Why build this community?
An increasing number of people are identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+)
Though acceptance of homosexuality is on the rise in the USA, this varies widely across the world, and acceptance of trans identity is lacking. There has also been a rash of anti-LGBTQ legislation in the U.S.
A majority of LGBTQIA+ people experience discrimination, exclusion, and/or harassment
Academia faces a ‘leaky pipeline’ problem for women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ people - though queer experience is understudied and often sidelined in academic institutions
Across all career stages and transitions, lack of support, isolation, and outright harassment push talented LGBTQIA+ people out of science and academia
Microaggressions are too frequent in the workplace. Coming out is important for many but can be fraught for those in an unsupportive environment.
Community building is a key first step to support LGBTQIA+ people and to push for change at our institutions