Let& #39;s be clear: an all-male speaker lineup is unacceptable.

Let& #39;s consider another that impressed me for having 60% women in the speaker lineup, plus a mademoiselle of ceremonies, plus a (female) key organizer. @CascadiaJS... and it was https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🔥" title="Fire" aria-label="Emoji: Fire">. https://twitter.com/abbyfuller/status/1194397840287522816">https://twitter.com/abbyfulle...

At @ReactDenver I learned that when your speakers are from underrepresented or marginalized groups in tech... you see "new" people attend. The demographics change in a very clear way.

Having an all-male lineup is not only a self-fulfilling prophecy... it& #39;s actively hurting the industry. This hurts people& #39;s career prospects. It marginalizes them. It deters them from participating, and it furthers prejudice against their involvement.

It weakens the opportunity for everyone. Imagine losing all the talented colleagues on your team or in your organization, who are from an underrepresented or marginalized group in tech. Imagine that the bad behaviors and exclusionary practices added up, and they quit.

Let& #39;s turn this around. Encourage colleagues to attend @gdcfpday, and help mentor if you are qualified. Offer your office space and resources as a venue and try to sponsor one near you.

Speaking lineups are incredibly powerful and we can use them to address this problem. If you see a conference fall short, speak up. I know at least one instance where this has lead to improvement. Keep improving and we all win. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="♥" title="Heart suit" aria-label="Emoji: Heart suit">