As academics, it is our responsibility to create an open, inclusive learning environment for all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, economic status, and all other dimensions of diversity. In this episode of the Chem4REAL podcast, Drs. Amy Deveau and Toni Barstis interview their LGBTQIA+ former students, now STEM professionals, about their experiences. These two transgender males openly share their experiences of transitioning while pursuing higher education and their challenges seeking professional jobs and advancement. The strength they have gained from overcoming these challenges and advice for gender inclusivity in STEM is clearly discussed in this podcast. Learn from their reflections, and ask yourself: do you create a safe space for all students, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community?
Some resources include: glaad.org/transgender/transfaq; Transequality.org; https://www.purdue.edu/lgbtq/resources/faculty_staff.php; and, The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist by Ben Barres (The MIT Press).
As soon as they are available, transcripts can be found on the Chem4REAL blog at https://curchem.wordpress.com/
