Celebrate the international day of LGBTIQA+ people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) with the UQ Ally Network and SEQ Australian Science Communicators.

This event will showcase the talent of LGBTIQA+ people who work in STEM careers. Light catering - sponsored by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) - will be provided.

Catering served from 9.00am with talks starting at 9.20am.

Ben Burton, mathematician - From Alan Turing to queer mathematics

Turing may be best known for his cryptographic work on the ENIGMA machine, but years before this he laid down the foundations for understanding the limitations of computers - all before computers even existed. Nowadays his work brings us to P vs NP, one of the greatest unsolved problems in modern mathematics and computer science. We will talk through Turing’s legacy, see how his work ties into geometry and knot theory, and of course meet several queer mathematicians along the way.

Alisa Pratt, research admin officer and science communicator

Alisa works in the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at The University of Queensland (UQ) supporting researchers and PhD students with grant applications, and manages events and communications relating to research administration. Alisa also dabbles in science communication. Alisa’s background is in biology and health science, including postgraduate research in bacterial antibiotic resistance. Deciding not to continue doing ‘science’, Alisa choose jobs that support those who are. Being queer herself, Alisa understands the importance of inclusion and is an active member of the UQ Ally Network and a member of the UQ Ally Action Committee that drives the activities of the Network.

Ben Cossalter, teacher - Working in STEM Education

The Department of Education was recognised last year by the Australian Workplace Equality Index as being a Bronze Level Inclusive Employer. In this presentation, hear from a Physics teacher about what it is like to be openly gay in a low-SES suburban high school, and how he built one of the top STEM programs in the country.

Why is this day important?

LGBTIQA+ people in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) continue to struggle to openly be themselves (see: 2013 Queer in STEM survey, 2014 Factors Impacting The Academic Climate, 2015 American Physical Society survey, 2018 Coming out in STEM: Factors affecting retention of sexual minority STEM students). A day of recognition goes a long way in helping raise awareness and increase support.It is an important component of the global push to increase diversity and inclusion in STEM.

Feel like spreading the word?

You can start by following and contributing to the #LGBTSTEMday hashtag on social media — share stories, images and videos of yourself or your role models — and help boost the visibility of other LGBTQ+ people in science, tech, engineering, and maths. More ideas are available here.