Diversity and inclusion in Debian: small actions and large impacts

Laura Arjona Reina and Rhonda D'Vine
Sat, 29 Jun 2019 00:40:00 +0200
2019, diversity

The Debian Project always has and always will welcome contributions from people who are willing to work on a constructive level with each other, without discrimination.

The Diversity Statement and the Code of Conduct are genuinely important parts of our community, and over recent years some other things have been done to make it clear that they aren't just words.

One of those things is the creation of the Debian Diversity Team: it was announced in April 2019, although it had already been working for several months before as a welcoming space for, and a way of increasing visibility of, underrepresented groups within the Debian project.

During DebConf19 in Curitiba there will be a dedicated Diversity and Welcoming Team. It will consist of people from the Debian community to offer a contact point when you feel lost or uneasy. The DebConf team is also in contact with a local LGBTIQA+ support group for exchange of safety concerns and information with respect to Brazil in general.

Today Debian also recognizes the impact LGBTIQA+ people have had in the world and within the Debian project, joining the worldwide Pride celebrations. We show it by changing our logo for this time to the Debian Diversity logo, and encourage all Debian members and contributors to show their support of a diverse and inclusive community.