APS Creates ad hoc Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Physicists

Five years ago, LGBT advocate Elena Long asked the American Physical Society (APS) for a space at our annual meeting in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) physicists could meet and network. We were happy to add this to the agenda, and that meeting gave birth to an informal but active group of LGBT physicists. The LGBT+Physicists group, which has grown tremendously, has engaged in outreach, taken on advocacy activities, and gathered resources on their website for LGBT scientists, allies, and the broader science community.

About a year ago, LGBT+Physicists asked to become more formally involved with APS. This fall, with their input, APS Executive Officer Kate Kirby appointed an ad hoc committee to advise APS on the current status of LGBT issues in physics and provide recommendations for greater inclusion. More specifically, the committee will investigate LGBT representation in physics, assess the educational and professional climate in physics, recommend changes in policies and practices that impact LGBT physicists, and address other issues that affect inclusion.

Monica Plisch, associate director of APS Education & Diversity, and I will provide logistical support and advice to the committee. APS will provide resources for them to carry out their charge and continue organizing networking sessions at both the March and April APS meetings. All are welcome to attend these sessions! //

Check out page 10 of the latest Newsletter of the Committee on the Status of Women in Physics & the Committee on Minorities of the American Physical Society for more information about the APS Ad Hoc Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues: www.aps.org/programs/women/reports/gazette/upload/fall14.pdf