Pride Month: support your LGBTQ+ colleagues in science

Imagine this: you are at work, casually discussing your weekend plans with colleagues. One is planning a hike with her husband. Another jokes about meeting his girlfriend’s parents for dinner, nerves barely concealed.

Then you mention a date night with your partner. The conversation halts. The atmosphere becomes taut. One of your colleagues makes a swift exit.

Later that day, your boss calls you into their office. You’ve been reported for sexual harassment. Confused, you ask why. Their reply: “Cool it on the gay stuff.”

This is a common type of workplace discrimination experienced by LGBTQ+ people. “Water-cooler” topics like dating and family life are considered routine for non-LGBTQ+ people. But when queer people speak on the same topics, we are often seen as unprofessional, inappropriate, or even predatory.

Read more here.