Wired cover on techs gay mafia ignites controversy
Mashable
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Wired magazine's latest cover story about Silicon Valley's LGBTQ+ leadership has sparked significant controversy due to its provocative imagery and tone. The article, which explores the influence of gay men in positions of power within the tech industry, quickly drew criticism for its controversial visuals, including a handshake cover image and an inside photo featuring a muscular man with San Francisco's Salesforce Tower between his legs. Many readers and LGBTQ+ advocates argued that the imagery was stereotypical, objectifying, and potentially homophobic. Critics questioned whether such representations accurately reflect the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ professionals in tech or reinforce harmful stereotypes.
The backlash intensified as prominent figures, including California state senator Scott Weiner, a leader on LGBTQ issues, expressed disapproval of the article's premise and execution. Some gay men working in Silicon Valley echoed similar concerns, with one investor calling the result "gross" and another stating they felt misrepresented by the publication. Beyond the imagery, readers also criticized the article's tone and content,
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Originally published on Mashable on 2/19/2026