LGBTQ+ diversity in science and universities

Note: In this article, ‘queer’ is an umbrella term for all LGBTQ+ categories

Scientists are much more diverse than the stereotypical picture of an old man in a lab coat with wild hair. There are people of any gender, any sexuality, any skin colour, young and old, who love science and research; they are just often not as visible.

I am a queer woman studying chemistry in a master’s programme. In my undergraduate studies, I had a diverse group of peers around me. But when I look at higher career stages, the diversity decreases. During my studies at two different universities, I encountered one lesbian biology professor, no queer chemistry professors and generally most professors are male. Much like the stereotype, white heterosexual cis men are the default scientists. Where are the non-binary science professors? Where are the homosexual academic counsellors?

One reason why you don’t see many queer scientists is that many feel they have to keep their identity to themselves. Sexual and gender identity is usually not openly discussed in the workplace or classroom and is often regarded as irrelevant. People think all that matters are the results of your research or, as a student, your grades and your performance in the lab. Like many queer students, every time I entered a new lab environment, I asked myself: Should I come out to my co-workers?

I particularly remember one response I got: ‘What you do in your bedroom is of nobody’s concern.’ But being queer is not restricted to the bedroom. It is a crucial part of one’s identity and contributes to intellectual diversity. With a diverse mindset in the lab, scientific problems can be tackled from different angles, which results in faster scientific progress. We shouldn’t merely focus on our research, but also make sure to establish a progressive and open environment for our researchers.