Abstract

Invited Talk - Splinter Diversity

Wednesday, 14 September 2022, 16:20   (SFG 1020 / virtual Diversity)

Supporting the whole self of sexual-orientation and gender minorities

Rolf Danner
Caltech/JPL

Sexual-orientation and gender minorities have contributed to our understanding of the universe through astronomical research from the beginning. However, until recently it has been rarely possible to bring our whole selves to this work and to be supported by the broader research community. I will give a brief overview of the origins of the Committee for Sexual Orientation and Gender Minorities in Astronomy (SGMA) within the American Astronomical society and highlight recent activities. The AAS is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. The 7,700 individual members includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers, and others whose research and educational interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising the astronomical sciences. Since its original establishment as working group for LGBTIQ equality in January 2012, SGMA has worked to promote equality for sexual orientation and gender minorities within our profession. This includes those identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning or queer, or asexual.