I think we should clarify what the purpose of the virtual event is. If it is for women to network and speak with each other, then it should be women only as others could derail the conversation or talk over them and totally destroy the purpose. If the virtual event has some other purpose, like education of the greater community or questions/answers then it might make sense to leave it open, but even in this case I would strongly suggest having a moderator to keep discussion on topic and support women who attend.

Additionally I don't believe safe spaces segregate people or keep people from learning to work in the larger community. People already spend the majority of their time in the greater community, a safe space just gives a place to recuperate from that. It is not hiding any more than someone who takes a nap in bed after a long day is hiding. It can be very exhausting having to defend your existence in tech online, and sometimes you just want to be yourself without needing to do that, and a safe space is the perfect way to give people that opportunity. No one spends all their time in safe spaces and it is entirely possible for people to be involved with more than one project and subproject at the same time. They do not cause segregation, instead they increase retention rates so that you don't lose minority members who get burnt out because they don't have a place to get support and recenter themselves.

- meskarune