A recent study on LGBTQ+ students in STEM reported that 8% fewer sexual minority students were retained in STEM fields than their heterosexual peers after 4 years in college.  From invisibility of our community leading to hidden role models, to loss of family support upon coming out, to unwelcoming work environments or hostile politics, LGBTQ+ people have struggled with the consequences of their coming-out decisions for eons. Fortunately, cultural norms are moving toward inclusion of LGBTQ+ people, thanks to the Diversity and Inclusion movement, the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, protections arising from university and college campus adoption of the Obama Administration interpretation of Title VII and Title IX, the clamor of Fortune 500 Companies eager to receive a high score from the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, and Marriage Equality. Even so, LGBTQ+ students and early career professionals who do persist in their STEM identities are hesitant to reveal themselves to people who have power over their career future.  For the sake of retention and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the STEM pipeline, LGBTQ+ STEM folks who can should stand OUT and PROUD to serve as mentors, role models, collaborators, and eventually, torch-passers.<br/>

Surpassing advocacy: Gaining momentum through mentoring the LGBTQ+ STEM community

256th National Meeting (2018)

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