Ric Weiland: The Difference That Made a Difference
Microsoft on the Map, Chapter 3
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Introduction
Ric Weiland was one of the first Microsoft employees and his story is both iconic and unique.
As a programmer he organized the chaotic flow of invention.
Being gay himself, he participated in Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community. When Microsoft stock brought him sudden wealth, he became a leading supporter of LGBTQ+ and other social causes.
Ric Weiland left a legacy of innovation, generosity, and advocacy.
His story shows the importance of Seattle’s vibrant urban setting and strong Queer community in the lives of employees at the city’s tech companies, and offers a picture of how they can give back to the community.
From the Beginning
Ric Weiland was born in 1953 and grew up in Seattle, Washington. He was the son of a Boeing engineer.
At Lakeside School, he was part of the Lakeside Programming Group, a small group of students, including Bill Gates and Paul Allen, who got early access to computers.
He quickly became skilled at programming, working on projects like a class scheduling system for Lakeside and helping Gates and Allen refine Traf-O-Data, a program that used Intel 8008 microprocessors to analyze road traffic.
After graduating, he attended Stanford University, earning a degree in electrical engineering.
In 1975, Weiland moved to Albuquerque to join Microsoft. Gates, Allen, and Weiland had planned to make Weiland an equal partner in the company, but Weiland decided that he preferred a more well rounded life than that arrangement would allow. Instead, he took on the role of General Manager, becoming Microsoft’s second employee.
He had come out as gay to his friends and collaborators, Bill Gates and Paul Allen several years earlier.
When he moved to New Mexico, he got a custom license plate for his new Corvette that proudly proclaimed “YES I AM.”
Throughout his life, Ric Weiland kept detailed journals and preserved and cataloged letters, papers, and other items. His papers, now housed at the Stanford Archives, give a rare glimpse into the early days of Microsoft.
In this letter, Bill Gates outlines the timeline for starting the company in Albuquerque.
Here, in the same letter, Gates describes the primary responsibilities for himself, Paul Allen, and Ric Weiland.
When Microsoft relocated to Bellevue, Ric Weiland moved to Los Angeles and then attended business school at Harvard University.
In 1982, he rejoined Microsoft and moved to Seattle.
As a lead programmer and project manager, he was key to the success of many important products, including Microsoft BASIC, the COBOL-80 compiler, and Microsoft Works, an early office suite.
At the same time, Weiland struggled for his identity as a gay man to be fully understood and accepted at work.
In his journals, he noted:
"It is very tough for me to fit in socially at Microsoft because coworkers not only don't understand gay people, but also cannot learn because so few gay people live on the Eastside or work at Microsoft."
In the early 1980s, the Gay and Lesbian Employees at Microsoft (GLEAM) group began as a simple mailing list. It is possible that Weiland participated.
The group soon grew into a supportive community where LGBTQ+ employees could connect, advocate for one another, and push for greater inclusion in the company.
One GLEAM t-shirt read, "Our difference makes the difference."
GLEAM continued to grow after Weiland left Microsoft and has had a big impact on Microsoft. In 1989, the group successfully campaigned to add sexual orientation to the company’s anti-discrimination policy. By 1993, they helped make Microsoft the first Fortune 500 company to offer benefits to same-sex domestic partners.
Today, GLEAM remains a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion at Microsoft and beyond.
Out in Seattle
On his return to Seattle, Weiland was part of a growing and thriving LGBTQ+ population.
Seattle had a vibrant queer community from its earliest years. Despite legal and social prejudice, harassment, and even police extortion, people had built up a thriving—albeit largely clandestine—scene centered in Pioneer Square, but also threaded throughout the city's life.
By 1982, when Weiland came back, the LGBTQ+ community was becoming more visible. Support and advocacy organizations were forming and actively working to change discriminatory practices and promote equal rights.
Seattle implemented vital anti-discrimination protections in 1973 and 1975, and in 1976 the state of Washington repealed its sodomy laws. In 1978, a few years before Weiland’s return, LGBTQ+ groups in Seattle worked together to defeat a ballot initiative that would have repealed many of these hard-won protections.
Equal Disco for All benefit dance poster, September 30, 1977. MOHAI, Don Paulson Collection of Political and Social Ephemera, 2002.23.3.80.1.
Perry Watkins speaking at Pride Week rally, Seattle, June 26, 1983. MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, 2000.107.047.32.01, photo by Johanna M. Kok.
Seattle Counseling Service sign, ca. 1980. MOHAI, 2020.35.1.
Gay Pride Parade rally at Westlake Mall, Seattle, June 25, 1977. MOHAI, Robert H. Miller Collection, 2002.46.2379.2.
Gay Community Center newsletter, March 1974. MOHAI, Collection of Seattle Gay News Newspapers, 2021.67.2.
