AERA to Cosponsor Public Symposium on Inclusion and Advancement of LGBTQ+ People in STEM Fields on May 30—Register Now
AERA to Cosponsor Public Symposium on Inclusion and Advancement of LGBTQ+ People in STEM Fields on May 30—Register Now
 
Print

May 2023

On May 30, AERA will cosponsor a symposium on the Inclusion and Advancement of LGBTQ+ People in STEM Fields. The symposium, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 1:00 to 7:30 pm ET at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Washington, D.C., and will include a reception. AERA is joining AAAS and the Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing (Northwestern University) as cosponsors.

This symposium is the first to bring together federal funding agencies, the White House Office on Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and researchers informing understanding of how LGBTQ+ people navigate education and employment in STEM fields. Participants will examine the current landscape impacting LGBTQ+ people in STEM, share their personal and professional experiences, and offer actionable ideas for addressing disparities.

“The underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ people in the STEM fields, and the challenges faced by individuals in the STEM professions, have negative ramifications for individuals and the vitality of the U.S. STEM enterprise,” said AERA Executive Director Felice J. Levine. “This important convening will bring together key voices across institutions and sectors to explore the current situation and next steps. We encourage all who can attend to do so.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from policymakers, researchers, and community members about the state of LGBTQ+ people in STEM fields.

Panelists will examine the most current data related to the challenges and disparities faced by LGBTQ+ high school students, college students, and employees in, or seeking to join, the STEM workforce; the impact of homophobia and transphobia on careers; the promises and challenges of LGBTQ+ mentorship; and opportunities and challenges related to federal policy for LGBTQ+ researchers in STEM fields.

Scholars at different stages of their career trajectories will discuss specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, personal experiences of barriers to career advancement, and the role of mentorship in promoting inclusivity and diversity in STEM workplaces.

Following panel discussions, attendees are invited to the reception, which will provide the opportunity to connect across disciplines and organizations.