SIGIR 2021 Queer in AI Social

Queer in AI is throwing a virtual social at SIGIR 2021. People of all identities (including allies) are invited to attend. SIGIR registration is not required to attend the social.

Overview & How to Join

We are hosting a 90 minute social on Queer in AI's Zoom.

Social Date & Time: July 12th @ 15:00 EDT (click here to convert to your time zone)

To join, check-in by filling up this form. (you will receive information on how to log into our Zoom close to the event date).

Reach out to the organizers directly by emailing to queer-in-ir@googlegroups.com.

Structure

The first 15 mins of the socials will include a presentation from the organizers including code of conduct. The first 15 mins of the socials will include a presentation from the organizers including code of conduct. Over the next 20 minutes, our speaker will then give a talk. The reminder of the social will consist of discussions (formal and informal) in small groups.

Speakers

Jeremy Zimmett (he/him) is a data and information specialist based in Los Angeles. He holds a masters degree in Library and Information Science and a graduate certificate in Digital Humanities from UCLA. His current research is concerned with how human rights and data violence intersect, specifically how technology affects bias related to gender and sexuality. He is most interested in how feminized forms of technology (e.g. cars, virtual personal assistants, etc.) either forge congenial and expressive relationships among men or simply reinforce discourses of female objectivity. In his free time, he enjoys gardening and being outdoors.

Title of talk: Sexuality and Search: The Social Consequences of Information Retrieval

Organizers

For any concerns or questions, please reach out to any of us directly. Your concerns will be kept confidential.

Avijit Ghosh (he/him): Avijit is a PhD Student studying Ethical AI/Algorithmic Fairness at Northeastern University. In addition to telling anyone and everyone within hearing distance which Taylor Swift album is the best (Red) and why, he can also be found intensely debating with his boyfriend about which Queen is going to win the current season of RuPaul's Drag race, sometimes spitefully cooking extra spicy food for him when they disagree. (Twitter: @evijitghosh)

Luca Soldaini (he/him): is an Applied Scientist at Amazon, where he works on QA models to make sure that Alexa can respond to questions such as "Who is the best dancer in RuPaul Drag Race?". His research interests include generative and ranking models for spoken language understanding systems. In his free time, he enjoys running, dreaming about utopian mass transit systems, and curating his laptop stickers collection. (Twitter: @soldni)

Code of Conduct and Reporting

Please read Queer in AI code of conduct which will be strictly followed in the social. Recording (screen recording or screenshots) is prohibited. All participants are expected to maintain the confidentiality of the members.

SIGIR 2021 adheres to the the SIGIR Policy Against Harassment police, which is available on the ACM website.

All sessions and socials of Queer in AI adheres to Queer in AI Anti-harassment policy. Any participant who experiences harassment or hostile behavior may contact Queer in AI Safety Team (ANYTIME). Please be assured that if you approach us, your concerns will be kept in strict confidence, and we will consult with you on any actions taken.