On 18 November, CERN joined scientific organisations around the world to celebrate LGBTQ+ STEM Day. The day at CERN was marked by the Progress Pride Flag flying on the Esplanade des Particules for the second year running. Additionally, the CERN LGBTQ+ informal network organised a dedicated colloquium on 19 November.

LGBTQ+ STEM Day was established in 2019 to recognise the contribution of the LGBTQ+ community in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths. Despite forming a vital part of the scientific community, many LGBTQ+ people in STEM still encounter discrimination in the workplace, impacting their quality of life and how they work. “CERN cherishes its rich and diverse community and does not tolerate discrimination, of any kind, towards its personnel,” explained Louise Carvalho, CERN Diversity and Inclusion Programme Leader.

“Celebrating LGBTQ+ STEM day at CERN is important because we must continue to be visibly and actively supportive of minority groups. Because CERN is an international organisation, this is something that can spread all over the world – and we need it to do so,” said Savannah Shively, co-chair of the CERN LGBTQ+ informal network. “We benefit tremendously from supportive communities and policies that protect us and grant us equal rights. We have come a long way thanks to the work of those who came before us and we must continue that work,” she added.

“Today is a celebration of our place in the scientific community,” said Steffi Bower, co-chair of the CERN LGBTQ+ informal network. “Although our identity shapes us and empowers us, we are scientists as well. Let’s share the science we love and celebrate what each of us brings to this institution.”

If you would like to be a part of continuing to improve diversity and inclusion at CERN, consider adding your preferred name and pronouns to your CERN Phonebook profile by clicking on this link.

For more information and resources and to connect with the LGBTQ+ community at CERN, visit lgbtqcern.com or the CERN D&I website.