Presentation
AI Comes Out of the Closet: Advocating for LGBTQIA+ Individuals in the Workplace
DescriptionThe ACM SIGGRAPH Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is excited to present a gathering focused on an ongoing project that combines animation, artificial intelligence, and advocacy to address concerns surrounding LGBTQIA+ discrimination in the workplace. This event will provide a space for discussions, tools, and skill building designed to foster support for LGBTQIA+ individuals within the professional communities of computer graphics and interactive techniques.
The event will feature a speaker as well as an interactive simulation, the subject of a recent publication exploring the use of generative AI paired with character animation and motion capture to support LGBTQIA+ advocacy. Participants engage with virtual characters in scenarios that reflect real-world challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly focusing on the dynamics of coming out at work.
The session will highlight the crucial role of AI in bridging gaps between an individual’s professional and personal life in ways that are designed to foster inclusivity and acceptance in the workplace. We will also discuss the historical contributions of queer individuals to AI and computing, from Alan Turing to contemporary figures, emphasizing the inherent "queerness" in the field.
Professional hurdles facing LGBTQIA+ individuals will be addressed and engaged in an open conversation facilitated by the speaker and members of SIGGRAPH’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. This event aims to equip attendees- both LGBTQIA+ and allies (and all) with the tools and insights needed to advocate effectively for LGBTQIA+ individuals, promoting a more inclusive and supportive workplace throughout all areas of the computer graphics industry.
The event will feature a speaker as well as an interactive simulation, the subject of a recent publication exploring the use of generative AI paired with character animation and motion capture to support LGBTQIA+ advocacy. Participants engage with virtual characters in scenarios that reflect real-world challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly focusing on the dynamics of coming out at work.
The session will highlight the crucial role of AI in bridging gaps between an individual’s professional and personal life in ways that are designed to foster inclusivity and acceptance in the workplace. We will also discuss the historical contributions of queer individuals to AI and computing, from Alan Turing to contemporary figures, emphasizing the inherent "queerness" in the field.
Professional hurdles facing LGBTQIA+ individuals will be addressed and engaged in an open conversation facilitated by the speaker and members of SIGGRAPH’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. This event aims to equip attendees- both LGBTQIA+ and allies (and all) with the tools and insights needed to advocate effectively for LGBTQIA+ individuals, promoting a more inclusive and supportive workplace throughout all areas of the computer graphics industry.
Event Type
ACM SIGGRAPH Village
TimeTuesday, 30 July 202411:45am - 12:45pm MDT
LocationRoom 301
Research & Education
Not Livestreamed
Not Recorded
Animation/Simulation
Community
Diversity & Inclusion
Year-round
Full Conference
Full Conference Supporter
Experience
Exhibitor Full Conference
Exhibitor Experience
