About the Committee
The ASCB LGBTQ+ Committee was formed in 2015 to assess, promote, and ensure the inclusion of LGBTQ+ members in the Society. One goal is to provide career advice to the ASCB LGBTQ+ community. This acronym represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer people, others, and allies. The Q can also mean questioning. This is a broad group of people, including those with diverse sexual and romantic orientations, diverse gender identities and gender expressions, and those with non-binary biological sex. Many terms are used to describe our community, and some are considered offensive. Check out this list from GLAAD to see which terms are safe to use. ASCB promotes safe and inclusive environments: View ASCB’s Workforce Diversity Statement and Community Code of Conduct.
Signature Programs
- Ben Barres LGBTQ+ Diversity Session at the ASCB|EMBO Meeting. The session blends science and career advice/networking with a renowned cell biologist and member of the LGBTQ+ community.
- The LGBTQ+ Ally Session is the complement to the Ben Barres LGBTQ+ Diversity Session. It is designed to expand the support network for underrepresented groups by engaging, encouraging, and educating allies for LGBTQ+ scientists as part of a broader goal of increasing diversity and improving opportunities for LGBTQ+ scientists.
- LGBTQ+ Speaker List: This is a list of ASCB members who self-identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community (including students, postdocs, faculty etc). This list will help us build the LGBTQ community of cell biologists, as well as identify potential speakers from our community. If you are interested in joining this list, please send an email to info@ascb.org.
Member Criteria
All are welcome to join.
Committee Resources
- Blogs: ASCB Launches Climate Survey; Building a community of LGBTQ+ cell biologists at ASCB, by Fred Chang; Becoming an agent of change, by Ori Avinoam; Becoming an LGBTQ+ ally as a mentor or peer, by Erik Welf; A fast-moving revolution: from Stonewall toward a more diverse scientific workforce, by Bruno da Rocha-Azevedo; Finding my community through the ASCB meeting, by Derek Applewhite; The power of representation and role models for LGBTQ+ scientists, by Erica Gorenberg; Transition on the tenure track, by Claire Thomas; Pride month reminds us of continued inequities in science, by Lee Ligon and Ashley Lakoduk
- Out in STEM (oSTEM) Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is a national society dedicated to educating and fostering leadership for LGBTQ+ communities in the STEM fields. The national society has been built by students, for students. Started as a single chapter in 2005, it now encompass more than 50 chapters across the country.
- National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) A professional society and supporter of the ASCB task force that educates and advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with a strong advocacy for career development, peer support and networking, and many scientific and technological fields. They have meetings every two years, and a series of programs year-round, including scholarships and awards to recognize LGBTQ+ advocates in STEM.
- Facebook Group: Gay/Lesbian/Queer Cell Biologists
- Queering in STEM webinar with Lauren Esposito. Join in a very important discussion about LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM) and hear about the importance of being out and proud for yourself and others! Dr. Esposito will discuss her career trajectory and why she decided to create a successful grassroots movement, called 500 Queer Scientists (www.500queerscientists.com), and how trainees, faculty and staff can be agents of change in their institutions.
News from the LGBTQ+ Committee
Coming Out—Before, During, or After Getting a New Job?
December 4, 2024
LGBTQ+ Committee: Who We Are
June 13, 2024
Deadname Walking
July 26, 2023
Call me by my name
September 16, 2022
Nance Delivers LGBTQ+ Keynote
December 15, 2021
Connect with the LGBTQ+ Committee Online
Instagram handle: celllgbtq
Twitter handle: @CellLgbtqInterested in Applying?
Applications for 2024 are now closed.