In June, we celebrate Pride Month, paying tribute to the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprisings in Manhattan, a pivotal moment for the Gay Liberation Movement in the U.S. These six-day riots were a direct response to police violence against the LGBTQ+ community, igniting the struggle for its civil rights.
Steven Frese, an assistant professor in the University’sDepartment of Nutrition in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, has co-authored a forthcoming peer-reviewed article on implementing queer and trans-inclusive faculty hiring processes. He has also contributed to another article focusing on fostering queer and trans inclusivity in microbiology conferences. In an interview with University writer Emma Lande, Frese discusses key themes of each paper and addresses related community issues.
Professional experiences
As an academic author advocating for equitable treatment in queer and trans-inclusive faculty hiring processes, how do the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals during faculty hirings differ from those of their heterosexual counterparts?
During faculty hiring, considerations are like those of any job-seeking faculty member: where to live, raise a family, legal protections and university policies. Questions about spouse benefits, health insurance, local climate and university acceptance are common. Much like other marginalized groups, LGBTQ+ candidates want to feel comfortable and welcomed in the recruitment process.
Some HR questions remain challenging, not out of malice, but due to a lack of knowledge. Our paper addresses these issues. Negative experiences, like trans candidates being deadnamed or misgendered, are distressing and fairly common, regardless of intent. (Deadnaming is the act of referring to a transgender or nonbinary person by a name they used prior to transitioning.) Creating a culture that promotes professionalism is crucial to preventing this from happening.
Being part of the Queer and Trans in Microbiology Consortium, which recently published a paper on creating inclusive microbiology conferences, can you highlight how the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals at these conferences differ from those of heterosexual attendees?
Conference experiences can be just as stressful for LGBTQ+ individuals as for everyone else, but LGBTQ+ attendees may worry about harassment or the security of the venue, especially when they are held in unfamiliar locations. Safety is a significant issue, and the location of the conference greatly affects these concerns. However, though some states may have discriminatory legislation, cities within these states can still be safe. Even in accepting places like California, LGBTQ+ individuals can still face bias, mistreatment and crime. The scientific community is generally very accepting, and organizations like the American Society for Microbiology host national conferences with affinity groups for LGBTQ+ individuals, offering support and a sense of belonging that was less common a generation ago.
On the contrary, there are horror stories when it comes to the venues, and I have heard of people being harassed on their way to or from conferences.
Support for students and early career professionals
If established professionals face alienation and discrimination at conferences and during hiring processes, it must be even more challenging for early career professionals and students. How does this work support them?
Through initiatives like publishing papers and nurturing connections, these perspective papers help ensure that diverse voices are represented and examples of tangible actions can be put forward. The authors, especially the primary authors, dedicate a lot of time and expertise to contribute meaningfully. The meticulous process of gathering input and navigating diverse viewpoints highlights the collaborative essence of our work. Through this effort, I hope we can provide support to organizations and marginalized professionals navigating this landscape.
"Trans and gender-diverse individuals have every right to feel welcome, safe and seen on our college campuses … An individual’s personal identity should be something we all embrace and work together as a community to understand, to value and to protect. We remain committed in doing the work to make our campus the safest, welcoming and most self-actualizing place it can be." - President Brian Sandoval
What personal advice would you give to LGBTQ+ students and early career professionals in the sciences to help them feel included and reduce instances of alienation?
This is a tough question. Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." I think that is largely true, but knowing what you want to do and why you want to do it can help overcome feelings of alienation, allowing you to focus on your goals. Do not give credence to those who try to exclude you. Stay true to yourself and you do not have to conform to fit in. I think that younger generations have a great opportunity to authentically be themselves. Confidence in who you are and what you want to achieve is key, though it is challenging to attain and maintain.
Leadership and advocacy
As an LGBTQ+ professional, how do you use your position to advocate for greater inclusivity and diversity in your field for students and those just beginning their careers?
Most professional societies such as the American Society for Microbiology offer affinity groups and networking opportunities. These resources help students and beginning professionals find communities within their specific fields. Additionally, broader organizations like Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM) provide inclusive spaces beyond niche areas like microbiology. These groups are vital for fostering inclusivity and diversity in the scientific and workplace settings.
