LGBTQ+ Geoscientists: A Diverse Community United by Common Experiences and Challenges

Abstract:

Recent efforts have sought to make the geosciences more diverse and inclusive, but, for the most part, these efforts have not focused explicitly on the LGBTQ+ community. Many efforts towards inclusivity have included an implicit or explicit assumption that they will also help the LGBTQ+ community, but this ignores the fact that LGBTQ+ geoscientists likely face unique challenges. In order to directly assess this community we surveyed LGBTQ+ geoscientists about their experiences related to visibility, mentorship, and fieldwork in the geosciences. Results of this survey revealed that the LGBTQ+ geoscience community is diverse with respect to sexuality and gender, and is different than what has been found in other STEM fields. Respondents also shared they had suffered from a lack of visibility, representation, mentorship, and support in and out of the classroom.

Identifying these problems is key to developing solutions to make the geosciences more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community. Strategies grounded in best mentorship practices are a simple first step and include an increased awareness and knowledge of LGTBQ+ issues, identities, and gender as well as signaling allyship. In class, support can include using correct pronouns, gender neutral language, and incorporating LGBTQ+ themes into class material. Out of class support can be provided from the individual and departmental level, and can consist of a knowledge of LGBTQ+ resources, LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion training for faculty, instructors, and teaching assistants, and the celebration of the achievements of LGBTQ+ students and colleagues. The LGBTQ+ geoscientist community is diverse, yet has experienced a lack of visibility, mentorship, and support. An intentional effort explicitly addressing LGBTQ+ students will help increase recruitment and retention in the geosciences.