Celebrating the very first LGBTQ+Press Empowerment Grant

I learned WordPress because someone else took the time to teach me. Lots of “someones” actually and that continues to this day as I join release squads, branch into new areas of the project, and find the years adding up. My learning mainly happened when I was being paid, which is a privilege not available to everyone. I want to pay it forward every day I work on this project. How can I ease barriers?

Inspiration struck and I’m excited to announce the very first LGBTQ+Press Empowerment Grant that aims to bring more LGBTQ+ folks into the WordPress project with a $500 per person grant upon completion of the six week long WordPress Mentorship Program. It’s proudly powered by Queeromattic, the employee resource group for LGBTQ+ folks in Automattic. I’ll spare the details but please go check it out and, if you’re inclined, share it widely. For more context, here’s a quick blurb about the mentorship program that should help you see why I believe this will be very high impact:

Our program aims to connect seasoned WordPress experts with newcomers to the community. Mentees will gain invaluable hands-on experience contributing to WordPress, while mentors share their expertise and enhance their leadership skills.

My hope is that this proves to be a start of new journeys into the project for more LGBTQ+ folks. I hope to find more ways to lower barriers, financial or otherwise. Have any ideas? Comment or message me. I want to know and I know I’m missing the perspective of someone new coming in or being met with repeated barriers. This is a new effort from yours truly so know this is a time when I’d appreciate feedback the most. Feedback early and often is what ultimately often makes something last for a long time.

Props to the WordPress Community Team for talking this through with me, especially Hari, Naoko, Gus, and Patricia. Props to Michelle Frechette for “yes and”ing every step of the way having it be a part of the LGBTQ+Press space.