LGBT+ Inclusion in STEM grant holders in the spotlight at upcoming Inclusion and Diversity Forum

The project led by Prof Latu (Queen’s University Belfast) showcased that although symbols, such as rainbow flags or pronoun badges, can show genuine support, they can also be perceived as performative or hypocritical – participants highlighted the need for actions alongside displays of symbols to create genuinely inclusive environments.

One online survey respondent said: "Seeing an inclusion symbol on a door or a sign that says 'all are welcome' makes me feel much safer and welcomed. I don't feel unsafe or unwelcomed just because I don't see these symbols, but I have a reassuring feeling instantly when seeing them."

Participants from the study led by Dr Reggiani (University of Strathclyde) pointed out that institutions often take 'passive' and performative approaches when addressing equality, diversity and inclusion issues, rather than focusing on accountability, addressing structural barriers, and providing tangible support.

A member of one focus group said: "In the past, a rainbow flag meant a queer person or a well-educated ally; now universities hand them out so much they mean nothing. I’ve heard awful comments from staff wearing a rainbow lanyard. It’s diluted the meaning."

Meanwhile, the project led by Prof Powell (University of Lincoln) articulated how LGBT+ individuals’ workplace experiences vary widely from very positive to hostile and exclusionary. Many who had positive experiences describe themselves ‘lucky’.

When discrimination does occur in the workplace, it is often perceived to be dealt with inappropriately or ineffectively. This was seen to have significant consequences, leading to people having to leave their place of work, as well as impacting mental health.

However, another online survey respondent noted: "When trans hostile jokes and language are used at work, I have never seen a single person challenge it other than trans people. It makes me scared to bother advocating for myself or to be identified as trans."

The study led by Prof Hughes (Montana State University) looking at LGBT+ STEM leavers showed that in many cases participants were facing other kinds of barriers, especially those related to disability status and race or ethnicity, and that the LGBT+ climate in STEM simply exacerbated their discontent with their learning or working conditions.

The project led by Dr Horton (Oxford Brookes University) highlighted that trans people often face additional barriers, such as higher rates of homelessness, medical issues, and discrimination, that mean they aren’t on a level playing field with cis people.

"I feel like one thing that isn't addressed enough in queer spaces is how those of us with intersectional identities, particularly as women of color (cis and trans) have to navigate our multifaceted identities. As a person of color, it can feel isolating how white queer spaces can feel," said one online survey respondent.

Findings from Dr Horton’s (Oxford Brookes University) project revealed participants feel the overall climate in the UK and the US is getting worse for LGBT+ people, especially trans people. This is leading to stress and feeling unsafe, which has a knock-on effect on their ability to do their jobs.

Prof Powell’s study at the University of Lincoln also found workplace experiences are directly and indirectly influenced by the wider policy context, societal attitudes and behaviours towards the LGBT+ community. The current environment - which can be hostile, especially for the trans community - shapes workplace experiences, including overall wellbeing and the desire and motivation to stay in an organisation.

One focus group participant said: "I live in constant stress because of it - I think a lot of us do. The future is pretty scary right now, and I definitely think the side effect of that is this sense of existential stress that people who aren't in this community probably don't have to deal with."

"It’s not the people I work with, but the current constant barrage of hate in the media and politics makes me very paranoid at work now," added one online survey respondent.