What is the LGBTQ+ DataPride Tableau User Group?

The LGBTQ+ (DataPride) Tableau User Group (TUG) is a virtual community-led initiative that highlights, elevates, and brings together the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in data.

How did the DataPride TUG get started?

The DataPride TUG started in 2022 when Tableau Ambassador Lawrence Durbin (He/Him/His) saw a need for more visibility for the LGBTQ+ community in data. “I wanted to create space and visibility for the LGBTQ+ DataFam to be themselves and showcase the diversity of Tableau and the DataFam at large.” The DataPride TUG is co-led by Lawrence and Sarah Carr (She/Her) and meets monthly with the DataPride community.

Data Pride TUG Co-leaders (left to right): Lawrence Durbin and Sarah Carr.

What is the group’s mission?

This group leads with the motto, “Pride is all year round” and to make sure the LGBTQ+ Tableau Community has a continuous presence. Lawrence shares, “a lot of the time, companies, groups, and even individuals highlight the LGBTQ+ community and issues during Pride Month only—yet the community is more than just that one month.” 

Just like any other TUG, Data Pride is focused on providing a space for the community to learn and grow their skills. Their differentiator is that they focus on belonging and so, can bring in all types of data people. Whether you’re new to Tableau or have been using it for years, a DataDev, a business user, or tuning in from anywhere in the world—the common thread is Pride. This common thread allows them to try new things and to be open to new ideas and people joining the team. 

What are some Data Pride meetup and project highlights?

Each DataPride TUG event is a bit different. Meetings include behind-the-data sessions, project highlights, design + data best practices, and technical how-tos. Networking is also an important aspect, which is why the always holds connection time at the end for attendees to ask questions and come together.  

As a virtual community, the DataPride TUG is able to reach across borders and be truly accessible to all. While meetups are usually hosted online, members connect and network in person at Tableau Conference each year. “At TC23, the DataPride meetup filled my heart with queer joy! I met so many wonderful people. We geeked out about the conference and all the queer romantic comedies on Netflix. I even danced with some of them at Data Night Out,” says Sarah.

Data Pride TUG meetup at Tableau Conference 2023.

In partnership with the Tableau Community Project Back to Viz Basics, a visualization challenge was created using datasets focused on uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. The first dataset was on the Lambda Literary Awards, a celebration of LGBTQ+ literature, and the second on the “You Are Loved” billboard campaign. Tableau Community members used the dataset and created Tableau Public visualizations which were then shared across social media and celebrated during DataPride TUG meetups. 

Look at all these amazing #B2VB pride vizzes! Is yours here, #datafam?

Thanks to @DataDivergent for hosting #dataPRIDE TUG this AM (the reason for the collage) & to @VizByMoon for the .pngs. As always, cheers to @ReadySetData for this great project!https://t.co/XDJC9i4w3F pic.twitter.com/HCoB5Y7CD1

— Elisa Davis (@ItsElisaDavis) July 22, 2022

Explore some of the visualizations created by DataPride TUG members and hear how being a part of this community has impacted them: 

Great Divide on Homosexuality Acceptance (ternary plot w/ reference lines) by Kevin Wee

Lambda Literary Awards Finalists & Winners by Mehras A.

How can I get involved with the Pride TUG?

The Pride TUG is open to the LGBTQ+ data community and its allies. Stay up to date and join an upcoming meetup. If you’re looking to get inspired by more Tableau Public visualizations focused on Pride, check out Tableau’s Viz Gallery. 

If you’re interested in creating visualizations around Pride, Diversity in Data, and more—Tableau Community Projects is a great place to start. 

Lawrence shares, “For anyone in the LGBTQ+ community interested in data, you are not alone. There is a vast community in data of LGBTQ+ individuals & allies who are here for you and want to help you succeed. 

For those allies who want to support the LGBTQ+ data community, my advice is to come to events, be present, be aware, share your knowledge and skills, and stand with the community.”