Back

Championing LGBTQ+ People in STEM: Fostering an Inclusive Community for All

Andrea Cozart-Lundin

9 Dec 2023

The fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are essential drivers of innovation and progress.

However, these fields have long been dominated by white, heterosexual, cisgender men, and LGBTQ+ individuals have been underrepresented groups and marginalized. This lack of diversity not only limits the perspectives and ideas brought to the table but also perpetuates systemic inequalities. It is crucial to actively promote LGBTQ+ representation in STEM, as diverse teams are more innovative and effective.

Additionally, representation in these fields can inspire and empower future generations of LGBTQ+ individuals to pursue their interests in STEM. One way to inspire and empower future generations of LGBTQ+ individuals to pursue their interests in STEM is to ensure that there is representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in these fields. This can be achieved by highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of LGBTQ+ scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technologists and celebrating their successes.

Creating inclusive and supportive environments in STEM fields can encourage LGBTQ+ individuals to pursue careers in these areas. This can be achieved by promoting diversity and inclusion within STEM organizations, providing mentorship and support for LGBTQ+ individuals interested in STEM fields, and creating opportunities for networking and community-building within the LGBTQ+ STEM community.

LGBTQ+ Science

How Can We Change It?

To address this issue, there needs to be a concerted effort to create inclusive and welcoming environments across STEM fields. This can include implementing policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, offering LGBTQ+ mentorship programs, and actively promoting LGBTQ+ role models in engineering.

Education and outreach are key in breaking down barriers and misconceptions about LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM. By raising awareness and fostering understanding, we can create an environment where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels encouraged and supported to pursue their passions in STEM.

Ultimately, diversity and inclusion in STEM not only benefit the individuals involved but also lead to more creative and impactful solutions to the world's most pressing challenges. We must work towards a future where LGBTQ+ individuals are fully included and celebrated in the STEM fields.

LGBTQ in STEM Work Stats:

LGBTQ+ individuals make up about 5% of the U.S. population, but only 3% of those working in STEM.
LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM are more likely to experience discrimination and harassment than their non-LGBTQ and cisgender peers.
LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM are less likely to be promoted and are more likely to have considered leaving their jobs due to a lack of inclusivity.

Celebrate and highlight the work of LGBTQ+ scientists and engineers. This can be done by highlighting their accomplishments in STEM publications and events and creating mentorship programs for LGBTQ+ STEM students.

Let's try to fix it.

Here are some steps that can be taken to create inclusivity and pride in STEM:

Educate and Train People in STEM on LGBTQ+ Issues: Offer training and education programs in your organization to raise awareness about discrimination in STEM workplaces and the importance of creating an inclusive environment.
Implement Inclusive Policies: Develop and implement non-discrimination and inclusive policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for those who are queer in STEM fields.
Provide Resources and Support: Create safe spaces, support networks, and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM, providing guidance and support for those facing challenges in the workplace.
Showcase LGBTQ+ Role Models: Highlight the contributions and successes of LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM fields, promoting positive representation and inspiring others.
Encourage and Support Research: Support research and studies on LGBTQ+ visibility in research and issues in STEM, advancing understanding and knowledge of LGBTQ+ experiences and challenges in the various STEM disciplines.
Foster Allyship: Encourage and empower allies to support LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM, promoting a culture of inclusivity and allyship in STEM.
Celebrate Diversity: Organize events, workshops, and initiatives that celebrate diversity and LGBTQ+ contributions to innovation in STEM, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Advocate for Change: Advocate for policy changes and institutional support to create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM fields.
Listen and Learn: Create opportunities for open dialogue, feedback, and listening to the experiences and needs of LGBTQ people in the STEM community, and take action based on their input.
Lead by Example: Encourage leaders and organizations in STEM to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, demonstrating a commitment to creating a welcoming and celebratory environment for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Additional Resources for LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM:

oSTEM: https://ostem.org/page/about-ostem
500 Queer Scientists: https://500queerscientists.com/
Out in Tech: https://outintech.com/

We can all play a role in creating a more inclusive STEM community. By educating ourselves, advocating for change, and celebrating LGBTQ+ scientists and engineers, we can help to ensure that STEM is a field that is open to everyone. One way to create a more inclusive STEM community is to educate ourselves about the challenges and barriers LGBTQ+ individuals face in STEM fields. This includes understanding the impact of inclusive language in STEM, discrimination, lack of representation, and the intersectionality of identities within the LGBTQ+ community. By educating ourselves, we can be better allies and advocates for change.

Advocating for change within STEM organizations and institutions is also essential for creating a more inclusive environment. This can involve promoting policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ individuals, such as implementing inclusive STEM policies, providing resources and support networks, and fostering a culture of respect and acceptance.

Celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ scientists and engineers is important for creating visibility and representation within STEM. Highlighting the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ individuals in the field can inspire others and break down stereotypes and misconceptions. By amplifying the voices and achievements of LGBTQ+ scientists and engineers, we can show that STEM is a space where everyone is welcome and valued.

Creating a more inclusive STEM community requires collective effort and commitment. By educating ourselves, advocating for change, and celebrating LGBTQ+ scientists and engineers, we can help to ensure that STEM is a field that is open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.