Wooden sign from Shelly's Leg Tavern, 1975. MOHAI, 2001.66.1.
In the same period, the geography of the queer community shifted as Capitol Hill emerged as a new center for queer life and establishments in other areas appeared.
In his diary, Weiland wrote about his experience going out in Seattle. Here are a few spots he noted.
Ric Weiland diary entry, 1987. SC0855 Richard William Weiland papers, 1969-2006, box 52, folder 7, page 136. Diary Entry 11/2/87. Courtesy of the Department of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, CA.
Ric Weiland diary entry, 1987. SC0855 Richard William Weiland papers, 1969-2006, box 52, folder 7, page 136. Diary Entry 11/2/87. Courtesy of the Department of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, CA.
TUBS Seattle (1976-2007)
A gay-friendly bathhouse and private soaking spa. It operated for over 30 years before closing in 2007.
Tugs (1976-1993)
A popular gay bar and restaurant in Belltown, known for its friendly atmosphere, food, and social scene. It closed in 1993 due to rising rents and neighborhood changes.
Mike’s on Madison (1980s-1990s)
A gay bar and casual restaurant, known for its welcoming atmosphere.
The Seattle Eagle (1980-Present)
A historic leather and bear bar, operating since 1980. It is one of the last-standing leather bars in Seattle.
Neighbours (1983-Present)
One of Seattle’s longest-running gay nightclubs, open since 1983. Known for its drag shows, dance floor, and LGBTQ+ community events.
Body Nautilus (1980s-1990s)
An LGBTQ+ gym, catering to gay men and fitness enthusiasts. Popular in the 1980s and early 1990s, before larger chain gyms took over.
Hombres (1980s-1990s)
A high-energy gay bar and dance club, famous for its leather and cowboy-themed crowd. One of Capitol Hill’s most popular gay nightspots in the 1980s.
The Tacky Tourist Club was a social and fundraising group that brought together Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community during the 1970s and ‘80s. They were a social and fundraising group known for outrageous costumes, themed parties, and humor-driven activism. They helped to raise money for LGBTQ+ causes, including AIDS support organizations. And had a great time.
Queen City Cruise poster, Seattle, August 6, 1983. MOHAI, Ric Weiland Ephemera Collection, 2007.9.23.
Prom You Never Went To poster, Seattle, May 13, 1995. MOHAI, 2007.25.63.
Things That Go Bump in the Night poster, Seattle, 1985. MOHAI, Ric Weiland Ephemera Collection, 2007.9.26.
Tacky tourist summer vacation brochure, 1986. MOHAI, Ric Weiland Ephemera Collection, 2016.10.16.2.
Things that go bump in the night mailer, 1988. MOHAI, Ric Weiland Ephemera Collection, 2016.10.16.1.
The Prom You Never Went To poster, Seattle, May 27, 1984. MOHAI, Ric Weiland Ephemera Collection, 2007.9.25.
Ric Weiland also participated in Tacky Tourist Club events. He looked forward to each event and often constructed creative costumes.
Weiland saved posters, costumes, and photographs from the events he attended.
In Seattle, Weiland met people who embraced and understood his identity in ways that his co-workers did not.
Seattle and the Eastside were the two hubs of his life, bridged by Route 520 and the floating bridge. At the end of his time at Microsoft, he wrote in his journal about the tension he felt balancing between the two parts of his life.
Ric Weiland diary entry, 1989. SC0855 Richard William Weiland papers, 1969-2006, box 36, folder 10, page 1, Diary Entry 7/7-7/8 1989. Courtesy of the Department of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, CA.
Ric Weiland diary entry, 1989. SC0855 Richard William Weiland papers, 1969-2006, box 36, folder 10, page 1, Diary Entry 7/7-7/8 1989. Courtesy of the Department of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, CA.
A Legacy of Giving
When Ric Weiland retired from Microsoft in 1988 at the age of 35, his stock in the company had made him wealthy. Uncertain of what that wealth would mean for his life, he eventually found his purpose in philanthropy.
He dedicated himself to charitable giving with the same fastidious care that had brought him success as a coder. At the bottom of a page of notes about mastering advanced Excel functions, he wrote, “Do it for the charities!”
He was actively involved with the groups he funded, inquiring about their work and learning about the intricacies of their operations. But he also gave unrestricted donations, allowing the organizations to decide where to direct the funds.
During his life, Weiland donated about $21.5 million to LGBTQ+ organizations and to HIV/AIDS research and causes.
Despite despite finding meaning in his philanthropy, Weiland struggled with personal difficulties. He had chronic depression, experienced the death of several family members, and was worried about his HIV-positive status. He committed suicide in 2006.
He left behind a detailed will that divided $160 million, most of his fortune, between LGTBQ+ rights organizations, Stanford and other education initiatives, environmental organizations, and Seattle-based organizations. He structured his donations so that they would be long-term and sustainable giving.
