June 30th 2024.
Have you ever wondered what it's like for people working in the STEM field? If you were to ask someone to name a famous LGBTQIA+ scientist, most would probably mention Alan Turing, known for his brilliant mind and his contributions to breaking the Enigma code during World War Two. Others might bring up Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel to space. And for those familiar with the world of neuroscience, the name Ben Barres may ring a bell as a pioneering figure in the field who transitioned in the 1990s.
But what many may not know is the challenges and struggles faced by these individuals because of their sexual orientation. Alan Turing, despite his immense achievements, was subjected to chemical castration as punishment for being gay. Sally Ride's sexual orientation was only revealed after her passing. And Ben Barres, in a letter to his colleagues about his transition, wrote about the fear of losing everything important to him - his reputation, career, friends, and family.
It's been decades since then, but what is life like for those in the LGBTQIA+ community working in STEM today? Last Pride month, The Agency collaborated with New Scientist to conduct a survey and gather insights from people all over the world. The results showed a mix of hope for the future and concerns for the present.
It was revealed that more than one in seven respondents had either concealed or were currently hiding their identity at work, often out of fear of how their coworkers would react. One person shared, "I felt it would not be safe or sensible to be open. Even in my current position, I am selective and tentative about revealing my sexuality." Another said, "I have faced discrimination and racial slurs for my identity. I felt threatened."
But even for those who have come out, the experience is not always easy. "I always find myself using 'they' when talking about my relationships with women. If I slip up and say 'she', the conversation becomes uncomfortable and quickly ends," shared one person. Another added, "Conversations about being single are always about 'finding me a man', making it difficult to be true to myself."
Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress in the industry. One respondent noted, "The acceptance of non-straight people now is much higher than when I started working 30+ years ago." Another mentioned the increase in support for the LGBTQIA+ community, with a more diverse range of staff and students feeling comfortable to express themselves.
However, there is still a long way to go. 71% of participants admitted to considering leaving their job, citing reasons such as a lack of diversity, role models, and change. One person shared their experience of being demoted as the only LGBTQ+ person in their workplace, with all top management being white, heterosexual, and under 50 years old.
When asked about improvements that can be made, the most common response was for companies to provide more support for their LGBTQIA+ employees, including promoting the use of correct pronouns. It was also noted that while two-thirds of the respondents felt their workplace was welcoming and diverse, only 44% said their pronouns were respected by their colleagues.
Some participants raised concerns about the lack of understanding and support from older generations and customers. One person shared, "It's a topic I'm still not sure they would understand. Would they be able to use my pronouns properly?" Another added, "I already struggle enough as a female presenting person. Who knows what might happen?"
Some expressed that they would prefer not to be highlighted as a separate community and instead be accepted by their colleagues regardless of their sexual orientation. As one person stated, "Stop talking about it. Just be what you are."
Unfortunately, in a global industry like STEM, this is not always possible. Some participants shared their experiences of facing discrimination and feeling afraid for their life in certain countries. While STEM continues to make groundbreaking advancements, the progress towards equality for the LGBTQIA+ community in the industry is not moving at the same pace.
More than a third of the respondents reported either witnessing or experiencing incidents at work related to sexual orientation, and only a quarter of those who reported it were satisfied with how it was handled. As with any industry, there is still much room for improvement.
But it's not all bleak. Many respondents who have been working in STEM for years noted the significant progress they have witnessed. "I have seen so much change and progression - I am very excited to see what the future brings for future generations," shared one person. "I would love to be part of this journey."
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