Committing to Inclusive Diversity with Equity, Access and Accountability (IDEAA)
Research shows that scientists who identify as LGBTQIA+ are 7% more likely to leave STEM fields, citing difficulties with publicly discussing their personal lives and feeling welcomed by their peers. LGBTQIA+ scientists also report higher levels of harassment and insensitive comments in the workplace, particularly in university settings.
We strive to be inclusive and foster a welcoming environment for all. Science is rooted in remaining objective, eliminating bias and furthering understanding. We must adhere to these principles not only in our research, but also in our interactions. We will continue to combat sexual harassment in STEM fields, enable members to choose or change how they identify in their publications and explore how we can build upon our current efforts to support and celebrate LGBTQIA+ microbiologists.
From Spain to the U.S.: An Academy Fellow’s Journey
American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) fellow Dr. Natividad (“Natacha”) Ruiz discusses her journey—from Spain to the United States—and her dedication to empowering others to feel comfortable sharing and celebrating their identities through DEI initiatives, especially those dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Creating More LGBTQIA-Inclusive Biology Learning Environments
STEM fields are often considered unwelcoming for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Learn how instructors’ actions in the classroom can help change that.
Celebrating Pride Month with Dr. Phoebe Lostroh
Dr. Phoebe Lostroh, an Associate Professor and a member of ASM’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Taskforce, discusses her science, shares advice for those who are interested in pursuing a career in education and identifies pathways to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Dr. Lostroh is also a member of ASM’s MicroBio-LEAP Task Force.
For LGBTQIA+ Microbiologist, Safety Comes First: Spotlight on Mo Kaze
Dr. Mo Kaze’s experiences as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in academia emphasize the need for academic institutions to acknowledge and address safety concerns pertaining to this community. Kaze shares details of her groundbreaking research and her thoughts on how to better support LGBTQIA+ microbiologists.
Your Identity Is an Asset: Spotlight on Dr. Jeffrey Maloy
For LGBTQIA+ students, Dr. Jeffrey Maloy shares the following: Think of your identity as an asset, rather than an obstacle to overcome.
Building Community: Spotlight on Dr. Juliet Johnston
Dr. Juliet Johnston offers this piece of advice to early-career scientists from historically underrepresented groups: “Find community as fast as you can."
ASM Journals Supports Author Name Changes After Publication
ASM Journals supports authors who have changed their name and would like past ASM publications to reflect this change for personal reasons, including, but not limited to, change in marital status, religious conversion and gender identity confirmation.
In a “Scientist Spotlight” Intervention, Diverse Student Identities Matter
This Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education article reports on a brief, simple, online course designed to reduce identity gaps and help students see their “possible selves” in working scientists.
Building a Queer- and Trans-Inclusive Microbiology Conference
For queer and transgender scientists, microbiology conferences do not always feel welcoming. In this article from Eco Evo Rxiv, researchers discuss how conference organizers can ensure STEM event spaces are inclusive and safe for LGBTQIA+ attendees.
LGBTQIA+ Scientists Discuss Representation in Microbiology
Microbiologists who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community reflect on the importance of representation in the microbial sciences and offer advice for early career scientists.
Get Involved at ASM
Interested in becoming involved with ASM’s DEI efforts?
- Explore opportunities to volunteer for ASM’s IDEAA web writing team.