Inclusivity in STEM: Transgender Perspectives and Advocacy
Advocacy for transgender individuals in STEM fields is essential to create a welcoming and supportive environment. Dr. Ashley Spindler from the University of Hertfordshire highlights challenges faced by trans individuals in STEM workplaces and provides insights on institutional support and practical examples. The call to action includes openly supporting trans individuals, providing gender-neutral spaces, and compensating queer employees to aid in policy development.
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Presentation Transcript
Trans-Forming STEM Dr Ashley Spindler (she/her/hers) University of Hertfordshire LGBT+ physical sciences climate survey launch 1 aspindler91@gmail.com // @Ashley_nova_
Trans in STEM A double edged sword STEM organisations are often great places for trans people to work STEM people are often more accepting and supporting of queer folk than the general public STEM workplaces want to improve working conditions for queer folk STEM organisations can be stressful places for trans people to work You can often be the first trans person someone meets, you may have to come out (again) or risk backlash Pressure to do extra work for your organisation to improve codes of conduct, employment policies, or join committees 2
Trans in STEM Institutional Support It s obvious when an institution hasn t taken considerations for trans/non- binary folk Restrooms/gendered spaces: Single Occupancy is king Gender neutral/All gender spaces should be available Grievance procedures must be clear and easy to find. Senior staff and managers set an example for other colleagues. Support must be at the highest levels. Headline role models and support groups 3
Trans in STEM Some examples University of Hertfordshire return to work policy Physics, Astronomy and Maths (PAM) working on new RtW policies for teaching/research staff Policy was aimed at new parents I helped rework it to include medical leave, such as recovering from surgery Misgendering can happen when you least expect it I volunteered for a careers event where I spoke about academic careers for queer folk After the event, the organiser passed my details on to a colleague to handle expenses Organiser, who knew I was trans, used he/him pronouns 4 times in the email 4
Conclusions Openly support trans folk Provide gender neutral spaces Compensate queer employees to help on policy LGBT+ physical sciences climate survey launch 5 aspindler91@gmail.com // @Ashley_nova_
Thank You For Listening Dr Ashley Spindler (she/her/hers) @DrAshleyNova LGBT+ physical sciences climate survey launch 6 aspindler91@gmail.com // @Ashley_nova_
