INS 12-1 - Building local networks to support 2SLGBTQIA+ people through their academic journey

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

Location: 520A

Presenting Author(s)

BS

Bruno E. Soares

Postdoctoral researcher
University of Toronto, Scarborough
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Slides (PDF)

Co-author(s)

FC

Fernando Costa Coletinha

Universidade de Santa Cecilia
BH

Beatriz Marinho Hormänseder

Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo
LP

Levi Fernando Lopes Vieira Pinto

Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho
LS

Lucy Gomes de Souza

Universidade Federal do Amazonas
LD

Luisa Maria Diele-Viegas

Kunhã Asé network of Women in Science; Universidade Federal de Alagoas

Sexually and gender diverse people are underrepresented in academia. This lack of diversity is partially explained by educational spaces being often uncomfortable/unsafe for 2SLGBTQIA+ people due to normalized or institutional aggressions, forcing them to hide their identities or drop out. We advocate that local-scale networks are important to support 2SLGBTQIA+ people in academia. Networks can provide safe spaces, services, discussions, and social events, favoring the permanence of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in academia. These networks can be organized by mirroring other groups, while people in administrative or leadership positions can support it by providing resources, creating diversity committees, and educating themselves.