// Learn about the iconic people and events that made pride history in cyberspace...
Hey Hackers! To end pride month off with a bang, CosmodiumCS wanted to bring awareness to the impact that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other community has brought to the tech and cybersecurity world. This group is often referred to as the LGBTQ+ community. Whether it'd be the CEO of one of the greatest technological conglomerates in the world, or a small group in Rapid7 ready to make a change.
"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate they can be taught to love. For love comes more naturally to the human heart than it's opposite." - Nelson Mandela
//LGBTQ+ Representation in Tech:
The tech industry is very iconic when it comes to representing the LGBTQ+ community. Tech companies are renowned for changing their logos to represent LGBTQ+ pride. Now we know changing the color of a logo isn't enough. That's why companies, groups, and people like:
//Apple:
Apple has donated regularly to the LGBTQ+ community. Apple has also led pride parades every year. Regardless of their sexual orientation, several thousands of their employees participate in these parades to represent the LGBTQ+ community. Apple created the "Pride Month Apple Watch Bands" as a way to bring attention to the struggles within the LGBTQ+.
In December of 2015, there was a terrorist shooting in San Bernardino. One of these shooters was named, "Rizwan Farook". The FBI [Federal Bureau of Investigation] obtained Farook's iPhone 5s. They demanded Apple to create an iOS firmware where government officials could bypass the security features, and access the phone's contents. Apple's CEO [Chief Executive Officer] responded in a letter. There he stated that he would do no such thing, as it would be a breach of privacy and security.
//Tim Cook: [he/him]
One of the main reasons why Apple is so dedicated to helping the LGBTQ+ community is due to their CEO, Tim Cook. Mr. Cook is an openly gay man, who dedicates his time, effort, resources, and company towards the LGBTQ+ community. Aside from Apple, Mr. Cook has had many contributions to the cybersecurity community as well. In August of 2013, he attended President Barack Obama's security summit. There they [and other iconic tech conglomerates] discussed solutions to problems in internet surveillance by the government. This was of course a result of the Edward Snowden "incident".
Mr. Cook has received many awards in his life. Among them is the GLSEN Champion award. He received this award for his dedication and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. Mr. Cook will forever be respected by the tech community, cybersecurity community, and most of all, the LGBTQ+ community.
//Rapid7:
Back in February 2021, CosmodiumCS recognized Rapid7 for its representation in Black History. This month, we will recognize them for their efforts in Pride Month. There is a social group of LGBTQ+ members in DEFCON [a hacking and information security convention]. These members go by the name QUEERCON. QUEERCON is the largest international group of LGBTQ+ hackers today. Rapid7 has sponsored them on numerous occasions, in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Rapid7 made Internal Community Groups, where different employees can meet and socialize with members of different communities. This objective to unite under "OneMoose" because they are "one herd", to promote the uniting among coworkers. One of these "Moose groups" was "Moosepride". This was a group dedicated to the LGBTQ+ employees of Rapid7. These members were dedicated to working in QUEERCON as well as participating annually in the Boston Pride Parade.
//Grizzly Information Security Services:
Grizzly ISS is a Security as a Service, information security company. They dedicate their selves to making security accessible to businesses of all types. But something is striking about their workforce. According to 2020 statistics, 75% of their employees are members of the LGBTQ+ community. The remaining 25% are in full support of people who identify as LGBTQ+. They have not only dedicated their selves to fighting for LGBTQ+ rights but have also participated numerously in the Black Lives Matter [BLM] movement.
Grizzly ISS has lost many customers due to its support in these movements, but that doesn't stop them. They persist and fight for what matters and protect companies and businesses on a security level. They set the example for what it means to be a security company and a legitimate company.
//Summary:
Ultimately, the LGBTQ+ has committed so much to the cybersecurity community. From Apple and Mr. Cook dedicating so much to the community. Rapid7 exemplifies their support and representation towards the LGBTQ+ community. Even mentioning Grizzly ISS, ensuring that they support the community, no matter the process. These are the people who truly define the cybersecurity community. Thanks for reading, and as always,
Happy Hacking!
// Socials:
© 2021 by Cosmodium CyberSecurity LLC
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