How can LGBTQ+ professionals mentor and support each other throughout their careers?
For me, I set expectations for respect and inclusivity in my lab, ensuring everyone treats each other with respect. I am not the type to lead large-scale advocacy efforts, but I focus on what I can control in my immediate environment.
Students have approached me for advice at conferences. For example, as a postdoc, I once gave advice to a student about handling a challenging situation. These spontaneous, informal mentoring moments are somewhat common and can be really valuable opportunities to network.
Regarding mentoring, informal networks within the LGBTQ+ community are essential. These connections, often through friends and colleagues, facilitate open conversations and support. As we advance in our careers, it becomes our duty to help those who are following behind us. Being open to providing advice and support when opportunities arise is crucial.
University culture
What changes would you like to see in university policies and culture to better support LGBTQ+ staff and students in the future?
My experience at the University has been very positive, but I’m sure that others have felt alienated over the years.
Universities can always improve inclusivity, but there is no single solution. It is important to continue promoting growth and change. Initiatives like President Sandoval sending out a note to mark the beginning of Pride Month are positive steps. I don’t have specific policies to suggest, but fostering an environment of professionalism, continual learning and support is a crucial step.
Your personal take
What does Pride Month mean to you personally?
Pride Month is a celebration of life and resilience, especially given recent history – the impact of HIV, police brutality and other instances of abuse against our community. It is a time to recognize our survival, achievements and happiness while also remembering past struggles and losses. Pride encourages us to remain optimistic about the future, whether it is for ourselves, our community or our children. Celebrating our journey and being hopeful is essential, as it reminds us of the importance of looking forward with positivity. I mean what is the point of life if you only want to focus on the negatives? What do we have to lose by being optimistic?
"Celebrating our journey and being hopeful is essential, as it reminds us of the importance of looking forward with positivity. I mean what is the point of life if you only want to focus on the negatives? What do we have to lose by being optimistic?" – Frese
Who are some LGBTQ+ figures or role models, both within and outside the sciences, that have inspired you?
Two LGBTQ+ figures who inspire me are Carolyn Bertozzi and Alan Turing. Bertozzi, the first openly LGBTQ+ person to win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2022), is inspiring for her perseverance in a male-dominated field. Her honesty about her experience as a woman and a gay person in science and her message of navigating her career as a marginalized person is really motivating. I thought that was great advice. Of course, she said it more elegantly than I did.
Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician whose work was crucial in winning World War II, faced severe punishment for being gay in the UK. Despite knowing the risks, he gave everything to his country. Though his life ended tragically, his legacy endures, highlighting that science values truth over prejudice. Turing's story, though sad, is a powerful reminder of the impact and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals in history.
Can you recommend any movies or television shows that provide a positive and accurate representation of the LGBTQ+ community?
Movies:
- The imitation game: This film, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, tells the story of Alan Turing. It is a tearjerker, capturing both his incredible contributions to the World War II victory and the tragic persecution he faced for being gay. It is available on several streaming platforms, including Netflix.
- Bros: This is a recent comedy that offers a lighter yet accurate portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships. It is a refreshing take amidst many serious films.
- The normal heart: This is an HBO film that delves into the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis. It is an emotionally intense and accurate portrayal of the period's struggles.
- Dallas buyers’ club: This Oscar-winning movie highlights the AIDS epidemic and the fight for medical treatment. Though it is heart-wrenching, it is a powerful depiction of resilience and advocacy.
Television:
Pose: This series, set in New York City during the late 80s and early 90s, focuses on ballroom culture. It is a deeply moving and accurate portrayal of the time and community, ending on an uplifting note despite the many challenges depicted. It is celebrated for its authentic representation and diverse cast.
While many films and shows accurately depict LGBTQ+ experiences, they often highlight the hardships and struggles the community has faced. Understanding this history is crucial, as it highlights the resilience and progress made over the years.
Today’s generation may see inclusivity as the norm, but remembering the past helps us appreciate how far we have come. It is important to celebrate and learn from these stories, even the painful ones, to continue fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.
Steven Frese contributed to the writing of this article.
