Researchers have documented race and gender bias in STEM for decades, but there has been little parallel examination of LGBTQ status as an axis of inequality. How do LGBTQ-identifying STEM professionals fare in STEM? Drawing on data from her NSF-funded STEM Inclusion Study, which included surveys of over 25,000 STEM workers, Dr. Cech will discuss her research on LGBTQ inequality among STEM professionals. Her research is the first to document persistent and systemic disadvantages for LGBTQ STEM professionals, compared to their non-LGBTQ peers. She documents these disadvantages along numerous dimensions, including day-to-day workplace experiences, career limitations, professional devaluation, marginalization and harassment, turnover intentions, and health and wellness issues. Her presentation will situate these findings within the broader context of intersectional inequality in STEM. This research reveals LGBTQ status as a clear axis of inequality in STEM and underscores the need for organizational and cultural shifts to address these patterns.

This seminar, held in recognition of LGBT History Month and National Coming out Day, is co-sponsored with SEAS’ Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Penn LGBT Center, Penn Out in STEM (oSTEM), and the Eidos LGBTQ+ Health Initiative.