comes with its ups and downs but the point is to keep pushing so we educate others into taking thier sexist blinders off and stop being ignorant.

The most technically savvy people Ive worked with in the past 15yrs have been women. Interestingly enough I will also say its been my experience that women tend to take a more holistic approach to IT than most males do. Go figue huh?

Anyhow, while it can really get on a persons nerves to be equivilated as being male because you possess technical knowledge. I think we need to keep in mind we are educating the ignorant.

If all else fails "Claw their eyes out" HA!

12-15-2009, 10:49 AM	#16
Bootboi Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Bear Preferred Pronoun?: Mister Bear.. lol actually whatever not a big deal to me. Relationship Status: Solo sauntering along Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Posts: 216 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 127 Thanked 327 Times in 107 Posts Rep Power: 2089260	Wherever you go... There you are. I think its very true that there is alot of sexism within IT. I can recount many past and current experiences with sexism. I am an IT exec for a fortune 500 company here in Minneapolis. I will also say that I am 1 of 2 women that are at exec management level. The other 14 are male. To get to this level has been nothing short of sheer bullheaded perseverance and a strong passion for what I do for a living. Ive been discriminated against when applying for hire level jobs. Ive had a man win a position when he clearly did not have the qualifications to do so. I've also been called sir many times on the phone, undoubtedly because I have a very deep voice for a female. (not trans gender btw just good ol butch) Even though I did answer the phone and gave them a clearly frilly feminine name. (ahh the perils of a butch being named a foo foo girly name ) When I moved on to my current employment it was really refreshing to feel that higher level positions were awarded on merit and accomplishments. It makes you feel like you have your feet well planted. Historically, IT has been a male predominant field but as time progress's its not an all male environment anymore. Like any sterotyping cultures there has to be a starting point to breaking that proverbial glass ceiling. Breaking it comes with its ups and downs but the point is to keep pushing so we educate others into taking thier sexist blinders off and stop being ignorant. The most technically savvy people Ive worked with in the past 15yrs have been women. Interestingly enough I will also say its been my experience that women tend to take a more holistic approach to IT than most males do. Go figue huh? Anyhow, while it can really get on a persons nerves to be equivilated as being male because you possess technical knowledge. I think we need to keep in mind we are educating the ignorant. If all else fails "Claw their eyes out" HA!