Fostering a vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem and community for LGBTQ2S+ individuals in Calgary.
About us
YYC Queer Innovation, founded in May 2022 by Austen Rowden (CEO) and Ty McKinney (Co-Founder), is a grassroots community in Calgary to address the lack of 2SLGBTQIA+ representation in the tech and innovation sector. Partnering with local queer businesses and startups, YYC Queer Innovation provides inclusive meetups for 2SLGBTQIA+ innovators across diverse fields—from founders, artists, educators, advocates, and policy-makers to anyone who identifies as a creator in their field. Since its inception, it has aimed to build community, amplify queer stories, share professional resources, challenge biases and stereotypes, educate and work with allies, and advocate for representation within Alberta’s tech and innovation sectors. With 18 events hosted to date reaching over 230 folks (both returning and new), including Pride celebrations with partners like Platform Calgary CED and Spirits with Smoke, YYC Queer Innovation envisions a more equitable, vibrant ecosystem where queer voices are actively represented, included, celebrated, and empowered to drive change.
Our vision
We aspire to continue organizing inclusive meetups and events that not only empower our community but also break down barriers, champion diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging, and celebrate the unique perspectives and talents that LGBTQ2S+ individuals bring to the table. By fostering an environment of collaboration and advocacy, YYC Queer Innovation Meetup envisions a more equitable and vibrant innovation ecosystem where queer voices are not only heard but also actively contribute to meaningful change.
Our Mission
YYC Queer Innovation Meetup is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem and community for LGBTQ2S+ individuals in Calgary.
Our Meetups
YYC Queer Innovation Meetups was founded in June 2022. Since then we have hosted 13 events with a total of 214 attendees both returning and new folks. We have hosted 2 Pride Viewing parties with Platform Calgary, Walked in the Pride Parade with Calgary Economic Development and co-hosted a pride party with QueerTech. Check out some of the meetups below!
Upcoming Events
Stay Tuned for upcoming events and subscribe to our Lu.ma page to be in the know of when an event is happening. Visit our Events page.
Join the COmmunity!
Join our WhatsApp group
Many of our members and conversations take place on whatsapp and we invite you to join the conversation to stay connected.
Partnership
We are always looking for organizations, queer owned and operated businesses and spaces to host events and partner with. We also are open to sponsorship for events, speaking engagements and other opportunities within and outside the innovation and technology sector. Contact us and let’s start the conversation: yycqueerinnovation@gmail.com
YYC Queer Innovation 