The importance of Queer Visibility in STEM

Fri., Feb. 11, 2022 2:30 p.m. - Fri., Feb. 11, 2022 3:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom

Abstract: While society has made strides toward acceptance and legal protections, LGBTQ+ representation in STEM has lagged behind this progress, particularly where identities of women and gender minorities intersect with Black, indigenous and other person of color identities. At the professional level, LGBTQ people in STEM are statistically underrepresented, and the major issues faced by sexual/gender minority STEM professionals, include a heterosexist climate that reinforces gender stereotypes in work environments, a culture that strongly encourages people to remain closeted at work, and a general lack of awareness about LGBTQ issues among STEM professionals. Because heteronormative assumptions frequently silence conversations about gender and sexuality in STEM workplaces, progress toward equality and inclusion has been slow to advance. We will discuss these issues in greater detail, as well as what has been done to turn the tide of equity and inclusion.

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Esposito, Curator and Schlinger Chair of Arachnology, California Academy of Sciences