In honour of PRIDE, we recognise that LGBTQ+ people can benefit from networks in order to feel safe, welcome, and have a sense of belonging. We have compiled a list of LGBTQ+ community networks and resources for those working in Conservation and STEM.
Out in STEM (oSTEM) is a non-profit professional association welcoming anyone from the LGBTQ+ community across the US, UK, and Canada. oSTEM’s aim is for members of the community to empower and support each other personally, academically, and professionally. The organisation also hosts a scholarship programme, graduate school application assistance, and an all-expense-paid Professional Development Summit all of which support LGBTQ+ people to define their career goals, extend a supportive network, and be part of the community.
There is also an upcoming Out in STEM event to celebrate equality, and diversity in science with inspiring LGBTQ+ scientists. on 7th July 2022 that could kick off your membership with a supportive network.
If you’re looking for the representation that might be missing in your field, this is a database of people working in STEM who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Created by fellow queer scientist, Dr. Lauren Esposito, the site acts as a visibility campaign that, despite the name of the site, actually features 1, 688 people and their stories. The importance of role models cannot be overstated so this resource can be brilliant for allies as well who might see their LGBTQ+ peers struggling without representation and can share this as a way to highlight and follow LGBTQ+ voices and stories in the world of STEM.
On the site you can filter by location, area of STEM, and use keyword searches to find inspirational role models for yourself or others.
British Ecological Society LGBTQ+ Network
It is possible to sign up to the British Ecological Society’s LGBGQ+ mailing list without being a member and this can help welcome you into a new supportive community. Their Rainbow Research blog series was published to celebrate Pride Month 2021 which features LGBTQ+ researchers and their stories for further inspiration and learning about the impact of LGBTQ+ figures in ecology. BES also welcomes stories from the public to boost visibility to underrepresented parts of the community, so if you have a story to tell and want to be the representation you might not see enough of then get in touch with them!
Out for Sustainability (Out4s), while based in Seattle, host a range of excellent resources as a platform to create climate resilience and environmental justice made by and for LGBTQIA+ Communities. Focusing on three key themes: identity, society, and environment, their platform offers co-creating climate resilience and environmental justice for everyone that identifies as LGBTQ+.
Out4s hosts an annual conference, the Fab Planet Summit, for the LGBTQ+ community to discuss their role in social and environmental justice. Other resources provided by Out4s include sections exploring the themes of both sustainability and identity, and Qready, a climate and natural disaster preparedness guide specifically for the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ+ Field Network
LGBTQ+ Field Network was created by two conservationists based in Oxford to create a safe space to network with other fieldworkers from the LGBTQ+ community. You can follow the network on Twitter at @LGBTQFieldNet and join a network of 994 followers to share experiences, support, and stand against discrimination.