The gifts Ric Weiland made during his life and in his bequest turned his wealth from Microsoft into meaningful support for the community and causes that were important to him.
Ric Weiland supported many Seattle organizations. These organizations were included in his bequest.
Pride Foundation
A Seattle-based nonprofit providing scholarships, grants, and leadership development for LGBTQ+ students and community organizations across the Pacific Northwest. Weiland worked closely with the Pride Foundation during his life. As part of his bequest, the organization was responsible for distributing $46 million to other LGBTQ+ organization.
United Way of King County
A nonprofit focused on poverty reduction, housing, education, and community health in the Seattle area, distributing funding and resources to social service programs.
Nature Conservancy of Washington State
The Washington chapter of The Nature Conservancy, dedicated to protecting forests, rivers, and marine ecosystems through land conservation and climate action.
Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch)
A leading cancer research institution in Seattle, Fred Hutch focuses on cancer treatment, prevention, and immunotherapy research, including groundbreaking work in bone marrow transplantation.
Seattle Children's Hospital
One of the top pediatric hospitals in the U.S., providing specialized medical care for children and conducting research in childhood diseases and genetic conditions.
Lakeside School
A private college-preparatory school in Seattle known for academic excellence, progressive education. Ric Weiland was one of the school's alumni.
Weiland also supported national organization. Here are the ones included in his bequest.
In Northern California
Project Inform (Closed in 2019)
A San Francisco-based organization that played a key role in HIV/AIDS treatment advocacy, research funding, and public health policy from the 1980s until its closure.
Sierra Club Foundation
The charitable arm of the Sierra Club, it supports grassroots environmental efforts, public education, and advocacy for clean energy and conservation.
Stanford University
Weiland’s alma mater. A portion of his gift supported creating the Weiland Health Initiative, which promotes mental health and wellness for LGBTQ+ students through counseling, education, and community support programs.
In the Washington, DC Region
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) (Now merged with OutServe-SLDN)
An organization that advocated for LGBTQ+ military personnel, particularly during the fight to repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell". It now supports active-duty service members and veterans.
Nature Conservancy of Arlington, VA (Global Headquarters of The Nature Conservancy)
An international nonprofit headquartered in Arlington, VA, working to protect biodiversity, preserve natural habitats, and combat climate change worldwide.
National Wildlife Federation (NWF)
One of the largest environmental organizations in the U.S., focused on wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and environmental education.
In the New York Region
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund
A national nonprofit organization specializing in LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS-related civil rights litigation. Since 1973, it has fought for legal protections, marriage equality, and anti-discrimination policies in courts across the U.S.
American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR)
A leading organization in HIV/AIDS research, prevention, and advocacy, amfAR funds scientific studies and promotes public policies to help end the AIDS epidemic worldwide. It was founded in 1985 with support from actress Elizabeth Taylor.
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
GLAAD works to ensure fair and accurate representation of LGBTQ+ people in media and entertainment. It advocates against stereotypes and discrimination while promoting positive portrayals in news, television, and film.
Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Founded in 1990, GLSEN creates safe and inclusive school environments for LGBTQ+ youth by developing supportive policies, training educators, and advocating against bullying and discrimination.
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (Now: OutRight Action International)
A global LGBTQ+ advocacy group that works to protect human rights and fight discrimination in countries where LGBTQ+ individuals face persecution. It provides legal support, policy research, and international activism.
In the Life TV (Ceased operations in 2012)
A pioneering LGBTQ+ television program that aired from 1992 to 2012, documenting LGBTQ+ culture, history, and civil rights issues through investigative journalism and personal storytelling.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (Now: National LGBTQ Task Force)
A progressive advocacy organization fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, racial and economic justice, and trans-inclusive policies. It focuses on grassroots activism and public policy initiatives.
Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)
Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the largest family and ally organization supporting LGBTQ+ people, providing education, advocacy, and peer support for families and communities.
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
A nonprofit that uses science, economics, and law to address climate change, clean energy, and environmental protection policies worldwide.
Ric Weiland’s legacy is one of innovation, generosity, and lasting impact.
As one of Microsoft’s earliest employees, his programming expertise helped drive the company’s growth and success. Beyond his technical contributions, he was a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.
His dedication to both technology and philanthropy continues to inspire, leaving a mark on the tech industry and the broader community.
Credits
This online exhibit was created by the Museum of History & Industry. It was curated and developed by Dave Unger in collaboration with museum staff.
Images provided by the Museum of History & Industry, Lakeside School, the University of Washington, Stanford University, and the Computer Museum.
For more information about MOHAI’s collections items, including rights and reproductions, see the museum’s collections and research page or click on the item link in the caption of a specific item.
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