Guide to LGBTQIA+ Allyship Introduction

Welcome!

The Guide to LGBTQIA+ Allyship for Mentors is intended for faculty and trainees in STEM. We point out issues and behaviors that are often observed in academic spaces and explore best practices for mentors of LGBTQIA+ folks. If these terms and ideas feel like uncharted territory, don’t worry—you are not alone! We provide definitions for the terms used within the guide and strategies that you can use to contribute to inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ scientists in training.

Our hope is that this resource will initiate discussions about allyship in our communities and inspire others to add to this guide or generate their own. As you read through, reflect on the power and privileges that you hold and how you might use your position to foster safe and inclusive environments.

Ally

An ally is a member of the majority who advocates with and for a marginalized population. An ally recognizes when someone is being treated unfairly and takes a stand against it (Poirier et al., 2015). Allyship is key to overturning systems of oppression that keep LGBTQIA+ and other minority students from thriving as scientists in academia.

Microaggression

A microaggression is a subtle and often unintentional comment or action that is hostile and damaging to a member of a marginalized group. Common microaggressions against LGBTQIA+ individuals are 1) assuming someone’s gender pronouns/using incorrect pronouns after they have been shared, 2) denial of the prevalence of homophobia or transphobia, 3) assuming that heterosexual relationships are the “norm”.

Stereotype

A stereotype is a fixed oversimplification of a group of people. A common and extremely harmful stereotype is that all LGBTQIA+ individuals must express themselves in certain way to reflect their gender or sexual orientation. Identifying as LGBTQIA+ is much more than how someone presents themselves!

Positionality

Your positionality refers to the social and political context that drives your identities and access in society (Misawa et al., 2010).

Cisgender

Cisgender means your gender identity aligns with your anatomical sex or sex assigned at birth.

Trans* and Transgender

Trans with the * refers to the large range of identities for individuals that do not identify as cis-men or women. A transgender person lives as a member of a gender that is not expected based on anatomical sex.

Transphobia

Transphobia is the discrimination against, fear, mistrust or hatred of trans people and often results in violent or deadly behavior. Transphobia exists within LGBTQIA+ communities and in general.

Heteronormativity

Heteronormativity refers to the erasing and stigmatization of sexualities other than heterosexuality. Heteronormativity often includes the assumption that heterosexual relationships are the “norm” and that individuals should be masculine men or feminine women.

Coming out

Coming out is the process of accepting a gender or sexual identity and sharing with others.

Checklist for Understanding

1. Understand the importance of facilitating safe and inclusive environments in science.

• • • • Part 1: Ways of being an ally
      • Part 2: The importance of visibility

2. Articulate the implications of normative assumptions and the deficit model on academic ecosystems.

• • • • Part 1: Ways of being an ally
      • Part 3: Correct pronoun use and why it matters

3.  Identify personal strategies that can contribute to inclusivity in your immediate environments (labs, clubs, meetings etc.)

• • • • Part 4: Allyship scenarios
      • Part 5: Inclusion statement/reflection exercises

4.  Implement and share what you have learned!

• • • • Part 6: Anonymous testimonials & resources

All content in the Guide to LGBTQIA+ Allyship for Mentors is shared under Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0. The whole guide is available for download as a PDF from the Save & Share menu.