No one can say exactly when, or if, gay men started running Silicon Valley. They seem to have dominated its upper ranks at least the past five years, maybe more. On platforms like X, the clues are there: whispers of private-island retreats, tech executives going “gay for clout,” and the suggestion that a “seed round” is not, strictly speaking, a financial term. It is an idea so taken for granted, in fact, that when I call up a well-connected hedge fund manager to ask his thoughts about what is sometimes referred to in industry circles as the “gay tech mafia,” he audibly yawns. “Of course,” he says. “This has always been the case.”
Comments (55)
Back to topLIZZIE_LIZARD_BRAIN
2 days ago
Identifying a group based on sexual orientation and adding "mafia" feels a bit like clickbait and not what I'd expect here. I've worked in tech for... ever. It's diverse in every respect. My employer is based in Silicon Valley, but I've worked for start-ups, Fortune 100 tech corporations, and critical infrastructure leaders all over. Insider parties in other groups are equally salacious. Privileged access through introductions is also common, tracing back to early merchants. Think of Project 2025's targeting of the LGBTQ community and Conservative (conformative?) bias. Add AI fears, and Big Tech influence in politics. Sprinkle in sexual exploitation by elites while the world is focused on sex pests and trafficking vulnerable groups. Depending on motive, this may not be the best time to sift based on sexual orientation.
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JASON_KEHE
WIRED Staff
Replying to
LIZZIE_LIZARD_BRAIN
2 days ago
Jason here, the main editor of the piece. Thanks for reading! I must've first heard the phrase "gay tech mafia," oh, 10 years ago now? It's always bothered me that no one ever wrote about it. Here we attempt to do so - so that you might be allowed, even encouraged, to question its merits.
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DR_B
2 days ago
I'm sorry, but who signed off on the illustrations for this piece? They're insanely offensive.
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IZZIEISLANDHEART
Replying to
DR_B
2 days ago
LOL I screencapped them because they're ridiculous, not particularly offensive. Though, my state is currently trying to pass a VPN ban to block exactly this type of illustration, so Wired might find itself blocked in Wisconsin sooner rather than later. XD
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Show more repliesSM0G
2 days ago
The illustration is derogatory and makes me wonder if Wired is trying to cowtow to bigots by straddling the obsequious line between satire and actual conviction. I know Wired may not be doing this, but why even make the populace wonder such a thing? So uncool. So disfiguring, so disgusting. I am deeply offended by a publication I have become accustomed to seeking refuge and safety from. Utter betrayal, Wired. I’m unsubscribing.
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BEENAROUNDTHEBLOCK
Replying to
SM0G
2 days ago
You’re 100% correct. Gays as scapegoats. Thats how it started in 1930s Germany. PS Orgies aren’t exclusive to people who share the same field of work or are in the same income bracket.
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Show more repliesFREDERICK_SPEERS
2 days ago
Hey, Wired. This is a very dangerous hit piece. It’s not reporting. It’s gossip that’s designed to do damage. You should be ashamed. And immediately retract this piece.
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G_____G
Replying to
FREDERICK_SPEERS
2 days ago
feels like it was written for Gawker
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Show more repliesTECHOBSERVER
2 days ago
The cover image is a disgusting stereotype of gay men as single-mindedly sex obsessed, reinforced by the word "mafia" in the headline. I rarely comment on articles but as a gay man I find the premise and illustrations repulsive.
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BEENAROUNDTHEBLOCK
Replying to
TECHOBSERVER
2 days ago
100% correct. WIRED gone downhill. Cancelled. Bye bye!
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