Promoting Visibility and LGBTQ+ Allyship in STEM Teaching (In-Person)

Queer representation in STEM fields has historically been lower and more challenging compared to other fields. LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM often face higher rates of discrimination and negative workplace experiences. For example, a survey found that 28% of LGBTQ+ people in STEM have considered leaving their jobs due to hostile work environments. Additionally, LGBTQ+ people are roughly 20% less represented in STEM fields than expected. In contrast, other fields, such as media and the arts, have seen more significant strides in queer representation.  

A culture of compartmentalizing personal identities in STEM – i.e. the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ approach – significantly alienates LGBTQ+ individuals and other minorities. This failure to adopt an intersectional perspective on how heteronormative environments stifle queer voices exacerbates the issue. Thus, it is imperative to instill a sense of welcoming and belonging to all students regardless of identity, though requires a specific approach with respect to gender and sexual minorities.   

This workshop reviews biases and factors involved in the alienation of LGBTQ+ learners in STEM and will provide strategies for any educator to properly support learners. Emphasis will be placed on using Person-Centered Pedagogies and Pedagogies of Care and Kindness, which can be extended to intersectional experiences of other types.